Alina Alexeenko

Alina Alexeenko is the Reilly Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics & Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics/Applied Mathematics from Novosibirsk State University (1997-1999) and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (2003). Her research spans rarefied gas dynamics, micropropulsion, and lyophilization technology, with a focus on computational methods and MEMS applications.

• Education:
  • B.S., Novosibirsk State University, Mathematics, 1997
  • M.S., Novosibirsk State University, Applied Mathematics, 1999
  • Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Aerospace Engineering, 2003

Her research interests include rarefied flow phenomena in high-altitude flight, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and vacuum manufacturing processes. She pioneered fast computational algorithms for deterministic solutions of rarefied flows and co-founded the Advanced Lyophilization Technology Consortium (LyoHUB). Key contributions include novel microdevice concepts for gas sensing and smallsat propulsion, and innovations in microwave-assisted lyophilization.

Recent articles focus on lyophilization optimization (e.g., closed-loop control, RF heating uniformity), micropropulsion systems (e.g., FEMTA thrusters), and aerospace applications like CubeSat deorbiting. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2011) and Purdue’s Excellence in Research Award (2013).

Grants and leadership roles include directing LyoHUB and chairing AIAA Thermophysics committees. Her educational efforts include vertically integrated projects for small satellite development and interdisciplinary engineering curricula.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Rarefied Gas Dynamics and Advanced Lyophilization (RGD & LyoHUB) research groups at Purdue, collaborating with industry and government agencies on propulsion, MEMS, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.