Hannah Jones Explores the Future of Aerospace Engineering Through Research and Leadership
Hannah Jones, a senior mechanical engineering major from Benton, has spent her time at UA Little Rock immersed in research, leadership, and hands-on experiences that has prepared her for a future in aerospace engineering.
From conducting artificial intelligence research to leading the Aerospace Club, her journey has been defined by exploration and discovery. Drawn by its strong mechanical engineering program and its proximity to home, Jones chose UA Little Rock after being selected for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.
In her junior year, Jones discovered a passion for research and began working with Dr. Shweta Dabetwar, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, on damage classification using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Their work focuses on identifying damage in wind turbine blades and composite materials. Jones has already presented their research at the Materials Research Society Symposium at UA Little Rock and the International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition in Portland.
“Dr. Dabewar has been an incredible mentor,” Jones said. “She not only taught me in the classroom but also guided me through the research process, from conducting studies to presenting at conferences and making professional connections.”
Her academic experience extended beyond the classroom and lab. She took her education overseas, participating in a study abroad program in Ireland, where she worked with Silverback Staffing, an engineering staffing company. Her internship there involved creating a report on how engineering operates in the U.S. for Irish companies. The experience gave her insight into international engineering practices while allowing her to explore Dublin’s museums and culture.
Closer to home, she interned with Southwest Power Pool, gaining industry experience that complemented her research and leadership activities. As a founding member of the Aerospace Club, Jones played a pivotal role in its growth, serving as vice president and now president.
The club helps to spread a love for astronomy and space science across central Arkansas and engages in model rocketry projects, PICO ballooning—launching balloons that travel across the globe—and STEM education outreach through a mobile planetarium provided by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.
“We’re working on creating educational materials for Arkansas teachers and students,” Jones said. “It’s exciting to bring STEM activities into classrooms and inspire the next generation.”
Beyond the Aerospace Club, Jones has been involved in Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, where she served as social chair and helped organize events like this year’s Pi Day STEM Student Organization Fair. She’s also been a part of the Academic Registered Student Organization Banquet Committee, which highlights student organization achievements.
As she prepares to graduate on May 17, Jones is looking ahead to the next phase of her academic career. She will remain at UA Little Rock to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, continuing her research with Dabewar. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. and work in the aerospace industry, with a particular interest in NASA.
“I feel like this isn’t really the end, but just the next step,” Jones said. “UA Little Rock has given me so many opportunities, and I’m excited to keep building on them.”
Jones will be taking an important step in launching her NASA career this summer, where she will be working as a facility system safety intern at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.