Dr. Neelakshi Majumdar is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Concentration) at the University of Arkansas and an affiliate faculty member of the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences. She leads the Aerospace Systems Engineering and Transportation (ASYST) Lab. Dr. Majumdar's research focuses to develop new strategies and tools to make aerospace, systems, and transportation safer by leveraging concepts from aerospace systems engineering, data analysis, machine learning, and human factors.

Dr. Majumdar received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University with a focus on Aerospace Systems and Safety. She is an FAA Safety Team Representative, Senior Research Advisor at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, and a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Dr. Majumdar is also a private pilot and has flown Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior for over 170 hours.

Other Credentials

Private Pilot [Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed]

170+ flying hours in Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior

Safety Team Representative, Federal Aviation Administration
Senior Advisor, Advanced Air Mobility Institute
Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Member, AIAA General Aviation Technical Committee
Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
NSF Reviewer
Reviewer for multiple journals, books, and reports

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Lab Website

Research

The Aerospace SYStems engineering and Transportation (ASYST) lab at the University of Arkansas focuses to develop innovative strategies and tools to model systems and enhance safety within the aerospace and next generation transportation sectors. To achieve this goal, the lab leverages concepts from aerospace systems engineering, aviation psychology, and computer science. Their approach is grounded in data-driven methodologies, systems modeling, and the application of human factors principles.

Aerospace Systems Engineering

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Aviation Accident Data Analysis

Next-Generation Transportation

Integration of complex systems for aircraft and spacecraft, with a focus on enhancing safety and optimizing operations.

Analysis of accident and incident data using accident modeling methods and machine learning techniques, such as natural language processing.

Development of solutions and standards for the implementation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) such as, drones and air taxis into the current infrastructure.

Human Factors

Conducting surveys, interviews, flight simulator experiments with pilots and other stakeholders to understand the role of human factors in systems safety.

For more information, visit the ASYST lab website.

Publications

Google Scholar

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Majumdar, N., Marais, K., and Rao, A. (2021). Analysis of General Aviation fixed-wing aircraft accidents involving inflight loss of control using a state-based approach. Aviation, 25(4), 283-294. doi: 10.3846/aviation.2021.15837
Majumdar, N., and Marais, K. (2024). Human Factors in General Aviation Loss of Control: Survey of Pilot Experiences. Journal of Air Transportation, 1-12. doi: 10.2514/1.J051609
Majumdar, N., & Marais, K. (2024). A Deeper Dive into the Role of Human Factors in Loss of Control Incidents and Training: Interviews with Pilots and Flight Instructors. Safety Science (submitted).

Conference Proceedings

Kemp, A., Gernot, K., Majumdar, N., and Feyereisen, T. (2024). An Academic Training Syllabus for Flight Deck Human Factors Practitioners Derived from a Validated Required Skill Set. In European Association for Aviation Psychology Conference EAAP 35. Transportation Research Procedia (submitted).
Majumdar, N., Bhargava, D., El Khoury, T., Marais, K., & Duffy, V. G. (2023). An Analysis and Review of Maintenance-Related Commercial Aviation Accidents and Incidents. In International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction 2023 (pp. 531-547). Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14029. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-35748-0_36
Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. (2023). Interview of Pilots’ Inflight Loss of Control Experiences. International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2023, June 2023. Available online
Majumdar, N., & Marais, K. (2022). A Survey of Pilots’ Experiences of Inflight Loss of Control Incidents and Training. In AIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum (p. 3778). doi: 10.2514/6.2022-3778

Theses

Majumdar, N. (2023). State-based Analysis of General Aviation Loss of Control Accidents Using Historical Data and Pilots’ Perspectives (Order No. 30499136). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2806444500). Available online.
Majumdar, N. (2018). A State-based Approach for Modeling General Aviation Fixed-wing Accidents. M.S. Thesis, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States. Available online.

