Introduction
Aerodynamics. The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it. This study is based on fluid mechanics, which is the study of the behavior of fluids and the forces acting on them. Applications of aerodynamics are used frequently in our everyday life. For example airplanes, cars, and even construction are based or heavily influenced by aerodynamics. Since this subject is one that is very present in our everyday life, there has to be scientists who study the workings of aerodynamics. I interviewed Dr. Amy Lang Professor at the University of Alabama’s Aerospace engineering department.
Her Journey
Dr. Langs journey to aerospace engineering began when her calculus teacher recommended engineering to her, which led to her majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Then later when she was in a thermodynamics class, her professor mentioned an undergraduate research opportunity that he thought would be the perfect fit for her. The lab was a fluid mechanics based lab, and through that she discovered studying fluid mechanics was the perfect fit for her. That same professor encouraged her to apply to graduate school at CalTech, which she did and later attended. Dr. Lang later received a NSF(national science foundation) graduate research fellowship and got her PhD in aeronautics.
Dr. Lang states that the biggest impact on her career development has been her faith. She states “I feel God gives each of us talents that we are meant to use, and a purpose to glorify God with those talents. Sometimes it takes humility too. Even Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing.” I often think of that and know that it is God that supplies the intelligence and ideas I need.”
Research
As previously mentioned, Dr. Land received a NSF graduate research fellowship. She has continued to be a part of NSF as a project director, specifically coordinator, for a NSF Research Experience for undergraduate sites in fluid mechanics. The program is a 10 week long summer internship for students to do summer research before they commit to graduate students. The students get to work in a lab, and they meet weekly with the interns to help them improve their communication skills to better present their research. Then all of the students attend the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics in November to present their research. Dr. Lang states that she wants to “inspire capable students in engineering, especially women, to pursue a PhD in fluid mechanics” like she did.
Research: Take 2
Dr. Lang also conducts research related to bio-inspired flow control. She has conducted research related to studying shark skin and butterfly scales. Through her years of conducting research she discovered that her expertise is in fluid mechanics and not manufacturing the surfaces. She hopes that someday other researchers can develop the technology so that it can be used on aircraft to reduce drag and increase maneuverability.
A Slice of Life
Like many other fields in STEM, aerospace engineering is male dominated. Dr. Lang agreed to this statement and said that she never let that bother her. She mentioned that she would make friends with the other women in her class, but also with the men. She thinks that the biggest obstacles happened once she became a professor: Learning how to balance work, marriage, and having a family. But her husband was very supportive towards her career, which she states was a huge help.
Closing Advice
For anyone aspiring to pursue a career in engineering, Dr. Lang suggests that you should just go for it. It is a rewarding career that is deeply engaging and has the potential to benefit society. She advises that you do well in your math and science classes and consider going to a good state school. She says that college will help you find a particular area of engineering and help develop your skills and talents.
Additionally, Dr. Lang states that if you plan to get a PhD take it seriously. In engineering, getting a PhD can get you jobs working as a consultant or at a national lab, not only just teaching academia. She closes out by stating “Getting a PhD keeps you working in the field at the cutting edge of innovation. With us going back to the moon in 2026, there are so many wonderful career opportunities especially in aerospace engineering.”
