Rate My Professor Nate Callender

Dr. Mark “Nate” Callender serves as Professor of Aerospace and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), a position he has held in his administrative role since 2020 and as faculty since 2005. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Science with a concentration in Thermal-Fluid Mechanics from the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in 2013, with doctoral research on the aerodynamic efficiency of rotating biquadratic bodies of revolution. His M.S. in Aviation Systems from UTSI in 2003 examined the integration of hands-on throttle and stick controls in general aviation aircraft, including flight test engineering training. Callender received his B.S. in Aerospace Technology, with minors in Mathematics and Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies, from MTSU in 1999. Prior roles include Mathematics Instructor at Dyersburg State Community College from 2001 to 2005 and Aerospace Engineer at Titan Aerospace in 2001, where he conducted flight test engineering on AH-64D helicopters.

Callender's academic interests focus on aerodynamics of rotating bodies and Magnus effect lift, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) noise reduction, propeller sound pressure levels, engine-out glide performance, and aviation simulator training. Key publications include "A pilot’s guide to the engine-out glide: the effect of wind on best glide speed" (Collegiate Aviation Review International, 2025), "Innovation in engine-out glide performance from sawtooth descent testing of a Beechcraft Bonanza" (Society of Flight Test Engineers Symposium, 2023), "Pilot’s guide to maximum glide performance: optimum bank angles in gliding turns" (Collegiate Aviation Review International, 2023), "Sound pressure level measurements with standard and low noise propellers on a Phantom 4 Pro+" (Current Trends in Engineering Science, 2022), and "UAS propeller/rotor sound pressure level reduction through leading edge modification" (Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering, 2017). He has earned the MTSU Faculty Senate Faculty Contribution to Research Award (2025), Outstanding Honors Faculty Award (2018), MTSU Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award (2016), Influential Faculty Member from Phi Kappa Phi (2014, 2016), and multiple Outstanding EXL Collaborations awards (2007–2025). Callender coordinates the Aerospace Technology Concentration, created and operates the Aerospace Technology Laboratory, developed aerodynamics advanced camps, mentors students for graduate engineering programs, chairs department and university committees including the Honors Council, and teaches courses such as aerodynamics (AERO 3440) and aircraft performance (AERO 4440).