Aerospace engineering students shine at AIAA Greater Huntsville Section awards ceremony
Published: Jul 10, 2025 9:50 AM
By Staff Report
Two Auburn University aerospace engineering students earned top honors at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Greater Huntsville Section’s annual awards banquet on May 20.
Praveen Jawaharlal Ayyanathan was named Graduate Student of the Year, and Austin Miranda was named Undergraduate Student of the Year.
Ayyanathan, a doctoral candidate and Gavin Fellow, was honored for pioneering research in advanced guidance, navigation and control systems for autonomous aerial vehicles.
His work — supported by the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence — focuses on uncertainty-aware motion planning and real-time trajectory optimization for multirotor UAVs, key technologies for the future of aerospace autonomy. His innovations include a patent-pending control algorithm and 10 publications in high-impact aerospace journals and conferences.
“Praveen is solving problems that didn’t have answers before he arrived,” said Ehsan Taheri, associate professor of aerospace engineering and Ayyanathan’s advisor. “He’s pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can do — and doing it with a remarkable sense of purpose and humility.”
Ayyanathan called the award a true honor.
“I’m grateful to Auburn for providing a supportive environment to pursue my graduate studies,” he said. “This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the strength of Auburn’s aerospace program and the incredible support I’ve received from my colleagues, department and the graduate school throughout my academic journey.”
Miranda, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in May, served as president of Auburn’s AIAA student chapter. He led the development of a five-year strategic growth plan that expanded the chapter’s visibility and impact.
Among his initiatives was Auburn’s first Aerospace Industry Day, which brought together more than 300 students from Auburn and Tuskegee University with 14 leading aerospace organizations, including NASA Marshall, SpaceX and Airbus. The event helped Auburn’s chapter earn three major honors at the 2025 AIAA Region II Student Conference, including the Outstanding Student Branch Activity Award.
“Austin is one of those rare students who doesn’t just contribute to a program — he elevates it,” said Joe Majdalani, professor and the Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. “He’s built coalitions, executed high-stakes technical work and left a blueprint for others to follow. His impact will be felt for years.”
Miranda said he was humbled by the recognition.
“I’m grateful to Auburn for giving me the chance to lead and grow, and for the faculty and mentors who believed in me,” he said. “I truly believe Auburn Aerospace is on the cusp of something great — and I’m proud to have been part of that rise.”
Also honored at the banquet was Patrick Eid, a graduate teaching and research assistant pursuing a doctorate in aerospace engineering. He was recognized for winning the Mike Freeman Prize at the AIAA Region II Student Conference in April.
The Greater Huntsville Section includes more than 1,000 members in one of the nation's most aerospace-focused regions. With students from institutions across Alabama and Mississippi competing, the awards highlight Auburn’s success in a highly competitive field.
“This moment is not only a win but a reflection of how far our program has come,” Miranda said. “Auburn is quietly shaping future leaders in aerospace, and little by little, we’re taking the industry by storm.”
Media Contact: , dzd0065@auburn.edu, 334-844-2326
From left, Praveen Ayyanathan, Patrick Eid and Austin Miranda at the AIAA Greater Huntsville Section awards banquet.
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