Amrutha Dasyam is a Wichita State Ph.D. candidate majoring in aerospace engineering. Her research focuses on spacecraft trajectory design and planning using artificial intelligence at Wichita State’s Astronautics Laboratory. In 2021, she earned her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Wichita State and stayed to pursue her doctorate through the postbaccalaureate plan of study. Now as a doctoral student, she focuses on her research in her graduate research assistant role.  

Already familiar with the Aerospace Engineering department, working at the Astronautics Lab was a welcoming environment. There, Dasyam’s research centers on aero-assist maneuvers such as aerobraking and aerocapture—techniques that help spacecraft enter the final science orbit more efficiently. She uses machine learning to estimate atmospheric density and to develop adaptive guidance and control systems that respond to changing flight conditions. To support trajectory planning, Dasyam designs algorithms, runs simulations and analyzes data to evaluate performance and accuracy. 

Outside research in her role, Dasyam promotes aerospace to the next generation through prospective student programming. She volunteers for lab tours and summer camps and highlights the possibilities within the field of aerospace to high school students with demonstrations of flight simulations. She also collaborates with her advisor, Dr. Atri Dutta, on academic publications and conference presentations, sharing research with a broader audience. 

“I guide high school students through aerospace concepts, and hands-on demos like Arduino setup for spacecraft attitude determination,” Dasyam said. “I even help them fly a plane in our flight simulators. It is a fun way to share the aerospace field with future engineers.” 

As a student, Dasyam remains active in Shocker Nation, serving as vice president of the College of Engineering Graduate Ambassadors. She’s also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Wichita State chapter. Her leadership and involvement earned her recognition as a finalist for the Graduate Student of the Year – Doctoral Award.  

“Being a finalist felt like a meaningful acknowledgment of my Ph.D. journey so far. It is something I am very proud of,” she said. 

Learning never stops. In her research, she has advanced in using simulation tools, working with large data sets and writing technical reports. Through conference presentations and student tours, she has learned to simplify complex ideas for all student levels. She’s also gained confidence in leading long-term projects, and in herself. 

“I have gotten better at dealing with ambiguity, especially in being OK with not knowing something right away and working through things step by step, learning as I go and from the mistakes along the way,” Dasyam said. 

Dasyam is expected to graduate in Spring 2026, after years of dedication towards her education and to the Wichita State community. As a graduate research assistant, she continues advancing in her doctoral studies and pursuits. This was made possible by WSU’s Applied Learning Fund which provides Shockers with paid, hands-on experience in their field. 

“It helped me keep doing what I love: pushing the boundaries of space and orbital mechanics and staying connected to the Shocker community through outreach and leadership,” she said. 

---

Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.