Supporting the Next Generation of Aerospace Engineers

Over a decade ago, Nick Alley used his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to create an aerospace defense technology company called Area-I, which designed and built unmanned aerial vehicles for the U.S. military and its allies. Alley sold his business in 2021, and today he’s using those profits to invest in the future of aerospace engineering right here at Utah State.

The sale of Area-I gave Alley more time to spend with his wife Laura and their five children. With more time on his hands, Alley also decided to share his experience in the defense and aerospace field and continue the legacy of former USU professor Warren Phillips.

Phillips’s taught aerodynamics classes at USU, which Alley took while pursuing his degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Under Phillips’ guidance, Alley’s passion for aerodynamics grew as he participated in the design, building and flight testing of several unmanned and manned aircraft, including a recreation of the iconic 1905 Wright Flyer, which was sponsored by the Space Dynamics Lab.

Alley would eventually go on to receive his Ph.D. at USU, with Dr. Phillips serving as his major professor.

“Dr. Phillips was a machine,” Alley said. “He entered the field of aerodynamics late in his teaching career, and within a few years of being a ‘student’ of the field himself, he had written a textbook and a flurry of peer-reviewed articles that enabled a more thorough understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and flight mechanics. Phillips’ impact on my life and career can’t be overstated; he was an incredible mentor and he taught me how to develop aero-software tools and an aircraft design process that would become the foundation of Area-I’s success.”

Nick and Laura created an endowed fellowship in Phillips’s name, dedicated to helping USU doctoral students engage in fundamental aeronautical research. Most university research is funded by outside organizations, which typically specify strict requirements for the research that they fund. In contrast, the fellowship funded by the Alley’s will allow faculty and students at USU much more flexibility to study fundamental topics.

“We are beyond grateful for what Nick and Laura have given us,” said Doug Hunsaker, the professor who will oversee the fellowship work. “Many of the most significant discoveries come out of unfunded research and having a full-time student with me means we can look at long-term and big-picture ideas within the field of aerospace.”

Although these days the Alley’s focus on family, Nick knows the future of aerospace engineering is safe in Hunsaker’s hands.

“Utah State has the best engineering program in the state, and I dare say one of the best in the country.” Alley said. “We intend to keep it that way.”

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