Melvin Rafi

Melvin Rafi is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, part of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His research focuses on aircraft flight dynamics, control systems, and aviation safety, particularly in loss-of-control mitigation and augmented-reality displays. He holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University.

• Education:
• PhD, Aerospace Engineering, Wichita State University, 2020
• MS, Aerospace Engineering, Wichita State University, 2013
• BS, Aerospace Engineering, Wichita State University, 2007

His work emphasizes real-time adaptive control systems, resilient aircraft control architectures, and safety-enhancing technologies like augmented-reality pilot advisory displays. Recent publications explore predictive loss-of-control avoidance, Kalman-filter-based adaptive control, and flight dynamics in flexible aircraft. Rafi has conducted extensive pilot-in-the-loop simulations and flight tests to validate these systems.

His research trends highlight integration of artificial intelligence, neural networks, and human factors into aviation safety frameworks. Notable projects include real-time control margin prediction and failure recovery mechanisms for general aviation and transport aircraft.

Rafi’s professional experience includes postdoctoral research at Wichita State University’s General Aviation Flight Lab before joining CU Boulder. He collaborates on projects involving 3D design visualization, flight simulation systems, and sensor technologies for real-time aircraft diagnostics.