Katharine Larsen earned her B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in the school's renowned program.

The way Katharine Larsen (’21,’22, ’25) sees it, one great experience at Embry‑Riddle deserved two more.

After earning her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Larsen embarked on the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program, where she is already seeing the impact her research is having on the graduate school experience.

“Embry‑Riddle offers incredible resources for research and higher education,” she said.

Why Study Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle?

Larsen’s research, which involves using “machine learning techniques to predict warhead fragmentation in-flight behavior from static data, a much cheaper and safer alternative to real tests,” earned her a Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, which is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and awarded to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees.

Recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends and are guaranteed a position with the DoD upon graduating. Larsen says her research interests align with the DoD and plans to work with the agency after graduation.

Embry‑Riddle’s engineering department has supported Larsen by helping her find additional opportunities to fund her research.

“If you find an advisor that is interested in your research idea, they might be able to help you secure funding for projects,” she said.

Resources That Fuel Success

Larsen took advantage of resources offered by the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships, such as writing clinics and one-on-one advising. The office also helps students apply for grants and fellowships.

She credits Embry‑Riddle for helping her get as far as she has and knows it will continue to impact her career well into the future, thanks to the personal, educational and professional connections she could not have made anywhere else.

“I am truly grateful for all the people I have met, and I look forward to meeting many more people during the rest of my graduate degree studies,” she said.

Larsen encourages prospective students to think hard about what they want to do after receiving their bachelor's degree and says graduate school may help guide them in the right direction if they’re unsure about their next move.

“Graduate school is a great opportunity to further one’s professional skillset and personal marketability,” she said, “In order to be successful in the graduate program, you must hold yourself to a higher standard which, in turn, sets you apart from the crowd.”

What is a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle?

Once Larsen completes the master’s program, she is planning to continue her studies with Embry‑Riddle by pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.

This degree program allows highly motivated students with a strong science and engineering background to conduct research and coursework in the areas of aerospace structures, propulsion and aerodynamic systems, while earning their doctoral degree.

Admission to the program is reserved for candidates at the bachelor and master’s levels, with high academic achievement and a desire to advance their career through scientific inquiry and knowledge discovery in areas related to aerospace engineering.

Program coursework focuses on cutting-edge research and development. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs designed specifically for instruction and research in aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics, control, structures and materials.

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