Curtis Avery Scholz, F.E.
858-382-6436 ● CurtisAScholz@gmail.com ● www.CurtisScholz.com
OBJECTIVE
Challenging position as an aerospace engineer in a rocket propulsion environment
EDUCATION
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (Propulsion), CGPA 4.0
Daytona Beach, FL
May 2015
Thesis Topic: Develop a computational module for radiation heat transfer with participating media:
Developed a module for modelling radiation heat transfer for implementation into the HYP CFD code, a
computational fluid dynamics program used for fluid thermophysics research over hypersonic re-entry vehicles.
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics), CGPA 3.06
WORK
EXPERIENCE
Daytona Beach, FL
May 2013
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Hampton, VA
LARSS Graduate Researcher, Aircraft Systems Analysis Branch
June 2014 – August 2014

Performed low-order aerodynamic analysis using several VLM codes for numerous aircraft created using
OpenVSP

Utilized CANVAS 15 to obtain required dimensions to reconstruct the aircraft in the modelling package

Used XFOIL to smooth and create airfoils for the created aircraft
Observed trends which demonstrated high fidelity results when utilizing low-order aerodynamic analysis
tools in various wing configurations and flight regimes
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL
Researcher, Icarus Project
June 2013 – August 2013

Researched delivery components to be utilized on the Icarus rocket for static ground testing

Purchased and assembled portions of the delivery system including pneumatically operated on/off valves,
electrically operated throttle valves, pressure release valves, and necessary bending and flaring equipment
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI)
Poway, CA
Intern II, Flight Technologies Branch
May 2011 – August 2011

Compiled and analyzed wind tunnel data for both past and new GA military aircraft

Performed aerodynamic calculations as well as CFD analysis on GA aircraft to determine discrepancies
between wind tunnel data and CFD results in an effort to optimize the VLM code being used.

Identified trends in the CFD and wind tunnel data and developed correction factors to enhance the accuracy
of the VLM code to ultimately decrease costs of testing.

Scaled and modeled competitor military aircraft to determine approximate aerodynamic characteristics
PROJECT
EXPERIENCE
Icarus Project* - Team lead on the Icarus, project responsible for the delivery system integration, part, and
oxidizer/fuel/pressurant acquisition. Performed mass flow calculations to determine the open percentage required
on each of the throttle valves to yield the correct O/F ratio in the combustion chamber. Created safety outlines
and insulation requirements necessary to reduce boil-off effects of LOX during the upcoming test fire.
*The Icarus Project is a university funded, student designed, project to launch a rocket to space
Rocket Engine Propulsion Systems - Developed an optimization tool using the Newton-Raphson method in
MATLAB to optimize the payload ratio for a 3-stage rocket for the best ΔV
Detail Design - Project engineer and lead engineer for designing a hybrid-rocket engine rpropulsion system to
be implemented in SpaceShipOne. Design included selecting an oxidizer and propellant as well as utilizing
MATLAB to determine the structural material and sizing, chamber pressure, and thrust for the engine.
SKILLS AND
CERT.
Software: CATIA, AutoCAD, Solid Works, NASTRAN, VLAERO, OpenVSP, VSPAERO, Vorlax, RPA,
CANVAS, Microsoft Office
Languages: C, C++, MATLAB, Simulink, FORTRAN, Maple, HTML
Professional Certifications: Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.)
December 2013
LEADERSHIP
Member - AIAA – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Past President - Ninjutsu Club – Martial Arts
Past Member - ERFSED – Premier Rocketry Club
Past Member/Officer - Silver Wings – Professional development and service