Discover the excitement of aerospace engineering during this immersive, weeklong experience led by faculty from ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Tampa campus. ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ are introduced to the fundamentals of flight, propulsion, and aerodynamics through engaging, hands-on instruction designed to make complex concepts approachable and exciting.
Throughout the week, participants explore jet engines using a small-scale turbine system, train on FAA-certified flight simulators, experiment with drones and control systems, and work collaboratively to design, fabricate, and test aircraft wings using CAD tools and fabrication equipment in ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s Design for X Laboratory. The experience is further enhanced by a visit to a local aerospace engineering company, offering an inside look at real-world industry applications.
ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Details
Camp Director: Dr. Ahmadreza Vaselbehagh and Dr. Ajit Mujumdar
Location: ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Tampa Campus
Grade Levels: Rising 9th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: $1,450
| Dates | Campus | Is this eligible for Rocky's Residents? | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20th - 24th, 2026 | ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Tampa | Yes |
|
What to Expect
Foundations of Flight & Aerodynamics
ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ build core knowledge of how aircraft fly through hands-on activities, including wind tunnel experiments, supersonic flow demonstrations, and semi-assembly of an actual airplane and engine activation.
Jet Engines & Propulsion Systems
Participants explore how thrust is generated by working directly with a small-scale turbine engine and examining the mechanics of modern propulsion systems, capped with an industry field trip.
Simulation, Drones & Flight Control
Using ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s FAA-certified flight simulators, students learn flight controls, stability, and piloting concepts while also engaging in hands-on drone activities focused on autonomy and system integration.
Design, Build & Fly
Teams design, fabricate, and test their own aircraft while learning engineering design principles and collaborating in ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s advanced lab spaces.
The week concludes with a showcase of student-designed aircraft and direct engagement with ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ student organizations, including the Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics student chapter, and the student satellite club. Whether students dream of designing aircraft, piloting the skies, or launching systems into space, this program offers a powerful introduction to aerospace engineering at one of ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s leading research universities.
Useful Information
Registration & Program Details
When does registration open for the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program?
Registration for all 2026 summer programs will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program?
The ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program has a capacity of 30 campers.
Where is the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program located?
The ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program takes place on the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Tampa campus. We will share finalized location details as we get closer to the program start date.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program?
Our staff will be ready to greet your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM, with pick-up beginning at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for either drop-off or pick-up, please give us a call at (813) 974-3355 to keep us informed.
After registering for the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program, when will I start receiving logistical details?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program.
Do students need prior experience in engineering or aerospace?
No prior experience is required. All concepts are introduced at an age-appropriate level, and activities are designed for students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.
What should students wear?
ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ should wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, which are required for laboratory safety. Long hair should be tied back during lab activities.
Will there be a field trip?
Yes. The camp includes two supervised field trips to an aerospace engineering facility as part of the jet engines and propulsion activities and an aviation facility as part of the aerodynamics and aircraft design activities.
Staff & Safety
Who are the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Faculty/Staff who will be leading the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program?
The program will be led by Dr. Ahmad Vasel-Be-Hagh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬, and Dr. Ajit Mujumdar, Instructor in Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Vasel-Be-Hagh joined ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ in 2024 and directs the Thermofluids Discovery Laboratory. He is a thermal and fluid sciences expert with more than $2 million in research funding from agencies including the National Science Foundation, NASA, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. His work focuses on energy and aerospace systems, renewable energy impacts on the atmosphere, and next-generation technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft. Dr. Mujumdar brings extensive expertise in particle technology, mixing, and numerical modeling, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and research on advanced material processing techniques used in pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Together, they bring deep academic, research, and applied engineering experience to the program.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s youth protection and safety training.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program?
Yes, the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering Program is eligible for Rocky’s Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:
- 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
- All meals provided at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Dining Halls
- Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
- Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
- Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
- A campus tour and presentations from ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Admissions and Student Success
- Evening events with student organizations and ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty
- Laundry facilities for campers' use
- 24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp’s conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at the fun activities at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Aerospace Engineering
Check out other similar ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Summer Camps!
Explore bioengineering at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬! Work with expert faculty, dive into bioelectrical interfaces and medical tools, and experience hands-on labs while shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
Introduce your high schooler to the fascinating world of robotics at the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ High School Robotics Camp, hosted in collaboration with the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ College of Engineering!
ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Test Prep offers year-round SAT and ACT preparation. SAT courses are available in person at all three campuses, while both courses are also offered virtually.