I’m a junior in aerospace engineering, and I’ve been trying to get involved in CFD research.
Last semester I emailed a professor because I was really interested in her work. She got back to me after about two weeks and invited me to tour her lab. I left that meeting under the impression that I would be able to join. At the end of the tour she told me (and another student) that all we had to do was email her next semester and we could join the CFD lab.
Over the summer I emailed asking if I could shadow the lab to prepare before officially joining. She said she was in California for the summer, which was totally understandable. I thanked her and emailed again the week before the semester started. This time she told me she wasn’t sure if she’d have space for undergrads and had a meeting that Tuesday to figure it out. Afterward she emailed me saying there unfortunately wasn’t any room and to try again next semester.
I was disappointed, but figured it was just bad timing.
Here’s the part that’s bothering me. I had told one of my friends about the lab, and he ended up getting a tour with her this past Friday. She ended up telling him he could join the lab.
To be fair, he’s an honors student and has more formalized CFD experience than I do, so I understand why she’d pick him. But it’s hard not to feel discouraged after being told for months that I could join if I just emailed next semester.
Now I’m starting to feel like getting research is impossible. It’s already junior year, and I was really hoping to get involved this year. I know research experience is important if I want to go to grad school or work in R&D.
Has anyone else had something like this happen? Should I keep trying with this professor next semester like she suggested, or is that basically a polite rejection and I should focus on finding other labs instead?

i am currently a student of class 10th, and im really intrigued by aerospace engineering and i have always wanted to pursue that, but recently i have dug around and found out that lots of companies, when hiring, give higher preference to mechies rather than aerospace people, this has put me in a dillema. should i opt for mechanical engineering and then later get a masters in aerospace engineering or should i get a bachelors in aerospace and then later get a masters in aeronautical, because ultimately i want to get in the aviation field, please help.

my_qualifications: 10th grade

As a Canadian citizen, I’m curious about the legitimacy of working in aerospace materials R&D in other countries. I understand this field is sensitive, so I’m particularly interested in what the competition is like for jobs with a PhD in materials engineering and what roles are typically available.

Thanks!

I have 12 YOE in advanced NDT/NDE with ASNT Level III certifications, and currently work in commercial space. My undergrad is Business Administration in Project Management. No engineering undergrad.

My dilemma:

- MS Systems Engineering: stronger technical signal, better systems knowledge, and possibly more helpful since I don’t have an engineering undergrad, but also more academic friction.

- MEng Engineering Management: seems like the more natural complement to Level III depth, better aligned with leadership, and would be cheaper/easier to complete.

I plan to stay in NDE and move toward NDE engineering, Lead/Principal/Responsible Level III, and program ownership. Perhaps management later on. Overall I just want to climb and I don't mind working hard.

Would either masters effectively differentiate myself for promotions to lead principal and responsible NDT lv3 roles?

Would systems engineering meaningfully strengthen this kind of technical career?

Is engineering management useful to break into people's/ program management?

Would an either masters add an unusually high amount of value for me because i don’t have an engineering undergrad?

Looking for students interested in aerospace, math, and space science!*

Hi everyone! I'm starting a student-led international project called AeroMath, where students from different countries can learn together and explore how mathematics and physics are used in real aerospace and space missions.

We'll cover topics such as:

Vectors & kinematics
Propulsion fundamentals
Orbital geometry
Control systems
Sensors & navigation
Space mission planning
Engineering & materials

The goal is to make these topics more practical and understandable by connecting what we learn to real space missions and engineering problems.

As part of the program, we'll eventually apply what we learn through a low-cost Mars rover project, where students can test their ideas and work together on simulated missions.

I'm currently looking for motivated middle and high school students to join the Founding Cohort.

You don't need previous experience. If you're genuinely interested in learning about aerospace, mathematics, physics, engineering, robotics, or space, I'd love to have you involved.

Students from all around the world are welcome.
Online
Free to join

If you're interested, apply here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH6ZMLtKTb3NCoMK1IfO6xvNdSEtFGFPPXwdWt9LwZbz2xuA/viewform?usp=header

I'd especially like to meet students who are curious, enjoy asking questions, and want to learn with other students from around the world.

Looking for students interested in aerospace, math, and space science!*

Hi everyone! I'm starting a student-led international project called AeroMath, where students from different countries can learn together and explore how mathematics and physics are used in real aerospace and space missions.

We'll cover topics such as:

Vectors & kinematics
Propulsion fundamentals
Orbital geometry
Control systems
Sensors & navigation
Space mission planning
Engineering & materials

The goal is to make these topics more practical and understandable by connecting what we learn to real space missions and engineering problems.

As part of the program, we'll eventually apply what we learn through a low-cost Mars rover project, where students can test their ideas and work together on simulated missions.

I'm currently looking for motivated middle and high school students to join the Founding Cohort.

You don't need previous experience. If you're genuinely interested in learning about aerospace, mathematics, physics, engineering, robotics, or space, I'd love to have you involved.

Students from all around the world are welcome.
Online
Free to join

If you're interested, apply here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH6ZMLtKTb3NCoMK1IfO6xvNdSEtFGFPPXwdWt9LwZbz2xuA/viewform?usp=header

I'd especially like to meet students who are curious, enjoy asking questions, and want to learn with other students from around the world.

Yesterday i called HR about my interview from last week, and she told me they would send me a second offer monday afternoon vía email. I waited all day yesterday and haven't received it. What should i do call HR again or go in person today? Yesterday i also had an interview at a different aerospace company and after two hours they called me for a second interview tomorrow with supervisor. What i should do.