About half of the aerospace engineering faculty have conducted research in association with the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Computational Field Simulation, which is located on the MSU campus. Recently, work began in atmospheric flows and flows around ships and submarines. During 1997-1998, freshman enrollment in aerospace engineering increased over the previous year for the first time in eight years. During the period of low enrollment, the faculty was successful in securing additional research funding. One of the major strengths of the department is the opportunity to give all undergraduate students exposure to current aerospace engineering practices.
Most students hold part-time jobs assisting faculty with academic projects or research projects.
Students participate in activities ranging from the construction of web-based instructional modules to the construction and flight testing of composite aircraft. Dr. James Newman joined the faculty as an assistant professor. The department hosted Scott Crossfield, who delivered the first lecture in the College of Engineering's Hearin Distinguished Lecturer Series. Crossfield, one of the early test pilots of supersonic rocket planes, discussed his career and his view of the future of engineering. The department's advisory committee met twice during last year.