Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
Dr. Shuting Yang joined the Tuskegee University faculty last fall as the first woman tenure-track faculty of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering, bringing to her role a distinguished academic background and a lifelong love of flight.
Yang earned her Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, one of the nation’s leading institutions for engineering education. Her extensive training and expertise positions her as a dynamic force in both research and education.
“Since I was young, I’ve always been interested in the science behind flight,” said Dr. Yang who has extensive experience in the emerging technology of VTOLs, vertical and short take-off and landing aircrafts which include air taxis. In her academic work, she developed a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for optimal air taxi assignment and routing across a network across six skyports. During a stint at NASA as a research assistant, Dr. Yang developed containment control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enhancing autonomy and operational safety.
Dr. Yang enjoyed her first school year at Tuskegee and says the students inspire her.
“They are serious-minded and focused, and I am excited when they get to the classroom,” she said.
Since joining Tuskegee, Dr. Yang has been intentional about cultivating an inclusive and inspiring academic environment. Recognizing the importance of representation, she has introduced her students to successful women leaders in aerospace and related industries by inviting them as guest speakers.
Among the distinguished professionals who have engaged with her students are Xufang Zhang of American Airlines, Grace Ness of Virgin Galactic and Ford Motor Company, and Helen Wang with Archer.
Dr. Yang has also championed the university’s focus on ensuring students gain real-world experience through hands-on workplace experiences, most recently connecting students with a competitive, paid internships at Oklahoma State University at LaunchPad Center for Advanced Air Mobility.
This program’s Summer 2026 SPARC cohort (Ignite Fellowship) is an eight-week, full-time, paid research experience structured in alignment with the National Science Foundation REU-style programs. Participants engage in:
- Mentored UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) research projects
- Commercialization training in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems
- Career-focused skill development
Two Tuskegee aerospace engineering students—Reuben Donaldson and Derick Dinkins—were selected for this prestigious program and will begin on June 1.
Dr. Yang’s work aligns closely with Tuskegee University’s broader Renaissance Era focus mandate for career readiness, a focus on innovation, and workforce alignment. The initiative reflects a modern interpretation of the founding principles established by Booker T. Washington, adapting them to today’s technological and industrial landscape.
Paid internships, in particular, have become a hallmark of this effort. By prioritizing experiential learning, Tuskegee is equipping students to demonstrate tangible value to future employers.
For Reuben Donaldson, a junior aerospace engineering major from Gary, Indiana, Dr. Yang’s teaching approach has been instrumental in his academic growth.
“Dr. Yang uses a combination of visual, social, and verbal learning styles. These methods help me the most because I learn best through visual aids and collaborative work.”
Donaldson emphasized the supportive classroom environment fostered by Dr. Yang saying that her instruction methods encourage “critical thinking while giving us space to ask questions. The class sizes are manageable, so we never feel lost.”
Looking ahead to his participation in the SPARC Ignite Fellowship, Donaldson expressed excitement about bridging research and business.
“What I am most looking forward to is implementing a project into a business environment. I had previous research experience, so I see this as a great opportunity to expand my knowledge,” said Donaldson.
“Through her commitment to student mentorship, industry engagement, and academic excellence, she is helping shape a generation of aerospace engineers prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving field,” said Dr. M. Javed Khan, Head of the Aerospace Science Engineering Department.
As Tuskegee continues to expand its Aerospace Engineering curriculum, including a growing aviation science program that seeks to expand the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Yang is helping to ensure that the future of aerospace engineering is as diverse and dynamic as the students she inspires.
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