Matthew A. Clarke

Matthew A. Clarke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on sustainable aviation, electric aircraft propulsion, and aeroacoustics, with emphasis on thermal management systems for battery-electric aircraft. He holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University (2022), an M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford (2018), and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University (2016).

Clarke’s research addresses critical challenges in electric aviation, including battery thermal management, noise reduction, and flight performance optimization. Notable contributions include developing methodologies for sizing thermal management systems and predicting battery degradation in electric aircraft. His work spans applied aerodynamics, aerospace systems design, and computational modeling tools like SUAVE.

He is a member of the Vertical Flight Society, IEEE, and AIAA, and was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science (2023). Recent courses taught include AE 416: Applied Aerodynamics and AE 419: Aircraft Flight Mechanics.

His publications highlight advancements in thermal system design for eVTOL and regional aircraft, emphasizing safe operation and extended battery life. Current projects explore noise pollution impacts of urban air mobility and optimizing thermal systems to enhance aircraft longevity.