New UC engineering course blends academia and industry

"We need to explore alternative fuels. Not just what's out there, but how to actually use them, and that's what the course is intended to do," said Steve Ross, chief consulting engineer at GE Aerospace and co-creator of the course. 

The course, Hydrogen Power Systems, came from Ross' interest in more sustainable aviation and its potential practical applications. A UC graduate himself, Ross came to the college with this idea a few years ago and the department head at the time connected him with Shaaban Abdallah, PhD, professor of aerospace engineering, because of their shared interest in the future of the aviation industry. Over a few years, the two met regularly to map out the course, discuss core concepts to include, draft a proposal, and pitch it to college leadership. It was nearly three years from the course's initial conception to its launch in the fall semester of 2024. 

"Students really enjoy the fact that we have academia and industry in the same class," Abdallah said. 

The first time the course was offered, nearly 20 students enrolled. The class met twice a week, with Ross and Abdallah alternating instruction. Abdallah focused on teaching theoretical concepts and the calculations used in aviation, while Ross complemented Abdallah's teachings with practical applications of hydrogen systems. 

"One of the biggest benefits of the class is the level of engagement by the students. Of the students enrolled in the first class, many of them are continuing their studies of hydrogen," Ross said. 

"I've always been interested in renewable energy and aviation, and this course was a perfect mix between them," said Amaia Diaz, former Hydrogen Power Systems student. 

Students enrolled in the fall 2024 course focused on the challenges of using hydrogen to power aviation systems. At the end of the semester, they presented their findings to HYSKY, an industry organization dedicated to hydrogen aviation and aerospace research. Their presentation was part of HYSKY Monthly, a recurring meeting featuring various organizations, researchers, and industry professionals who discuss and share hydrogen information, research, and projects. 

The students' project, titled "A Study into the Needs and Challenges Associated with Converting to Hydrogen-Powered Aviation," touched on factors such as the growth and efficiency improvement, the hydrogen, electricity, and water needs, as well as the wind and solar land requirements, among other things. A core theme of the project was the logistics of making hydrogen and where the infrastructure is lacking. Students received feedback on their work, coming away with direction for future research. The exposure to industry through both Ross and through presentation opportunities such as this one is a unique benefit to the course that is hard to come by for students. 

"As far as we know, we're the only ones that offer a course like this," Ross said. 

"It will be a really good example for others to develop similar courses teaching design and combining it with industry," Abdallah said. 

Looking ahead, the pair has plans to enhance the course by integrating the theoretical and practical applications and offering students multiple project options. In the future, the hope is to establish a lab for hydrogen research at UC. 

The course is set to be offered again in the fall of 2025. 

Featured image at top: UC's Mantei Center. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand