United States
I’m Sidh Pandya, a senior at Stuyvesant High School driven by aerospace engineering, entrepreneurship, and self-mastery. My long-term goal is to build a sustainable aerospace company that pushes the limits of propulsion, starting with hydrogen-based Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) and ultimately advancing Direct Fusion Drives to enable faster, cleaner deep-space travel. My research focuses on sustainable propulsion systems, particularly RDEs. I’ve investigated hydrogen as a clean, high-performance fuel and analyzed performance tradeoffs between hollow and annular combustor geometries through experimental and numerical literature. My work synthesizes how design choices affect efficiency, operability, and thermal loading, while proposing pathways to mitigate the thermal challenges that currently limit long-duration RDE operation. Beyond research, I founded Next-Gen Rocketry, a student-led initiative recognized and funded by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) that has taught 1000+ elementary students across NYC the fundamental physics and engineering principles of rocketry through hands-on activities. Growing up with limited access to STEM opportunities, I’m committed to making aerospace education accessible to students in underserved communities. Additionally, I design and build sustainable model rockets optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and flight performance under defined mission goals, integrating systems such as telemetry and dual deployment. I apply the same discipline to powerlifting and boxing that I bring to engineering: relentless improvement, strategic thinking, and resilience. I’m working to pioneer the future of sustainable propulsion while helping inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Conducted an in-depth literature review on comparing the relatively new hollow combustor with conventional annular combustors in rotary detonation engines in terms of performance and operational reliability for practical applications. Potential solutions to mitigate performance deficits in the hollow combustor are also proposed. Paper peer-reviewed and currently in revision at NHSJS.
I lead Next-Gen Rocketry, a free STEM education initiative funded by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) that teaches sustainable rocketry and aerospace fundamentals through hands-on activities to NYC schools and community centers in underserved areas. Having taught over 1000+ kids across NYC, I’ve introduced elementary and middle-school students to physics and engineering principles using model rockets and simple materials. Our goal is to make STEM accessible and exciting for all kids, regardless of background, and to inspire them to dream big and boldly. Learn more: https://aerospace79.wpcomstaging.com/next-gen-rocketry-workshop/
Designed, simulated, built, and tested multiple high-performance model rockets with telemetry and dual deployment to deepen my understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering. Integrated sustainable materials, custom CAD components, onboard data-logging systems. Applied principles of aerospace engineering, including thrust modeling, center-of-pressure alignment, and fin optimization, while iterating through full design–build–test cycles. These projects strengthened my technical skills in physics, electronics, and prototyping and laid the foundation for my work in aerospace engineering.
Designed and modeled a custom extruder for a low-cost large-format 3D printer prototype with a build volume of 800×800×1000 mm and total cost under $500, optimizing for functionality and manufacturability. Collaborated with a team of interns on mechanical assembly integration, improving structural efficiency and usability. Reduced costs ~67% and production time ~90% by replacing imported parts with in-house 3D-printed components, enhancing prototype accessibility for schools, makers, and small businesses.
Research project on using sustainable hydrogen fuel for promising propulsion technology called rotary detonation engines. Presented to 200+ students and faculty in auditorium. Ranked top 3. Invited to Geological Society of America Conference. Presented at York College in JFK Aviation & Aeronautics Program.