CU Boulder · Aerospace Engineering · Class of 2027

Building high-performance systems for aerospace and motorsport.

I design, analyze, and manufacture, from CFD-validated diffuser geometry to carbon fiber layups to FEA-tested drone frames. Seeking engineering internships for Summer 2026.

Formula car in the rain Liam Murphy
CU Boulder Racing · FSAE
McLaren Aero wing

I'm a junior Aerospace Engineering student at CU Boulder with a hands-on focus across aerodynamics, composites manufacturing, CAD, and systems validation. I care about building things that work under real conditions, not just in simulation.

My work spans Formula SAE aerodynamic development, smallsat system design, commercial client deliverables, and personal engineering projects. I've led and contributed to multidisciplinary teams ranging from university competitions to client-facing product work.

I'm strongest at the intersection of analytical design and physical manufacturing, taking a concept from CFD or FEA to a finished, tested part.

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May 2027
Expected Graduation · Aerospace Eng.
📍
Boulder, CO
University of Colorado Boulder
🏎
CU FSAE
Aerodynamicist & Composites Mfg.
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Race Driver
CU Boulder Endurance Team
Sep 2024 - Present CU Boulder Racing Team
Boulder, CO
FSAE Racing
FSAE Aerodynamicist / Manufacturer
CU Boulder Racing Team
  • Designed ground-effect undertray and diffuser using CFD pressure/velocity field analysis across two inlet geometries
  • Manufactured carbon composite aerodynamic elements and machined suspension components
  • Built a validated carbon fiber material dataset via tensile and compressive coupon testing for structural FEA
  • Conducted static and dynamic vehicle testing to validate aerodynamic performance
  • Coordinated across sub-teams to prevent design conflicts and ensure system-level integration
CFDCompositesFEAVehicle TestingCAD
Jan 2026 - Present LotSpot
Boulder, CO
LotSpot Housing
Client Project Team Lead
LotSpot
  • Managing sub-teams and project deliverables aligned to client-defined timelines and constraints
  • Redesigned CAD for parking sensor housing to provide weatherproofing and optimize for a smaller physical footprint
Project LeadershipCADProduct DeliveryClient Communication
Jan 2024 - Apr 2024 CU Boulder Aerospace Projects
Boulder, CO
CubeSat Platform
CubeSat Team Lead
CU Boulder Aerospace Projects
  • Designed and manufactured a small atmospheric satellite platform for extreme-environment motor and solar panel testing
  • Led a team of 8 engineering students, managing deliverables and design reviews from concept through build
SmallSatSystems IntegrationTeam LeadershipEnvironmental Testing
Aug 2020 - Jun 2023 VEX Robotics
Davie, FL
VEX Robotics Competition
Design Lead, Team 4154X
VEX Robotics Competition
  • Led mechanical design of game-solution systems across multiple competition seasons
  • Reached Finalist status at VEX World Championship 2022
Mechanism DesignCompetition RoboticsTeam Leadership
Passion for racing, behind the wheel.

Motorsport isn't just something I engineer around. It's something I compete in. After joining CU Boulder Racing Team's Endurance branch as a test driver, I made the move to full race driver and took the wheel at a Champcar Endurance Series event at G2 Motorsports Park.

The team ran a flawless weekend. We finished 5th in class and 6th overall, a result built on clean, consistent driving and a car that held together start to finish. It was my first endurance race, and it reinforced everything I believe about the relationship between engineering and performance on track.

I'm continuing to work with the team and looking forward to more time on grid. The goal is simple: go faster, finish races, and keep improving.

5th
In Class
6th
Overall
G2
Motorsports Park
Champcar EnduranceRace DriverEndurance RacingCU Boulder
CU Boulder Endurance Team Racing helmet
CFD pressure field of undertray
FSAE · Sep 2024 - Present
Ground-Effect Undertray & Diffuser

Designed and validated a full undertray and diffuser system targeting increased downforce and cornering velocity under FSAE rules constraints.

Inlet/throat geometry constrained by suspension packaging and competition rules
Two inlet designs iterated via CFD to minimize underbody pressure and maximize diffuser mass air flow
Carbon composite elements manufactured with quality-controlled layups for weight and consistency
Performance validated through static and dynamic vehicle testing
CFDAerodynamicsCompositesCAD
Carbon fiber coupons
FSAE · 2024-2025
Carbon Fiber Coupon Testing & Material Characterization

Built a validated material dataset for the FSAE car's carbon fiber laminate to enable accurate structural FEA in future component design.

Manufactured coupons with controlled epoxy content to assess laminate property variability
Performed tensile and compressive testing to extract strength and modulus values
Iterated coupon geometry and layup procedure to reduce scatter and improve repeatability
Dataset directly feeds structural FEA for future aero components
CompositesMaterials TestingFEAManufacturing
FPV racing drone prototype
Personal Project · Sep 2025 - Present (WIP)
FPV Racing Drone

Designing and building a small/midsize class FPV racing quadcopter from scratch, 3D-printed frame, off-the-shelf avionics, targeting a power-to-weight ratio of 3+.

Avionics selected via constraint-driven trade study on weight, size, and power
Motor arms designed with integrated spars, validated by FEA (max deflection: 0.164 mm)
Max velocity and angular rates computed using quadcopter rigid-body equations of motion
Iterative flight and static testing used to refine frame and avionics packaging
FEA3D PrintingAvionicsFlight Dynamics
LotSpot housing CAD
Client Engineering · Jan 2026 - Present
LotSpot Camera/Computer Housing

Redesigned the enclosure for a smart parking lot monitor, shrinking its footprint, hardening it for outdoor weather exposure, and adding a driver-facing LED availability indicator.

Exterior shell sealed with weatherproof epoxy; no exterior mounting holes to preserve seal integrity
All hardware mounted to interior frame, decoupling structural loads from the weatherproof shell
Lid uses a double o-ring design to block moisture ingress into the interior
Rear LED progress bar communicates available parking percentage directly to drivers
Mechanical CADEnclosure DesignWeatherproofingClient Delivery
Engineering & Analysis
Aerodynamic Design CFD FEA CAD MATLAB Flight Dynamics Systems Integration
Manufacturing & Testing
Composites Manufacturing Carbon Fiber Layup Machining 3D Printing Vehicle Testing Materials Testing
Leadership & Delivery
Team Leadership Project Management Client Communication Technical Documentation Design Reviews
Education
Aerospace Engineering CU Boulder GPA: 3.2 Class of 2027
Open to engineering internships for Summer 2026.

I'm looking for hands-on roles in aerospace, motorsport, or mechanical engineering, anywhere the work involves real design, analysis, and manufacturing. Let's talk.