The Aircraft Operations Lab at UC3M is proud to highlight the remarkable achievement of María García, a promising young student currently pursuing her first year in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Leon, and a participant in the STEM Talent Girl program.
Under the mentorship of our researcher, María Cerezo Magaña, this talented student has emerged as one of the top five finalists in the program with her innovative research project. We had the pleasure of interviewing María García about her project, the challenges she faced, and her aspirations for the future.
The factors influencing the climate impact of aviation
The primary aim of her research project was to explore and understand the strategies currently being developed in the field of flight route optimization to minimize the environmental impact of aviation. A first step towards a deeper investigation into the topic, providing an overview of existing methods and suggesting new potential strategies.
María is most proud of successfully integrating and analyzing how factors such as weather conditions, flight altitude, and flight paths influence the climate impact of aviation. “This comprehensive approach allowed me to outline potential solutions,” she said. “Knowing that this research contributes to the sustainability of the aviation industry, which is where I aspire to build my career, brings me a great sense of accomplishment.”
Exploring a new research terrain
Throughout her project, María encountered several challenges, primarily related to the technical aspects of the topic, due to the innovative nature of the research area. “Finding relevant information was challenging because there are not many established studies yet. Additionally, as a first-year aerospace engineering student, I faced the challenge of diving into a complex topic without having a comprehensive background in the field,” she noted. However, she managed to overcome these obstacles with the mentorship of María Cerezo Magaña. “She provided me with an overview of her own research and shared extensive information on the subject. Her guidance and insights were crucial in helping me navigate the complexities of the project and gain a better understanding of the topic.”
Discussing the potential impact of her project, María stated, “This project serves as a starting point”, mentioning the need for future research to evaluate the feasibility and practical implementation of the proposals outlined in her work. In fact, the recognition for her project through the STEM Talent Girl program, encouraged María to further her studies and deepen her understanding of this field. “In my professional career, I aspire to contribute to enhancing sustainable aviation technologies and practices,” she added.
STEM women
María believes there is a positive evolution in the roles of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers. “Programs like STEM Talent Girl play a crucial role in providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill development for young women interested in STEAM careers. As a result, more women are entering traditionally male-dominated fields, bringing diverse perspectives and contributing to groundbreaking innovations,” she observed.
María is also passionate about rocket propulsion and aircraft design. “Regarding my professional future, I would love to work on a project that has a direct impact on society and the aerospace sector,” she expressed.
The Aircraft Operations Lab at UC3M is proud to support and mentor young talents like María García, who are the future of sustainable aviation. We look forward to seeing her ingenious contributions in the field!