Ambassador Level
Accomplished (Score: 1830)
Region
India, Trivandrum , Kerala.
Institution
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Contact
mohneelakandan(at)amb.iaac.space
I am an aspiring aerospace scientist and space researcher, currently pursuing a Direct Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to space science and engineering. My academic journey began with a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), where I developed a strong foundation in propulsion,Low/ high-speed aerodynamics, and numerical simulation. Coming from a humble background, I transformed early struggles into powerful stepping stones, immersing myself in leadership, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration from my first year onward. At KCT, I served as the Board of Director for Kumaraguru SEDS and Chairperson of the Observational Astronomy Team. I spearheaded numerous skywatching programs and telescope sessions, initiated the college’s first astrophotography observatory, and led public outreach events. As an Ambassador of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC), I mentored 26 students—23 of whom earned international honors—earning the World Best Ambassador Award and a Silver Honor as a finalist in IAAC 2024. I also led the Academic Innovation vertical as President, supporting undergraduate researchers and creating a platform for institutional innovation across engineering disciplines. I contributed to NASA’s DART Mission as a Planetary Defender and have identified two active asteroids as part of the International Asteroid Search Campaign. I’m a Student affiliate of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and part of the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technical Committee, where I engage in research focused on planetary entry and descent systems. Additionally, I’m affiliated with the International Astronomical Union’s Commission on Planetary Sciences. In the realm of rocketry, I contributed to the Team Tenacity Sounding Rocket Project, leading propulsion and electronic subsystem integration. I have experience with software tools like Ansys Fluent, MATLAB, Python, and Catia. My Ph.D. research focuses on supersonic flows, shock wave–boundary layer interactions, and nozzle separation control, aiming to improve reusable launch vehicle performance and atmospheric re-entry safety. Driven by purpose, persistence, and a mission to democratize STEM education, I strive to empower future generations of aerospace learners—especially those from underrepresented communities—through scientific outreach, mentorship, and real-world space research.