INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
• AERO Graduate Receives Scholarship to National Test Pilot School
• Professor Advancing Diversity, Inclusion as JEDI Scholar
• Q&As with Professor Kira Abercromby and Student-Athlete Emily Lieber
• AERO Students Honored for Academic Excellence
Aerospace Engineering
Cal Poly College of Engineering
Fall 2023
As we welcome students back to campus for the fall quarter, I am eager to share stories in our newsletter that exemplify the remarkable achievements and talents within the Aerospace Engineering Department.
Together, our students, faculty and alumni form a dynamic and interconnected community, each contributing their unique strengths to the success of our department.
In our faculty spotlight, we highlight Professor Kira Abercromby who, with her extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, has been instrumental in nurturing the growth of young engineers within our program. Her insights into the field and her dedication to our students are truly commendable.
Another one of our exceptional faculty members, Professor Dianne DeTurris, is making notable strides in advancing diversity and inclusion within the College of Engineering as a JEDI Scholar. Her commitment to creating an equitable environment within our academic community sets a shining example for all of us as we work toward a more inclusive future.
For our student showcase, we turn the spotlight onto Emily Lieber, who is shining in the classroom and on the soccer pitch where she plays for Cal Poly’s team. She shares what prompted her to study engineering, her favorite class and the challenges and rewards of being a student-athlete.
Our alumni continue to reach great heights, including graduate Olivia May who was awarded a prestigious scholarship to attend the National Test Pilot School. Her dedication and passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering will surely inspire other students.
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that we remember Professor Faisal Kolkailah, a passionate educator who left an indelible mark on our department. His legacy lives on in the knowledge and life lessons he shared with us all.
As we embark on this new academic year, let these stories serve as a reminder of the strength and diversity of our aerospace engineering community.
None of this would be possible without support from industry, alumni, families and friends of the department. Your gifts to the department’s discretionary fund truly make an impact. n
Aerospace engineering graduate Olivia May dreamed of being an astronaut from a young age; she even had a space shuttle mobile over her crib.
“During my childhood, I dreamed of becoming a test pilot to get the experience needed to become an astronaut,” she shared. “My love for flight test took off from there.”
May demonstrated that passion throughout her aerospace engineering and computer science courses and through her extracurricular activities.
“During my time at Cal Poly, I was deeply involved with Cal Poly Space Systems, a student rocketry club,” she shared. “I served as vice president, group support lead and PR representative over the course of my time with the club.”
She also served as a College of Engineering ambassador since January 2020 and the student Aerospace Department representative from September 2020 to June 2021.
Near the end of her senior year this year, May found a way to get one step closer to her goal and applied for the National Test Pilot School Graduate Assistant Program — a three-year work-study scholarship program that produces flight test engineering graduates with a Master of Science in flight test engineering and a test pilot school diploma.
“The first step was to submit a resume and write an essay explaining why I wanted to attend the National Test Pilot School and what my career aspirations are,” May explained.
This year, more than 117 candidates from all over the world applied for the scholarship. The group was narrowed down to the top 20, who participated in the initial phone interview phase. The top 10 candidates then gave a technical presentation on a topic of their choosing — May presented an artificial intelligence project that would assist airplanes with emergency landings — to the National Test Pilot School’s technical team. The school’s president, James Brown, interviewed the remaining five applicants, and May was chosen to receive the scholarship.
The scholarship is only awarded to one or two students each
year, so May was honored to find out she was this year’s recipient.
“I am beyond excited to start my journey there, and I am so amazed that I have been presented with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “My dreams of being a test pilot and astronaut are finally starting to come true!”
Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy is a motivating factor for students to take on projects that will help jump-start their careers.
“My professors at Cal Poly have a wide breadth of knowledge and connections that have made me aware of a variety of paths I could go down to accomplish my dreams,” May shared. “I found ways to get involved in aviation outside of the classroom — I worked with aircraft at the local airport and bought an airplane to achieve my pilot certificate.”
