Details
MAE Seminar: Strong Foundations, Expanding Horizons: From Mechanics and Structural Analysis to Evolving and Diversifying Aerospace Capstone Design
Date: September 3, 2026
Time: 12:50 PM Location: MAE-A 303
Dr. Ting Dong
Instructional Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of Florida
Abstract
This presentation highlights my approach to mechanical and aerospace engineering education across a broad range of courses, from Mechanics of Materials, Aerospace Structures, and Finite Element Analysis and Design to Aircraft Design and Spacecraft Design. I will discuss how I help students develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics and structural analysis and apply them to real engineering problems. Building on these foundations, I will highlight how my Aircraft Design and Spacecraft Design courses have evolved and diversified through a range of conceptual design challenges and, more recently, hands-on design-build-test experiences involving prototype fabrication, testing, and iteration.
Biography
Ting Dong is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. Her teaching spans engineering mechanics, structural analysis, finite element analysis, and aerospace capstone design. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2020 and her M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2016, both from the University of Florida. Prior to joining UF, she worked as a licensed aircraft structures engineer at China Southern Airlines. Her recognitions include Runner-up in UF’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, the People’s Choice Award at the Florida Statewide 3MT Competition, and the Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award.
Faculty Host: Dr. Rick Lind