English-2-Engineering (E2E) Program
Under the leadership of the Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence at Virginia Tech, the English-2-Engineering (E2E) program is an opportunity for undergraduate students of all experience levels to strengthen their communication, professional and technical skills. The program theme is "sustainability in aerospace propulsion". New visions are being formed now that may dramatically change air travel and logistics in our lifetimes. With technologies on the horizon such as hybrid-electric aircraft and carbon-neutral aerospace biofuels, we have an opportunity to impact the future direction of the propulsion industry and chart an environmentally and economically sustainable course.
About the Center of Excellence: The Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence at Virginia Tech focuses upon research for advanced instrumentation and engine systems validation. The research leverages our extensive laboratory capabilities at the Advanced Propulsion and Power Laboratory. The facilities host two turbofan and two turboshaft research engines which are regularly operated for research. We also have an array of state-of-the-art instrumentation including high-speed particle image velocimetry, particle analyzers, and laser Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy. Research through the Center of Excellence guides development efforts at Pratt & Whitney and is often transitioned to practice, directly impacting their products.
The purpose of the E2E program is to grant selected undergraduate student participants, especially those from underrepresented groups in the propulsion industry, an enriching experience that expands perspectives on sustainability in aerospace propulsion. The participants will be supported for developing industry-relevant communication skills, as well as skills for research and technical project execution. The E2E name stems from the focus on developing skills for translating everyday English into engineering objectives or approaches.
Participants should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week on E2E activities. Most of this time is toward their individual projects, including communicating their progress to the E2E group. One-hour group meetings will occur weekly and industry engagement seminars will occur approximately every two weeks.
Students can participate in E2E throughout their undergraduate experience.
- engagement with propulsion industry professionals and propulsion research faculty leaders
- exposure to internship and employment opportunities at Pratt & Whitney, as well as graduate school funding opportunities at Virginia Tech
- access to propulsion research laboratories and activities at Virginia Tech
- opportunities to develop skills in support of careers in industry
- funding to purchase materials/supplies or services needed to carry out the proposed project
There opportunities for academic credit through undergraduate research or selected special topics elective courses.
Use the form here.
The following criteria will be used for selecting participants:
- Resume: 50%
- Aptitude for development in the E2E program based upon the proposal: 50%
The number of offers made is subject to available resources and vacancies available.
Any undergraduate student at Virginia Tech who is open to learning more about the propulsion industry (including majors other than engineering) is welcome to apply. In the spirit of the Beyond Boundaries program, we value the broader perspectives that will be provided by engaging participants throughout the university.
It is important to note that this program is not a capstone project. First-, second-, and third-year students are particularly encouraged to apply, as multi-year involvement and internships may be offered to them.
Team award winners
Most progress - Our top award. Awarded to the team that exhibits the most impressive technical outcomes, effectively transforming ideas into impactful actions during the academic year.
2022-2023: Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Members - Riley Benefiel, Chloe Gaylor, Dalton Grantham, Rob Niehaus, Izzy Panek, Peter Rassam, and Sam Teolis.
Best annual presentation - Awarded to the team that communicates their plans and findings most effectively in the end-of-year review.
2022-2023: Wildfire Ash Ingestion, Members - Menwa Besheer, Tony DiGregorio, Kristin Eickelbeck, Matthew Morrison, and Michael Walling.