Rate My Professor Jesse Little

Jesse Little is Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Director of the Aerospace Research Center at The Ohio State University. A three-time Ohio State alumnus, he earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from the university in 2010. Prior to his return to Ohio State, Little built a distinguished career at the University of Arizona in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. He joined as assistant professor in 2010, was promoted to associate professor with tenure in August 2016, and advanced to full professor in August 2022. In addition to his academic roles, he served as associate department head for graduate studies, director of the Turbulence and Flow Control Laboratory, and co-director of the Arizona Research Center for Hypersonics.

Little's research specializes in flow physics and control applied to aerodynamic systems, spanning low- and high-speed flows with expertise in experimental hypersonics, defined as flight at five times the speed of sound and higher. He has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific papers, secured more than $15 million in research funding, and contributed to $31 million in collaborative research efforts. His work includes developing nationally recognized experimental facilities. Among his honors are designation as an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2020, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award in 2012, and the Army Research Office Young Investigator Award in 2014. Appointed director of the Aerospace Research Center effective August 15, 2023, Little leads interdisciplinary initiatives to advance aerospace research, student education, and partnerships with industry, academia, government labs, and organizations tackling complex challenges. Under his direction, the center has launched new hypersonics research areas and operates the Large Area Reflected Shock Tunnel, the largest university-operated hypersonic wind tunnel in the nation, supporting critical national security objectives through enhanced innovation in high-speed aerodynamics.