Applied Engineering Research Lab
About AERL
A student engineering research lab at De Anza College. We derive models, simulate systems, build prototypes, and publish work the next cohort can continue.
What AERL is
AERL is where students build full-stack engineering systems. We start from first principles, derive the equations, simulate the behavior, and then push the design into hardware, software, validation, documentation, and handoff.
The current flagship work is the Flight Control System project, but the lab is not defined by one vehicle. The point is to understand why machines work, not just assemble them, and to leave behind systems the next team can understand and extend.
Founded
2026
AERL launched as a student-led engineering research lab at De Anza College.
Current Members
63
A cross-disciplinary team spanning hardware, controls, software, and documentation.
Committees
4
Controls, hardware, electronics, and simulation working groups.
Flagship Platform
FCS
A flagship systems program spanning embedded control, simulation, and prototype validation.
Mission
- Execute ambitious engineering projects
- Develop engineering talent
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- Contribute to open knowledge through publications and open-source work
- Bridge academia and industry
Vision
- Theory learned in class is applied directly to projects.
- Failures are structured learning opportunities, not dead ends.
- Members leave more capable than they arrived.
- The work matters beyond a single quarter or a single team.
Values
How the lab operates
Rigor
We do things right: test thoroughly, document completely, validate claims, and learn from mistakes.
Collaboration
We work across boundaries so knowledge and ownership are shared instead of trapped in one subgroup.
Ambition
We take on problems that force us to grow technically instead of settling for safe demos.
Openness
We publish what we learn so the next team can start from a stronger place.
Leadership Team
| Advisor | Fatemeh Yarahmadi |
|---|---|
| Co-President | Kaung Thet Zaw |
| Co-President | Benn Nguyen |
| Technical Director | Harrison Truong |
| Technical Strategist | Zhen Huey Lee |
| Public Relationship Officer | Myat Thu Htet |
| Treasurer | Thu Thu Win Tun |
| ICC Representative | Minh Le |
Lab Structure
Controls & Dynamics
PID controller design, sensor fusion, state estimation, flight algorithms, and log-driven tuning.
Hardware & Fabrication
Airframe design, motor/propeller selection, mechanical assembly, and physical parameter measurement.
Electronics & Power
ESCs, power distribution, wiring, connectors, telemetry paths, and electrical safety.
Simulation & Software
Flight simulation, telemetry tooling, data logging pipelines, and offline analysis.
Open Technical Leads
- Controls & Dynamics
- Simulation & Software
- Hardware & Fabrication
- Electronics & Power Management
We are still filling final committee lead assignments and documenting the full roster by year and major.