UHCL launches Aerospace Seminar Series with NASA experts
The University of Houston-Clear Lake’s (UHCL) College of Science and Engineering (CSE) launched its 12-week Aerospace Seminar Series on Sept. 4 with an engaging presentation by Dr. Siddarth Kaki, navigation discipline engineer at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), on developing navigation technologies for human-rated spacecraft and lunar rovers. The weekly series, presented in partnership with NASA JSC, takes place every Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the STEM Building, Room 1203, and runs through Nov. 20.
The opening session, titled “An Introduction to Guidance, Navigation, and Control,” introduced students to the critical role GN&C systems play in aerospace engineering, from spacecraft launches and robotic systems to autonomous flight technologies. Drawing on real-world NASA missions, the speakers provided practical insights into how these complex systems operate, sparking strong engagement from a full house of aspiring engineers.
UHCL sophomore Melody Hernandez, who is a mechanical engineering major, described the session as “really fun and insightful.”
“We learned about everything from sending rockets to space, robotics, anything that has to do with sensors, motors, and figuring out location. I would definitely recommend the series, especially for students who aren't quite sure what they want to do yet,” Hernandez said.
Dr. Youssef Hamidi, program director of Aerospace Engineering, emphasized that the Aerospace Seminar Series is about more than lectures; it’s about giving UHCL students a front-row seat to the future of aerospace.
“By learning directly from NASA experts, students see how classroom theory transforms into technologies that guide spacecraft, enable exploration, and expand human presence beyond Earth,” Dr. Hamidi said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of engineers right here at UHCL.”
The series continues this Thursday, Sept. 11, with a session led by Dr. Greg Holt, navigation technical discipline lead at NASA JSC and system manager for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. With over 15 years of experience at NASA and a background as a veteran Mission Control navigator, Holt will present “RadioNavigation.”
Attendees will explore the evolution of radionavigation from early celestial techniques to modern GPS, NASA’s Deep Space Network, and emerging lunar relay satellite systems critical to Artemis missions. The talk will delve into key engineering concepts like triangulation, signal processing, and the unique challenges of deep-space communication.
Students from all majors are encouraged to attend and gain valuable insight into aerospace applications from leading NASA professionals.
For more information about the Aerospace Seminar Series, visit www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/departments/engineering/aerospace-seminar-series/.
