Humza Khan

B.S Aerospace Engineering ’25 (University at Buffalo)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

About

I am an Aerospace Engineering graduate from the University at Buffalo with hands on experience in aircraft, rocket, and spacecraft design, manufacturing, and testing. My work spans first principles analysis through fabrication and validation, with a strong focus on process control, structural integrity, and performance optimization. As one of the Manufacturing Leads for our AIAA Design Build Fly team, I directed fabrication of carbon fiber airframes, CNC laser cut structural components, and precision 3D printed tooling and hardware. Over three years, our team advanced to 12th internationally out of 112 teams, reflecting sustained improvements in engineering execution and build quality. I also served as Vice President and Lab Safety Officer of the UB AIAA Student Chapter, overseeing a $45,000 annual budget, coordinating technical teams, drafting safety manuals, and ensuring compliance with lab operating procedures. This role strengthened my ability to manage engineering risk, enforce process discipline, and lead multidisciplinary teams effectively. My technical background includes CFD using ANSYS Fluent, structural FEA, MATLAB based simulation, propulsion modeling, experimental aerodynamics, and heat transfer validation. I have contributed to solid rocket motor testing, precision nozzle machining within 0.01 mm tolerances, UAV flight data acquisition and analysis, and tolerance optimization in manufacturing systems. I am particularly interested in engineering roles that connect analysis with real world implementation, where modeling, materials behavior, and manufacturing processes converge to produce reliable and high-performance systems.

Experience

  • Materials Laboratory - Teaching Assistant at University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
    Jan 2025 - May 2025 · 5 mos

    In charge of grading all the lab quizzes for MAE385: Engineering Material Lab. Instruct students throughout their lab experiments & answer any questions. Oversee safety protocols when labs are under session. Verify experiment results of students to ensure that accurate data is being recorded and reported.

  • AIAA Student Chapter at SUNY Buffalo (2 yrs 9 mos)
    • Vice President
      May 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Work closely with the president and the rest of the e-board to manage events and budgeting, plan trips, source build material, find funding opportunities, and keep track of club inventory.

    • DBF - Laser Cutting Specialist
      Sep 2022 - May 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Maintained and serviced the in-house laser cutter, ensuring optimal performance through calibration and repairs. Improved laser cutting tolerances from 0.2mm to 0.04mm by fine-tuning focal lengths and mirror alignment. Created a detailed instruction manual and safety guidelines for safe machine operation. Designed and engraved custom award plates that were installed on the trophies of the award recipients. Led CNC laser cutting workshops and trained new members.

    • Event Coordinator
      May 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Planned logistics and details of all the club events and coordinated social media.