Overview
The Notre Dame Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the university’s only undergraduate aerospace-focused professional society. We are a community of students passionate about exploring and advancing the field of aerospace engineering. Through collaboration with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, we help students discover their interests, develop professional skills, and connect with leaders across the field.
AIAA hosts a wide range of events to engage and empower students. Signature programs include our Faculty Dinner Series, A Day in the Life Q&A sessions, and career development workshops tailored for aerospace careers. We also facilitate connections to major student-led technical groups like the Notre Dame Rocketry Team, Design Build Fly, IrishSat, and to the honor society Sigma Gamma Tau, all of which reflect our commitment to hands-on learning, leadership, and excellence.
We believe that students thrive when given access to mentorship, resources, and a strong community. By creating spaces for professional development, technical growth, and meaningful connection, we help prepare our members to be thoughtful, confident contributors to the aerospace industry.
2025-2026 Officers
Rita Barhouche (’27) | rbarhouc@nd.edu
Co-President
Rita is a junior Aerospace Engineering major from Lebanon and a member of the Notre Dame Rocketry Team. Outside of academics, she is the creative design lead for the Dome yearbook, a passionate campus tour guide, and an avid ultimate frisbee player who travels for tournaments with friends. Rita also enjoys hiking and drawing.
Mary Daniher (’27) | mdaniher@nd.edu
Co-President
Mary is a junior Aerospace Engineering major from the San Francisco Bay Area and Systems Lead for the Notre Dame Rocketry Team. She also works as a lab assistant in the Engineering Innovation Hub on campus and enjoys running, hiking, camping, and is an avid baseball fan.
Christopher Qian (’28) | cqian3@nd.edu
Secretary
Christopher is a sophomore Aerospace Engineering major from Broadlands, VA, and an AFROTC cadet. After transferring from Physics, he was inspired to pursue aerospace by his first experience seeing an F-16. Christopher enjoys philosophy, psychology, reading, biking, and spending time with friends.
Matthew Sarkees (’26) | msarkees@nd.edu
Treasurer
Matt is a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies from Philadelphia, PA. Passionate about super and hypersonics, he is a member of the Notre Dame Rocketry Team and conducts research on laser-based combustion in supersonic jets. Matt enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and spending time with his fellow Keenan Knights.
Faculty Advisor
Thomas Juliano | tjuliano@nd.edu
Associate Professor, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
107 Hessert Laboratory for Aerospace Research
Hypersonic Aerodynamics Lab
Contact Us
If you have questions, want to get involved, or explore partnership opportunities, please feel free to reach out. You can contact any member of our leadership team or our faculty advisor directly using the emails provided above. For general inquiries, you can also email us at aiaa@nd.edu.
Be sure to connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date on events, news, and opportunities!