Technical Reports

Majumdar, N., Marais, K., Dillman, B., Cutter, J., and Kemp, A. (2022). PEGASAS Project 5: Safety Analysis of General Aviation Phase 2. FAA Technical Report. DOT/FAA/TC-xx/xx
Majumdar, N., Marais, K., Dillman, B., Cutter, J., Fala, N., Troyer, C., and Harvey, A. (2020). PEGASAS Project 5: Safety Analysis of General Aviation Phase 1. FAA Technical Report. DOT/FAA/TC-xx/xx

Talks

Invited Talks

Federal Aviation Administration. Online. The Aerospace Human Factors Research Division (AHFRD). New and Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) series. “A Deeper Dive into the Role of Human Factors in Loss of Control Incidents and Training: Interviews with Pilots and Flight Instructors.” Aug 22, 2024.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Delft, Netherlands. “Aerospace Systems Engineering and Safety Using Data-Driven and Human Factors Approaches”. May 24, 2024.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. “Aero Assist: Alumni Talk”. Feb 9, 2024.
Advanced Air Mobility Institute. Online. Global Advanced Air Mobility Forum. USA. Jan 25, 2024.
Chitkara University, India. “Engineering the Future: Advancing Aerospace Engineering Systems.” Dec 19, 2023.
Cogitations. “General Aviation Pilot Safety and Human Factors Research.” [Audio podcast episode]. Sep 12, 2023
22nd International Symposium on Aviation Psychology in Rochester, NY. “Interview of Pilots’ Inflight Loss of Control Experiences.” Stanley Roscoe Student Paper Competition Final. May 29, 2023.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. “What is your Ikigai?” 2023 Purdue Women’s Conference. Jun 8, 2023.
Rising Stars in Aerospace in Boulder, CO. “A Survey of Pilots’ Experiences of Inflight Loss of Control Incidents and Training.” May 12, 2022

Conference, Poster, and Other Technical Presentations

Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. (2022). A Survey of Pilots’ Experiences of Inflight Loss of Control Incidents and Training. 2022 Purdue Grad Showcase. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. September 26, 2022. (Poster Presentation)
Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. (2022). A Survey of Pilots’ Experiences of Inflight Loss of Control Incidents and Training. 2022 Rising Stars in Aerospace Symposium. University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO. May 12, 2022. (Oral Presentation)
Majumdar, N., Marais, K., Dillman, B., Cutter, J., and Kemp, A. (2022). PEGASAS Project Safety 5: Analysis of General Aviation. 2022 PEGASAS Annual Meeting. Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL. June 30, 2022. (Oral Presentation)
Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. (2019). Analyzing Loss of Control General Aviation Accidents to Recommend Preventive Maneuvers. 2019 PEGASAS Annual Meeting. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. June 5, 2019. (Poster Presentation)

Teaching

MEEG 491/591: Aerospace Systems Engineering and Safety

In our fast-paced world, systems are becoming increasingly complex, and so are the consequences of system failures. To address complex challenges and ensure the safety and reliability of systems, systems engineering provides a structured and interdisciplinary approach, offering tools and methodologies for efficient problem-solving and risk management across diverse industries.

Developed by Dr. Majumdar, this course was taught the first time in Spring 2024 at the University of Arkansas. The course aims to deepen students' understanding and excitement for aerospace systems engineering. It begins with a focus on systems engineering fundamentals and how these principles can be applied to the aerospace industry. Students learn to apply key concepts of systems design, systems safety, hazard analysis, and accident modeling methods. The course is interactive, comprising individual assignments, group work, presentations, and class discussions.

Learning Outcomes What you will learn in this course.png

MEEG 4523/5523: Astronautics

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Astronautical Engineering. Starting with an introduction to space missions and their elements, the course covers fundamental concepts like orbital mechanics, rocket design, spacecraft sub-systems, and mission design. Students will also explore human spaceflight, safety, and the future of space exploration. Aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and considerations in space missions, this course prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry and space exploration efforts.

Purdue University Teaching

AAE 251: Introduction to Aerospace Design

Course taught in Spring 2022 as an instructor of record.

This is a sophomore level introductory course for aerospace engineering and design. Students work in teams over the semester to develop either a space system or an aircraft design. Students learn about the process of designing a system, from figuring out how to turn a vague idea into a detailed concept design, to how to communicate your solution clearly. Students also learn the key aerospace engineering concepts, principles, and technical knowledge.

TECH 120: Design Thinking in Technology

Course taught for 15 semesters as an instructor of record (Fall 2016 – Fall 2021)

This is a freshmen level mandatory course where students engage in critical analysis of real-world problems and global challenges. They demonstrate the ability to recognize opportunity and to take initiative in developing solutions applying the principles of human-centered design. Students also learn to communicate effectively and to work in teams. Students examine the problems and devise their solutions from societal, cultural, and ethical perspectives.

Contact

Neelakshi Majumdar

Assistant Professor

Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR, USA

neelm@uark.edu

+1 (479) 575-3366