Shikha Redhal Aerospace Engineering, PhD candidate University of Maryland, College Park

Shikha Redhal is pursuing her doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. She received her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, India. She is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Advanced Propulsion Research Laboratory at UMD. Her current research focuses on studying the fundamental nature of Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) propulsion concepts. RDE is one of the novel engine concepts, gaining much interest from the aero propulsion industry, including the rocket and airbreathing propulsion community. She is studying the effect of dynamic interaction between propellant injection and the detonation wave inside RDE combustors. This study can be used to obtain qualitative insights into the complex RDE combustor processes and will provide the basis for developing novel and practical detonation-based engines.

She was the recipient of 2019 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Scholarship and was recognized among the exceptional women pursuing doctoral studies in the advanced field of aerospace engineering. She was also awarded the 2020 Gustave J Hokenson Aerospace Engineering Fellowship Award by the UMD Aerospace Engineering Department.

Outside of the academics, she was the member of National Service Scheme in India and organized blood donation camps, taught and educated underprivileged students. Currently, she is the Community Development Chair of the Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WIAA) at UMD and member of national chapter Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics (WoAA). After her PhD, she aims to work in the research institutions focusing in the space propulsion and contribute towards the development of next generation engines for aerospace industry.