Ph.D. student Melissa A. Messenger, winner of a five-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, works to refine phase-changing materials at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park, in the Thermal Science Laboratory. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Daryl LaBello)

Synthetic materials capable of shape-shifting from a solid to a liquid state – now under development at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park – might someday help building managers save on cooling costs and ease the burden on our nation’s aging electrical energy grid.

Shape-Shifting Materials: Embry-Riddle Researchers Report Thermal Energy Breakthrough

Embry-Riddle graduate student Jonathon G. Nadeau tweaks a part on a prototype based on a concept from Michael Dupuis of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center that would leverage solar propulsion to clean up space debris. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/David Massey)

A sail that unfurls itself to propel a cube satellite using the sun’s power — developed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers — suggests a sustainable way to remove dangerous debris from space for years at a time.

Solar-Propelled Invention Designed to Clean Up Space Trash

Embry-Riddle student Uvesh Pawar, left, works on the Project Phoenix hybrid engine with Dr. Dave Spitzer in the Eagle Flight Research Center. Note: Photos were takenbefore COVI-19 social distancing and mask guidelines were implemented. (Photos: Embry-Riddle/Daryl LaBello)

A newly developed hybrid power plant promises a ratio of electric power-to-weight that is 4.6 times better than any existing battery system, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers reported.

Embry-Riddle Works to Advance Sustainable Environmentally Friendly Urban Air Mobility Vehicles

A rare Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle builds her nest. (Photo: National Park Service)

To better understand the behavior of multiple sea turtle species along Florida’s Space Coast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has teamed up with aviation leader Northrop Grumman and the Brevard Zoo to launch a drone-based surveillance effort.