Material Donation Energizes Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, has donated over $1 million worth of high-quality composite materials to Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute (MSU ACI), underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the academic and professional growth of future engineers.

Teams at Aurora’s manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi identified an opportunity to redirect composite materials that, while no longer suitable for production aerosystems, could still be valuable for other uses. These materials, including prepreg carbon fiber, resins, paints, and Kevlar, have now been repurposed for educational and research applications at ACI.

“This donation represents our dedication to not only advancing aerospace technology but also fostering the next generation of industry professionals,” stated Luke Colville, VP of Manufacturing at Aurora. “Although these materials have reached the end of their service life for our purposes, they will have a significant impact to the students and faculty at ACI. We are proud to support this innovative institute.”

MSU ACI is a leading research facility focused on advancing composite technologies for several industries including aerospace. ACI supports innovative, cross-disciplinary programs that address key challenges in material manufacturing and technology transfer. With access to leading technology experts and state-of-the-art facilities, ACI drives growth in composite materials, processes, and manufacturing, while fostering economic development, workforce training, and industry collaboration.

One notable application of the donated materials is the construction of the MSU Space Cowboys’ rocket for the Spaceport America 2024 competition. The student-led team used composite materials to build their rocket entirely in-house, utilizing Aurora’s autoclave for curing the composite structures. The Space Cowboys achieved 5th place in their division. This success highlights the benefits of Aurora’s support, and the high caliber of the students involved.

Aurora’s engagement extends beyond material donations. The company also provides mentorship and career development opportunities for MSU students. Employees regularly visit ACI to speak with students and offer guidance on projects and manufacturing careers in the aerospace industry. The exposure to diverse career opportunities, such as roles in production, design, quality control, and research, enables students to explore various career paths within aerospace manufacturing, setting them on a trajectory for long-term success in the industry.

Cody Hardin, a senior research engineer and lead trainer at ACI, says the collaboration bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, easing the transition for new-hire engineers into the workforce.

“The relationship between Aurora Flight Sciences and Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with cutting-edge aerospace materials and technologies,” said Cody. “Through guest lectures, facility tours, and raw material donations, students gain invaluable hands-on experience with industry-grade processes and materials. This partnership not only enriches the MSU engineering curriculum but also prepares our students to become future leaders in aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing.”

By supporting ACI, Aurora is helping to cultivate a new generation of aerospace professionals, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in aerospace. As ACI continues to push the boundaries of composite research and education, Aurora remains dedicated to supporting these initiatives and fostering the growth of future leaders in the field.