Along with hands-on experience comes the faculty members who challenge and support their students so that they can succeed in the workforce and in life.
“Dr. Dianne DeTurris has been a wonderful professor and mentor for me,” May said. “She has been a great role model as a woman in STEM. I also enjoyed taking flight test with Dr. Paulo Iscold. It’s pretty phenomenal to get the opportunity to work with industry standard flight testing equipment at the undergraduate level.”
After years of hard work, whether in the classroom or in the air, May is looking forward to her next adventure.
“I have worked my entire academic career toward flight test, so pursuing a graduate degree in flight test engineering is a natural next step as I complete my B.S. at Cal Poly.”n
“It’s pretty phenomenal to get the opportunity to work with industry standard flight testing equipment at the undergraduate level.”Olivia May | aerospace engineering student
Professor Kira Abercromby, who started teaching at Cal Poly in 2008, earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA in astrophysics, and her master's and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in aerospace engineering. She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on orbital mechanics and co-developed the Space Environments Lab and course.
What brought you to Cal Poly College of Engineering?
My husband and I were working at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and were looking to move. I remembered Cal Poly as an excellent school when I was in college and so we looked to see if there were any openings.
Luckily for me, the Aerospace Department was hiring, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted.
Tell me about your research interests and why you are passionate about this topic.
My interest is in space! I wanted to be an astronaut and work for NASA as a kid and was able to fulfill part of that dream when I worked for NASA for eight years. My research areas stem from that early dream of space research.
My main areas of research are orbital debris (the human-made kind), orbital mechanics and space environmental effects on materials, specifically atomic oxygen effects. I think it is amazing to be able to push boundaries on spaceflight.
What do you want others to know about your research?
We are at such an exciting time for the space industry with so many spacecraft operating in low Earth orbit, geosynchronous orbit and beyond. However, we need to be smart about how we design, build and fly spacecraft.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one band or musician would keep you entertained?
Barenaked Ladies. And no, they aren’t ladies and not naked, just very clever musicians.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I absolutely love being in the classroom or lab with the students. They keep me thinking and learning. Watching them grow as engineers is very rewarding.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend as much time with my family as possible. I have two high schoolers, so we are busy, but it is fun as well. One of my hobbies is running, so I try to do that as much as possible.
What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?
Have big dreams (like being an astronaut) but don’t do anything just to be an astronaut. Do things because you want to and be the best at the things you want and enjoy. n
Two professors have embraced a vision for the College of Engineering that includes a more diverse set of students learning in an inclusive environment from professors who have woven ideas of equity and social justice into their curriculum.
They are helping the college realize that vision in the second year of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Scholar program, funded through the Dean’s Club for Innovation.
This year’s scholars include Dianne DeTurris from aerospace engineering and Michael Whitt from biomedical engineering, who were tapped to develop, implement and lead strategic actions around JEDI topics.
“With the JEDI Scholar Program, the College of Engineering empowers faculty to dedicate time and energy to outreach, research, guidance and other efforts to develop and support a more inclusive culture in the college as a whole,” said Zoë Wood, associate dean for diversity and student success. “This dedicated time is essential and valuable for such complex and important work.”
DeTurris and Whitt are working diligently on creative initiatives designed to draw more diverse students and faculty to the college while enhancing the learning environment to ensure they stay and thrive.
Dianne DeTurris
DeTurris, who holds three aerospace engineering degrees, wants to foster more chances for her peers within the college to develop their understanding of equity and inclusion in education.
“We can all learn together,” said DeTurris who is serving as associate JEDI scholar with a focus on faculty skills development. “If I say there’s a problem or try to fix it, it doesn’t work, but what does work is providing opportunities where people can walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
DeTurris helped set up an engineering track for the annual Social Justice Teach In— a daylong series of talks and workshops centered around equity and social justice — for the first time this year.
She’s long been passionate about forging new paths, as she was the first woman hired in 1998 to teach in the Aerospace Engineering Department, 71 years after it was established.
