OUR TEAM

Project Co-Lead, Structures & Aerodynamics Lead

Adam Yang

Hi! I am a junior majoring in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering and an active member of the Stanford Reconfigurable and Active Structures Lab. I've led aerospace projects with the Stanford Flight Club and Student Space Initiative and launched a successful venture-backed startup to make engineering education accessible, gaining 36,000 followers in six months. In the future, I aim to revolutionize transportation and logistics through cutting-edge aerospace technology! 

Project Co-Lead, Avionics Lead

Ezzat Suhaime

I'm an undergrad studying aerospace, computer science, and electrical engineering. I love the grittiness of hardware and the fast iteration of software. I've always been interested in aerospace. My grandfather used to drive me to the airfield every day. In middle school, I built RC planes out of foam and cheap electronics. By high school, my interests expanded to software and operations. Now, at university and with ample studying, the wonder of planes and spacecraft has evolved into an understanding. I want to use this knowledge to continue making aerospace magical.

Project Co-Lead, Structures Engineer

Malaya Gaerlan

Hello! I am an undergrad and co-term master’s student pursuing a BS in molecular biology and an MS in materials science & engineering. I want to be an innovator accelerating breakthroughs in producing new materials with beneficial health implications.

I am endlessly amazed at the unpredictable beauty Earth has to offer. I enjoy uncovering the secrets of remarkable cellular machinery and conquering the skies to see all life—united by blue seas and green land—from above.

Aerospace engineering and sustainable aviation are my passions. I am the vice president of the Stanford Moonshot Club and Stanford Flight Club and have been co-leading the Solar Airplane Project for the past 2 years.

Aerodynamics Engineer

Curran Jacobus

I am an undergrad student in the Chemical Engineering department, also minoring in Aero/Astro Engineering. Stemming from a lifetime passion for fixed-wing aviation and experience as a private pilot, I am thrilled to be applying my engineering skills in fluid analysis and multivariable optimization to the Solar Airplane Project, paving the way for a future of sustainable aviation solutions.

Structures Engineer

Malek Abu-Shawish

I am a junior in the Aeronautics & Astronautics Department and also serve as the Workspace Manager for the Flight Club in general. On Solar Plane, I work on the Structures Team and have mainly been designing and refining our interface systems for connecting our wings to the plane's body. Otherwise, I love attending our club's biweekly Fly Days and have been learning to pilot our RC fleet. Outside of the club, I work as a lifeguard at our very own pools, and I love playing intramural sports like volleyball and basketball.

Avionics Engineer

Spencer Hise

Hello! I am a class of 2026 undergrad currently studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. I enjoy all things aerospace-related, from RC pilotage to general aviation, with a particular soft spot for flight test operations.

I love designing, building, testing, (and crashing), projects and prototypes to further my learnings and experiences; particularly with regards to fast paced and hard working environments, which has made Solar Airplane a great fit for me.

For the future, I hope to continue to develop my academic, practical, and leadership skills so that I may help to instill beneficial safety, design, and accountability practices within the aviation industry.

Structures Engineer

Edward Katz

Hi, I'm Edward, a freshman currently studying Mechanical engineering. I'm originally from Cary, North Carolina, and I've always had a passion for hands-on problem-solving, design, and--of course--aerospace engineering. I've spent the past few summers diving into biomechanical research and prototyping through an internship at NC State University, and have loved having a passion project like Solar Airplane to continue my childhood hobbies of building model airplanes, drones, and rockets.

Outside of creating awesome stuff, I'm an avid musician and singer, and love adventure whether through physical activity, travel, or trying something new.

Aerodynamics Engineer

Vale Rasmussen

Hello there! I am a current undergraduate and coterminal student pursuing a B.S. and M.S. in Aero/Astro Engineering with a minor in History. Growing up near the LAX airport, I inevitably fell in love with aviation and aircraft at a young age. I am especially passionate about commercial aviation and its ability to bring our world closer together. Flight simulators served as my introduction to piloting, and I eventually earned my private pilot certificate in 2022. I am also a member of the Stanford Intelligent Systems Laboratory where I currently work on a project evaluating the use of LLMs in a cockpit advisory system. Within Solar Plane, I help design and validate the aerodynamics of our aircraft with tools like XFLR 5. It is a pleasure to be a part of this awesome team and contribute to a project that combines my interests in renewable energy and aviation.

Structures Engineer, Wings R&D

Stephanie Ling

I’m an undergraduate studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering with a minor in Music. I’ve loved flying since I was a child, even enjoying the turbulence because it reminded me of roller coasters. It’s funny how that aspect of flying, which makes most people nervous, gave me confidence in that giant metal tube. This curiosity led me to explore the science and engineering behind flight, drawing me to aerospace, where I see a blend of technique and the beauty of nature.

Growing up with both of my parents as classical musicians has shaped my appreciation for creativity and emotion, deepening my understanding of the balance between technical skill and imaginative expression. As I continue my studies, I aim to innovate in aerospace while remaining connected to my musical roots, fostering a mindset that encourages thinking outside the box.

Structures Engineer, Fuselage R&D

Adeline Zuckerman

Hello! I’m an undergrad studying Aero/Astro, and I work on the structures team designing and building fuselages. Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated with the stars and how to get to space. This led me to work at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, where I get to teach thousands of visitors about what I love: air, space, and everything residing within those mediums! In the future, I hope to make a significant impact on the new era of space exploration by designing rockets fit for long term space travel. In my free time, if I’m not in Cedar CADing or making wing sections, I’m probably walking around lake lag with a matcha in hand. Ad astra!

Structures Engineer

Teresa Perez

Hi! I'm a class of 2027 studying Mechanical Engineering. Ever since I first began playing with LEGOs as a kid, I have been fascinated with building things, whether that was cars, houses, or airplanes. As I grew up and experimented with new materials and manufacturing processes, my skill set grew, allowing me to build amazing things like solar-powered airplanes.

Structures Engineer

Mark Tain

Hi I am Mark. I make stuff, but mostly airplanes.

Structures Engineer

Mack Rutherford

Hello! I am a sophomore studying molecular biology. I am also the co-lead of Stanford Flight Club’s aviation group. I have always been fascinated by everything aviation, having become the world's youngest pilot and the youngest person to fly solo around the world. Since coming to Stanford, being part of the Solar Plane team has been the best way for me to continue my passion in between my studies and to meet a group of people with the same interests and passions as I have.

Member

Alejandro Aguirre

I am a sophomore studying mechanical engineering with an interest in design and aerospace. I have loved everything to do with planes ever since I was in high school, where I was involved in Air Force JROTC and had the opportunity to get my private pilot's license through an Air Force Scholarship. My passion for the military, planes, and design has all combined into my dream of one day designing planes of my own. I hope to continue to allow this dream to grow within the Solar Plane community.

Former Project Lead

Matthew Tan

Matthew founded and led the Solar Plane Project until he graduated in 2024.