Samantha Gildersleeve

Samantha Gildersleeve is a Researcher at the Center for Flow Physics and Control (CeFPaC) within the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2018) and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2014) from Roger Williams University.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2018)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Roger Williams University (2014)

Her research focuses on active flow control using piezoelectrically driven actuators and hybrid systems to manipulate laminar boundary layers, reduce flow separation, and enhance aerodynamic efficiency. She has contributed to studies involving low-aspect-ratio cylindrical pins and jet-assisted surface-mounted actuators, with applications in aerospace engineering.

Samantha has authored multiple publications in journals like the AIAA Journal and presented at conferences including AIAA Aerospace Sciences and the American Physical Society meetings. Her work has been supported by The Boeing Company and recognized through prestigious fellowships.

• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship (2016-2019)
• Boeing Scholarship (2015-2016)
• RPI Graduate Fellowship (2014-2015)
• 1st Place, National FAA Design Competition (2014)
• Alpha Chi National Honor Society (2012)

She actively participates in the CeFPaC lab, which collaborates with aerospace industries, national laboratories, and government branches, providing cutting-edge resources for advancing flow control technology.