2026 Amelia Earhart Fellow: Emma Nicotra

Emma Nicotra is a Ph.D. candidate in aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University, specializing in experimental hypersonic aerothermodynamics and plasma-actuated flow control methods. She is a member of the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel Lab under Dr. Joseph Jewell, and the Plasma and Flow Visualization Lab under Dr. Sally Bane.

Ms. Nicotra’s research focuses on understanding the flow physics and dynamic behaviors of hypersonic shockwave/boundary-layer interactions (SWBLI). SWBLI result in unsteady flow structures which can cause critical vehicle failure if not addressed, but there is no single conclusive understanding of the mechanisms at work. For her dissertation, Ms. Nicotra conducts experiments in a low-disturbance hypersonic wind tunnel where she uses controlled plasma discharges to introduce tailored perturbations to the SWBLI system. Her goal is to shed light on the frequently debated origins of SWBLI unsteadiness and the nature of the dynamic system behind this phenomenon, while exploring options for active flow control that will improve vehicle safety.

Ms. Nicotra is also the student director of Purdue University’s Center for Integrated Physics of Hypersonics and Extreme Regimes (CIPHER), which is a university research center focusing on interdisciplinary research in the field of hypersonics. She holds a Master of Science in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University.

Before her graduate studies, Ms. Nicotra graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach. In 2022, the EmbryRiddle College of Engineering named her the Outstanding Undergraduate Student of the Year in aerospace engineering.

After finishing her doctoral studies in spring 2027, Ms. Nicotra plans to pursue a career in academia, with hopes to continue researching novel topics in high-speed aerodynamics and plasma applications.

Outside of her graduate work, Ms. Nicotra enjoys baking, woodworking, traveling and fostering kittens for her local humane society.