Nathanial Zou Zhao

University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering | M-Fly Aero Design

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

About

Graduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan with an interest in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.

Experience

  • M-Fly Aero Design (Part-time · 3 yrs 9 mos)
    • Regular Class Chief Engineer
      Jun 2025 - May 2026 · 1 yr

      • Oversaw development, design, and manufacturing of M-18, M-Fly’s Regular Class aircraft for the 2026 SAE Aero Design East competition • Led a multidisciplinary team consisting of aerodynamics, propulsion, mechanical systems, and manufacturing engineers • Established, tracked, and enforced requirements and specifications to ensure performance and adherence to rules • Ran weekly stand-up meetings, managed deadlines, and delegated responsibilities to keep team on track • Performed scoring analysis to maximize aircraft placement and led creation of a technical report for SAE about the aircraft

    • Regular Class Mechanical Systems Director
      May 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

      • Oversaw design and analysis of structures, mechanisms, and other mechanical systems on M-17, M-Fly's Regular Class aircraft for the 2025 SAE Aero Design competition • Designed components and assemblies in CAD using Siemens NX and performed both hand analysis and simulation using Ansys to validate performance and behavior • Tracked and managed CG and static margin using both a balance sheet and CAD to ensure a stable aircraft • Created new training and documentation materials for leads and general members to improve knowledge retention • Led two specialist leads and several general members directly, along with running meetings involving Mechanical Systems personnel from all three M-Fly aircraft programs

    • Regular Class Structures Lead
      Apr 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

      • Led the structural design of the M-16, M-Fly’s Regular Class aircraft for the 2024 SAE Aero Design competition, achieving multiple successful flights, 2nd place for design, and a 15% weight reduction compared to previous aircraft • Created and maintained CAD models of all aircraft parts and assemblies using Siemens NX and Teamcenter • Performed analysis of components using both hand calculations and finite element analysis to verify structural integrity • Co-led twice weekly meetings involving fellow leads and subteam members to facilitate design work, discussions, and member training • Authored a technical report for SAE justifying the decisions and processes utilized in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of the M-16

  • Research Assistant at University of Michigan College of Engineering
    May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

    ● Explored methods for increasing the performance of airbags in oblique and offset impacts in collaboration with the Toyota Research Institute of North America ● Conducted literature review on existing products and technologies to identify gaps in airbag designs ● Designed and fabricated lab scale proof of concept prototypes ● Collaborated with lab members on conceptualizing and designing a spoiler and its actuation mechanism for Toyota’s Mothership project ● Created comprehensive final presentation on project details for Toyota personnel and archives