Dr. Neelakshi Majumdar is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Concentration) at the University of Arkansas and 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-subjects research.
Dr. Majumdar received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University. She is also working towards her private pilot license and has flown Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior for over 130 hours.
Other Credentials
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Student pilot (Federal Aviation Administration)
Ongoing training for Private Pilot License
130+ flying hours in Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior
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FAA Safety Team Representative, Federal Aviation Administration
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Senior Advisor, Advanced Air Mobility Institute
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Member, AIAA General Aviation Technical Committee
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Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
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Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
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NSF Reviewer
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Reviewer for multiple journals, books, and reports
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.
Systems Engineering
Integration of complex systems for aircraft and spacecraft, with a focus on enhancing safety and optimizing operations.
Accident Data Analysis
Analysis of accident and incident data using accident modeling methods and machine learning techniques, such as natural language processing.
Next-Generation Transportation
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 (coming soon).
Publications
Google Scholar
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
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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
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Majumdar, N., & Marais, K. (2024). Human Factors in General Aviation Loss of Control: Survey of Pilot Experiences. Journal of Air Transportation (submitted).
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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
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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
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Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. (2023). Interview of Pilots’ Inflight Loss of Control Experiences. International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2023, June 2023.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
Journal Articles in Preparation
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Majumdar, N. and Marais, K. A State-based Approach to Modeling Aviation Accidents by Extracting Information from Reports Using Natural Language Processing. Reliability Engineering and System Safety.
Talks
Invited Talks
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Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. “Aero Assist: Alumni Talk”. Feb 9, 2024.
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Advanced Air Mobility Institute. Online. Global Advanced Air Mobility Forum. USA. Jan 25, 2024.
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Chitkara University, India. “Engineering the Future: Advancing Aerospace Engineering Systems.” Dec 19, 2023.
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Cogitations. “General Aviation Pilot Safety and Human Factors Research.” [Audio podcast episode]. Sep 12, 2023
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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.
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Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. “What is your Ikigai?” 2023 Purdue Women’s Conference. Jun 8, 2023.
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
MEEG 4523/5523: Astronautics
Dr. Majumdar will be teaching a redeveloped Astronautics course from Fall 2024. This course covers the principles and technology behind spacecraft design and operations. It introduces students to orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, and mission design and analysis. 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.
More details coming soon!
Purdue University Teaching
AAE 251: Introduction to Aerospace Design
Taught this course 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
Taught this course 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
+1 (479) 575-3366
