Welcome!
Welcome!
My name is Brett Michal. I am finishing my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at Old Dominion University and have a strong passion for aerospace and rocketry.
I co-founded the Old Dominion Rocketry Club and had the pleasure of leading ODU's first ever entry in the International Rocketry Engineering Challenge (IREC) 2025 in the 10K COTS Category.
Brett Michal
About Me
As a senior Mechanical Engineering student at Old Dominion University, I am on track to graduate in December 2025. My academic journey has been shaped by a wide range of technical internships, personal engineering projects, and leadership experiences, particularly in the field of rocketry.
Throughout my time at ODU, I’ve built a strong foundation in 3D modeling, simulation, and system design through both coursework and hands-on application. These skills have driven my passion for aerospace innovation and led me to co-found and lead the ODU Rocketry Club. Under my leadership, we advanced to our first-ever competition at the Spaceport America Cup (IREC), where I managed propulsion, aerostructure, and recovery subsystems.
Outside of competition, I’ve earned my Level 3 High Power Rocketry Certification and am currently developing a custom hybrid rocket motor using nitrous oxide and paraffin wax. These projects reflect not only my technical curiosity but also my dedication to advancing aerospace systems through practical experimentation.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing to apply to graduate school with the goal of specializing in propulsion systems and rocketry-focused research. Whether through academia, NASA, or the private sector, I am driven to be part of the next generation of aerospace innovation by pushing the envelope of what is possible in spaceflight and engineering.
Engineering Projects