I’m David!
I’m a mechanical engineering student with a minor in biology at the Georgia Institute of Technology. My interest in propulsion comes from a broader goal: contributing to the technologies that will enable sustained human presence in space. I strongly believe that is the next frontier, and the human race will progress and prosper with new possibilities that will come into play.
What I Work On
My primary technical interest is rocket propulsion. I find the problem compelling because everything matters: fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials, and manufacturing constraints all converge in a small volume at extreme conditions.
Computational fluid dynamics is my main simulation tool. I use OpenFOAM as my primary solver and have worked with both density-based (rhoCentralFoam) and pressure-based (pimpleFoam, simpleFoam, rhoSimpleFoam) solvers depending on the regime.
I chose a biology minor because expanding human presence beyond Earth demands more than propulsion and structures—it requires a thorough understanding of the human body. Physiology, energy systems, and biological limits define what is possible in extreme environments. I am a firm believer that whether it be new spacesuits or genetic modification, the next level needs to be achieved through biological knowledge.
Background
I grew up interested in building things from an early age, which eventually led me to engineering. As all kids who are creative and like building things get pushed. However, I chose Mechanical Engineering and have stuck with it (even though it has been extremely difficult) because I have seen that engineers make the world go round, they are the ones who progress humanity. The fundamentals are brutal, but as I go deeper - thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, and fluid mechanics - I see how advanced systems that have been created are all due to the “magic” of engineers. I have more concepts and skills that I want to learn, I have more that I want to push humanity towards, and I know that I want it to be due to MY magic poured into engineering.
Forward Thinking
I plan to make new spacesuits, a type of breathing mechanism for new planets, and additional research on propulsion nozzles and rocket engines. I am the type of engineer (future engineer that is) that always has new ideas. I am of no shortage of creativity or drive, and will put both to use for the future projects, workplaces, research opportunities, and anything else that I am able to for the good of humanity pushing us towards inheriting the stars.
What I’m Looking For
I’m currently looking for internship and research opportunities in propulsion, aerodynamics, or aerospace systems — particularly at organizations doing serious technical work on launch vehicles, hypersonics, or advanced propulsion.
Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or email.