Avian Aerodynamics Study Abroad at Oxford University [2008]

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The study abroad grant was provided by National Science Foundation (NSF) in order to assist my adviser in investigating bird flight. We were both interested in introducing a biologically inspired aircraft senior design course to the undergraduate students. 



I spent just over one month at Magdalen college in Oxford University researching avian aerodynamics and biomechanics. I worked with the zoological department in flying a Steppe Eagle. The bird was outfitted with a small 'backpack' that held an IMU platform and radio communications. Data was collected and aligned with high speed camera footage to investigate critical flight regimes such as takeoff, soaring, and perching/landing. At the end of the study, I developed the curriculum that would be presented to the dean of the Mechanical and Aerospace engineering department for consideration of adding the course.