UC engineer studying complex control systems
Hesham Abdelfattah is pursuing a doctorate in aerospace engineering
Drawn to the University of Cincinnati by the reputation of the aerospace engineering program, Hesham Abdelfattah is working to better understand complex dynamical systems for a variety of applications in the industry. On campus, Abdelfattah is a teaching assistant for several courses, sharing his knowledge with younger students, and has published three journal papers in collaboration with his advisers. Recently, he was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?
UC is a prestigious university, especially the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. My adviser Sameh Eisa's research philosophy and interests align with mine. I'm very proud to be working with him in the Modeling, Dynamics, and Control Lab. I had a positive impression of Cincinnati before I moved here, and I really loved it the moment I got here. In general, I love the U.S. and am very happy that I have the chance to be here studying and hopefully start working and settle here.
Why did you choose your field of study?
Aerospace engineering is a field that is full of interesting systems and challenges to solve. In my PhD, I am working on dynamics and control of aerospace as well as other applications, an area that combines rigorous mathematics and cutting-edge engineering concepts. It's also an interdisciplinary field. All that makes my current field of study very exciting to me. I'm also doing a Master of Science in mathematics, which is a field I am not only very passionate about but helps with my PhD studies as well.
Briefly describe your research work. Why does it inspire you?
Hesham Abdelfattah is pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering. Photo/provided
I'm working on a variety of topics focusing on dynamics and control. For example, I work on hybrid systems that experience discontinuous behavior like a car that stops suddenly or a jet that breaks the sound barrier.
I also study averaging methods, which are very valuable in studying the behavior of highly oscillating systems, like the flight of insects or hummingbirds.
I'm also working on optimal control, the analysis and control of wind turbine systems and dynamical systems characterization looking at things like identifiability and observability.
What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?
I always love being able to help students understand the engineering, programming, and mathematical concepts they are being taught. I'm also grateful that I managed to help some students start their research with some of the amazing professors here at UC. For me, the University of Cincinnati has always been a place to learn, grow, meet wonderful people and give back to the community. My time here at UC is something that I will always be grateful for.
What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I'm proud of my very good progress in my PhD, which was only possible thanks to the continuous support of my PhD adviser Sameh Eisa and my co-adviser Peter Stechlinski from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Maine.
During my PhD, we managed to publish in prestigious places such as the Journal of IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control. We managed to win the NSF grant because of our work, which is awarded to very few groups. I'm also proud that I'm doing an MS degree in mathematics alongside my PhD in aerospace engineering. I'm able to maintain a high GPA in both programs without compromising my research and learning. That also was made possible thanks to the support of my PhD adviser and my mathematics MS adviser, Hyunjoong Kim.
During my PhD, I was awarded some prestigious awards, such as the SIAM Graduate Student Mathematical Modeling Camp award, the Research Publication Award from the Department of Mathematics at UC, the NSF workshop student award, the American Control Conference (ACC) student travel award and the student IEEE travel award.
When do you expect to graduate? What are your plans after earning your degree?
I'm expected to graduate in the summer of 2026. I'm hoping to eventually get a tenure-track professor position at a university in the U.S. I generally love research, and I'm currently aiming for postdoctoral positions in national labs and universities to increase my experience in research. I'm also interested in working in research and development positions in companies with a high research focus.
Do you have any other hobbies or involvements you'd like to share?
I love trying new hobbies. I'm especially interested in hobbies that involve physical activity such as lifting weights, calisthenics, soccer, running, and cycling. I also like reading a lot, especially about philosophy and history. I occasionally play disc golf, and I recently picked up archery. I like traveling and going hiking with my lovely wife. I also like playing chess and PC strategy games.
Featured image at top: Hesham Abdelfattah is thankful for his time at UC. Photo/UC Marketing + Communications.
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