“I couldn’t even talk about changing the infrastructure when I
got here. If I felt unfairly treated, it was perceived as being my fault,” she said. “It is great to now have support for JEDI work within the college.”
Another professor might have quit, she said, but perseverance is her strength. “Not quitting is winning,” she added.
You can support JEDI scholars and the commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion by donating to the Dean’s Club for Innovation. Follow this LINK to give.
Over time, DeTurris said changes to policies and culture have helped lay down a foundation to support a more diverse faculty and student population.
Increasing the faculty’s number of women and others from underrepresented groups is vital, she said, but retaining them is equally important.
“We have to give them a good experience when they get here,” she explained. “My goal is to create more oases throughout the college where diversity is celebrated.”
In her college leadership role, DeTurris is also hosting Innovate Engineering Education fairs to help professors decide how their semester course learning goals relate to the college’s strategic plan, including DEI topics, as part of the course proposal process for the new semester system starting in fall 2026.
Some professors are challenged to integrate into their course proposals ideas around inclusive teaching and curriculum threads such as sustainability or systems thinking, for example, so she’s highlighting such concepts during the education fairs that will continue this quarter.
Additionally, DeTurris is organizing workshops for club leaders so they can lead discussions about diversity with their members and inviting speakers to highlight social justice initiatives.
“People have to hear an idea many, many times before they change their paradigm,” she said, “so talking about equity and diversity is a process, not an event. But the more we can expose people to those ideas, the better for all of us.” n
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA
What made you choose engineering?
Since elementary school, I have wanted to study the universe. As I worked my way through high school, it was obvious that math and science just made sense to my brain. I loved seeing how numbers on paper could have real-world applications. When I started looking into majors, aerospace engineering immediately felt right. Further research encouraged me to pursue engineering, and I’ve never looked back.
What is your favorite place in San Luis Obispo County and why?
San Luis Obispo Public Market holds a special place in my heart. After church on Sundays, my friends and I usually go out to lunch. Nine times out of 10, we’re going to SLO Public Market. I have countless peace-filled memories of hanging out and building community with great people and great food.
What was your earliest engineering project?
My earliest engineering project was the paper glider in AERO 121, Aerospace Fundamentals. My group had absolutely no idea what we were doing, but we messed around with different designs and had a blast. It was especially cool to see the creativity of my peers; we all learned a lot from each other.
Where do you like to hang out on campus?
I will hang out anywhere with some grass and lawn chairs. The spot in front of the Mott Athletics Center is one of my favorites.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a big sci-fi/fantasy reader. During preseason when classes haven’t started yet, all I do after practice is sit around and read Brandon Sanderson novels. They are amazing. I also love movies, board games and good quality time with friends.
What has been your favorite class and why?
AERO 121, Aerospace Fundamentals, is my favorite class so far. The class introduced me to different careers in the aerospace industry, new classmates I would spend the next few years with and engineering basics I hadn’t seen before. The class was low stakes and aimed at getting us excited about the major. It worked!
What’s your dream job after graduation?
My dream job is working on interstellar satellites and/or probes. I believe one of my greatest contributions in life would be sharing the wonder of discovery of the cosmos with others.
What do you think engineering’s biggest impact on the world will be in the future?
I think engineering’s biggest impact will be bringing people together. So many of our conflicts revolve around a lack of resources and/or solutions to problems that face our world. A huge part of engineering is discovering and implementing those solutions. That kind of work has the power to bond people through cooperation and success.
Do you have a scholarship t o help with your Cal Poly education?
I have a scholarship to play soccer while earning a degree from Cal Poly.
Why did you choose to attend Cal Poly, and what was the path that brought you here?
When my older brother was touring colleges, Cal Poly was one we visited as a family. I stepped on campus and felt at home. The energy from students was positive, the weather was beautiful and it wasn’t too far away from home. After that, I kept hearing great things about the college — especially from engineers. Even so, I wanted to play soccer in college, and I knew it would be hard to sign with a Division I school. After lots of emails, phone calls and visits, I was overjoyed when I was offered the opportunity to come here.
