As a first-year student at Rose-Hulman, Adam Jirovec is already soaring to new heights.

Since his sophomore year of high school, the Prague, Czech Republic, native had tried and failed to make a 3D-printed, radio-controlled plane that could fly. After arriving at Rose-Hulman and witnessing what his fellow classmates were doing with the 3D printers in Rose-Hulman’s innovation spaces, Jirovec was inspired to try again. 

Working closely with Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Matt Riley, PhD, Jirovec began research and implementing design concepts for his aircraft. Over the course of his freshman year, he was able to fully design and create a plane, called “Falkonsen 1,” that flies up to 80 miles per hour.

“It all changed when I came to Rose-Hulman,” said Jirovec, a mechanical engineering major who also dives for the Rose-Hulman men’s swim team. “I got in touch with Dr. Riley, who’s an aerospace and mechanical engineering professor, who really asked me great questions about the concept of my design. Pursuing such a project as a freshman just lets me feel amazing that I still have three years to do something much more complex than this, and it will lead me much further.

“If you want to make projects happen, see the impact right away, and not wait five years to finally conduct research, (Rose) is a great place.” 

Watch the Video Below to See First-Year Student Adam Jirovec’s 3D-printed Airplane in Action!