The Space City Aero Team Leads are committed to increasing the presence of aerospace engineering on UH campus. Below are uthe SC Aero Team Leads for the 2026-2027 term.
Raine Bitetto
Project Manager
Raine (they/them) is a Junior Mechanical engineering major. Joined SCA in 2024 and has served as the Chief engineer. They have a passion in aviation, aircraft design, robotics, and space. They are excited for the challenges to come in this DBF season.
Nathaniel Durand
Chief Engineer
Nathaniel (he/him) is a first-year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston, where he recently completed his undergraduate degree. His research focuses on experimental fluid dynamics, and his interests include aircraft design and turbulence. He joined AIAA-UH in 2025 and now serves as Chief Engineer, overseeing engineering decisions across the team’s projects.
Emir Ancin
Systems Engineer
Emir (he/him) is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. He joined AIAA Space City Aero in Fall 2024 and has since served as Automation & Controls lead and Chief Engineer. He has a passion for airplane design, astronomy, problem-solving, and playing guitar. He is looking forward to building more planes with SCA and competing in this year’s Design-Build-Fly competition.
Aurelia Heideman
Aerostructures STL
Aurelia (she/her) is currently a junior in mechanical engineering, with a minor in phronesis. She joined AIAA in 2023 and has served a variety of roles within Space City Aeronautics including Structures Lead, Chief Engineer, and Project Manager.
Nicholas Barrera
Aerostructures STL
Nick (he/him) is a Sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering and joined AIAA-UH in Fall of 2025. He is interested in woodworking as well as melting, casting, and working various metals as well as other hobbies. He enjoys researching, designing, and manufacturing for Space City Aeronautics and hopes to continue his work in rocketry, aeronautics, and various crafts.
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aiaacoogs.uh@gmail.com
Houston, TX 77002, USA