Describe your experience as an athlete at Cal Poly.
Playing soccer at Cal Poly has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences of my life. Most days, I get maybe five min-
utes of free time before bed. Life is a constant string of practices, classes, games, homework, clubs, meals, recovery and more. It’s tiring but so fulfilling. I’ve met incredible people and experienced the highs of my sport. Of course, there have been lows too, but I have a great support system. All in all, I’ve grown stronger in all areas of my life.
What are the challenges of being a student-athlete and how are you overcoming them?
Time management is huge. There are a million things that I should be doing each day but nowhere near enough time to accomplish them all. Deciding which activities to prioritize and cut out is a skill I’m always working to improve.
What is your favorite part of being a student-athlete?
My favorite part is getting to see some of my closest friends every day. My teammates are so genuine and kind, I can’t help but want to be around them.
How do you support the college’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion?
I support the college’s commitment by spreading kindness. Every day, I make my own commitment to love my neighbor. We all come from different walks of life and have very different values and opinions. I have no right to judge anyone else. Instead, I try to understand their perspectives and build meaningful relationships. n
With great sadness, we share that Dr. Faysal Kolkailah, professor at Cal Poly for the past 39 years, died on July 4, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny Browne; three daughters, Noha, Nahlah and Naiyerah; and five grandchildren, Tasneem, Selsabeel, Jennah, Yunus and Layla. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Kolkailah; sons-in-law, Dr. Eltahry, Elghandour and Salem; and, dedicated mother of his daughters, Dr. Rasha Al-Disuqi.
Faysal Kolkailah was born in 1947 in Tanta, Egypt. He was the son of university professor and prolific author, Abdou Kolkailah, and his beloved mother, Um Kalthoum. He was also the eldest of four brothers, all of whom became medical doctors. He received his Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Cairo University and served as ground engineer in Egypt Air before completing his master's in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1980. He then received his Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering from Louisiana State University and moved to San Luis Obispo in 1984, when he began teaching at Cal Poly State University.
At Cal Poly, he developed, established and taught nine graduate and undergraduate aerospace laboratories in the areas of composite analysis and design, structure analysis, structural dynamics, fatigue and fracture mechanics, aerospace engineering, numerical analysis, experimental analysis and aeroelasticity to serve all aircraft and spacecraft structure courses. He founded and developed a joint postdoctoral and doctoral research program with four different universities in Egypt. He also advised over 100 master’s degree theses.
His research interests were advanced fatigue and fracture mechanics; advanced composite
analysis and design; advanced airworthiness and aeroelasticity; advanced structural design; and experimental and numerical methods.
Kolkailah was a passionate educator and engaging storyteller who inspired many children, students and community members through his captivating teaching style and mentorship. When he moved to SLO, he cofounded the Muslim community and spearheaded numerous faith-based and interfaith initiatives. He delivered memorable Friday sermons at the local mosque and served as an adviser for Cal Poly’s Muslim Student Association for many years.
Aside from his career and leadership roles, he was an endlessly loving and generous family man who had a soft heart for supporting orphans, both abroad and locally. He also greatly enjoyed scenic photography and captured beautiful photos during his extensive travels worldwide. His family has countless memories of waking up to his enthusiastic excitement to catch his favorite Egyptian team, Al-Ahly’s, soccer matches. Most recently, one of his newfound joys included watching the Turkish TV series “Ertuğrul Osman” with great dedication.
He loved to garden and planted jasmine, hybrid fruit and citrus trees. He was particularly fond of fragrant roses, picking uniquely colored ones and handing them to his family as a symbol of his love. He was also very affectionate toward family pets, as they reminded him of his simple childhood. His family remembers him as having the biggest heart — always concerned, protective and selflessly putting others before himself. He imparted wisdom, shared life lessons and touched the lives of many. His family and loved ones are committed to honoring his legacy. n