Jesse Groves
Aerospace Engineer, Monte Sano Research Corporation
Statement of Purpose
- I am an aerospace engineer at Monte Sano Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL. I hold a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona, where I specialized in hypersonic wind tunnel testing and the study of shock/boundary layer interactions. Currently, my work focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for high-speed flight vehicles, with an emphasis on supersonic air-breathing inlets and isolators. I am dedicated to advancing my expertise in this field, contributing to the development of cutting-edge aerodynamic technologies for next-generation aerospace systems.
Education
- Graduated from the University of Arizona in Winter 2025 as a Graduate Research Assistant with a Master's degree in aerospace engineering.
- Research focusing in hypersonic wind tunnel experimentation - specifically in swept shock boundary layer interactions (Swept SBLI). This research is very relevant for inlets and isolators of hypersonic airbreathing propulsion systems.
- Lead graduate student in charge of characterizing new Arizona Polysonic Wind Tunnel (APWT) flow profile, designed new components to be used in APWT, and worked on programs to control tunnel.
- Developed methods to collect mean static pressure measurements, infrared thermography (IR) measurements, and oil flow visualization methods in APWT.
- Conducted experiments using IR camera to compare the physical properties of PEEK and 10K resin for cycling of high temperature wind tunnel testing.
- The wind tunnel behind me is a polysonic blowdown tunnel, and it is the largest facility of its kind in academia! This tunnel will have the capability to go from subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic - i.e. polysonic.
- Graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Spring 2022 with a bachelor of science degree in honors aerospace engineering. While at UTK, I was involved in several clubs and organizations. If you would like go more in-depth into any of these, look at the links above.
- Active member of the UTK chapter of AIAA - a national organization committed to helping students learn more about the aerospace field and get connected to professionals.
- Worked on the UTK team of NASA's RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge to design and build the chasis of a robot intended to collect water from under the surface of Mars.
- Worked as an undergraduate Research Assistant tasked with designing the structural components of a laminar flow airfoil.
- Worked with a group of undergraduates and professionals on NASA's University Leadership Initiative (ULI) to write and plan aerospace lessons for K-12 students.
- Lead my senior capstone group to design and test a balloon assisted launch system, more commonly known as a rockoon. The goal of this project is to help make it much more efficient to launch a payload into orbit by lifting a rocket above most of the atmosphere before launching. Rockoons are best for putting microsatelites into orbit much cheaper, and easier than previously done before.
Special Accomplishments
- Graduated with honors from the Cook Grand Challenge Honors program for my bachelor of science - requiring harder courses, volunteer work, and extra courses outside of my major to ensure a more diverse skill-set.
- Received Distinguished Tennessean Award.
- Awarded University of Arizona Graduate College Fellowship for the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Presented facilities to Mrs. Katie Hobbs - the governor of Arizona - to show her and her team a little bit about our wind tunnel facilities at the University of Arizona.
- The quote that I will always remember is this:
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine I have taken this to heart and use it as inspiration in everything I do in life. I have always said I may not be the best in the room, but I will work the hardest and give all I have to be the best. From sports to academia to fitness, I have always given my best and refuse to produce work that I am not proud of. I believe that life is meant to be challenging, and if we do not challenge ourselves, we can never grow to be our best.
Bio and Other Interests
- Outside of engineering, some of my other passions and hobbies are:
- Sports and fitness - I was a personal trainer for 3 years and I hope to run an IRONMAN one day.
- Reading - most recently I have read "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, "Career Killers Career Builders" by John Crossman, and "Blueprint" by Ross Edgley.
- Coding - I have been very interested in all types of coding from personal Python work, to electronics and even app development.
- Cooking - I cook al types of food and have recently began baking some patries as well.
- And anything else outdoors!
Thank you for reviewing my CV. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have for me. My contact info is listed below.