Attention New Members – Sam Land

In our regular column highlighting the lives and careers of new RAeS Fellows and Fellows, we interview a PhD student, SAM LAND.

Name: Sam Land

Age: 23

Note: Affiliated Student

Location: Nottingham

Job title: PhD

What got you into aerospace? Growing up, I always had an obsession with aviation. I remember being particularly fascinated by supersonic flight after visiting the Concorde on display at Manchester Airport. I definitely lack the coordination skills to become a pilot, but my love of math and physics, combined with my passion for aircraft, made aerospace engineering the perfect career for me! It allows me to dive deep into science while working on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation.

What is the best thing about your current role? The best thing about my current role is using the large subsonic wind tunnel at the University of Nottingham. I especially like to use flow visualization techniques on the models I’m testing. It is incredibly satisfying to see the airflow patterns and dynamics in real time and really brings the theoretical aspects of my research to life. The goal of my research is to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment, so it is satisfying to know that the work we do in the wind tunnel has the potential to have a positive impact on the planet. Studying for a PhD has also given me a lot of amazing opportunities. For example, in September I had the pleasure of presenting my research at the European Fluid Dynamics Conference in Aachen, Germany.

What career path did you take to get to where you are? After a long-standing interest in aviation, I enrolled to study for an MEng in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Nottingham in 2019. One of the highlights of my undergraduate time was co-founding the university’s Space Society, which hosts a variety of student-led engineering projects, including the design and manufacture of model rockets and CubeSats that competed at the national level. A subject I found extremely fascinating during my studies was fluid mechanics, which influenced me to complete a master’s project investigating the computational modeling of multiphase flows in turbofan engines. I graduated in the summer of 2023, but I felt that spending four years at university was not enough, and I found the idea of ​​doing aerospace research incredibly interesting. This led me to continue my studies at the University of Nottingham and pursue a PhD focusing on aerodynamic flow control. My research involves both experimental and numerical work to investigate how flow control technologies can be integrated into commercial aircraft to increase aerodynamic efficiency and promote more sustainable aviation.

What made you join the Royal Aeronautical Society? I joined the Royal Aeronautical Society because it is a fantastic way to network with other aerospace professionals. The society offers fantastic opportunities to network, keep up with industry trends and learn from experts in many different fields.

What do you hope to gain from RAeS membership and registration? My main purpose for my RAeS membership is to learn from other members. The ability to interact and converse with others in the community will provide me with invaluable information that I can apply to my own research and career. The society also offers excellent career development prospects, such as one day becoming a chartered engineer.

What three items would you take with you to the space station? An iPad, a crossword book and Ken (my dog).

Who is your biggest inspiration? I have always been inspired by all the engineers I spent time with growing up, especially my father who is a mechanical engineer.

A piece of advice for someone who wants to get into your field: Try to get involved in extracurricular activities and projects. The skills you’ll learn from these will really set you apart from everyone else, and you’ll have a blast completing them.

News team



November 5, 2024