Integrated Design of Efficient Aerospace Systems Laboratory

Computational systems design and optimization for next-generation aircraft and propulsion concepts.

IDEAS Lab

The IDEAS Lab is a research group within the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Michigan. We develop advanced computational methods for the design and optimization of next-generation aerospace systems, with a focus on future aircraft concepts and propulsion architectures. Our research integrates physics-based modeling, data-driven methods, and systems engineering principles to enhance efficiency, performance, and operational capability. We specialize in computational systems design and optimization, advanced propulsion architectures and energy systems, system-level trade studies, and model-based systems engineering to enable mission-viable aerospace solutions. Read more about our research here.

Dr. Gökçin Çınar (goeck-chin chin-r) is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan and the Director of the IDEAS Laboratory. Her research focuses on developing computational tools and methods for complex systems design, integration, and optimization, enabling a systems-level approach to quantify cost, efficiency, and performance trade-offs in future aircraft concepts and operations. She is the recipient of the 2025 AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award and the 2024 SARES Young Scientist Award for her decade-long contributions to electrified aircraft design and optimization. She also serves as the Chair of the AIAA Electric Aircraft Technologies Technical Committee. Learn more about Gökçin...

Recent News

Çınar Receives 2025 AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award

Dr. Gökçin Çınar has been honored with the prestigious 2025 AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award for her ‘pioneering research and innovative contributions to electrified aircraft systems and sustainable aviation.’ This award recognizes exceptional contributions made by professionals aged 35 or younger to the advancement of aeronautics or astronautics.

Gökçin Çınar

Last updated on Jan 27, 2025 1 min read awards

Çınar Receives 2025 AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award

Çınar Honored with SARES Young Scientist Award

Dr. Gökçin Çınar, assistant professor of aerospace engineering and director of the IDEAS Lab, been awarded the SARES Young Scientist Award for her notable contributions to systems-level assessments and optimization of environmentally sustainable aircraft designs and operations.

Gökçin Çınar

Last updated on Jan 27, 2025 1 min read awards

Çınar Honored with SARES Young Scientist Award

Two IDEAS Lab Research Papers Earn Best Paper Awards

Two papers from our research team received Best Paper Awards at the 2024 AIAA/IEEE Electrified Aircraft Technologies Symposium, recognizing contributions to hybrid-electric aircraft design and sustainable energy integration.

Yi-Chih "Arenas" Wang, Maxfield Arnson, Gökçin Çınar

Last updated on Dec 8, 2024 1 min read awards

Two IDEAS Lab Research Papers Earn Best Paper Awards

Recent & Upcoming Events

2024 AIAA Aviation Forum, EATS, and ASCEND

Prof. Cinar and her students will be speaking on panels and presenting papers, respectively, at the 2024 AIAA Aviation Forum, EATS, and ASCEND.

Jul 29, 2024 — Aug 2, 2024 Las Vegas, NV

Gökçin Çınar, Nattanan Wongprapinkul, Yi-Chih "Arenas" Wang, Maxfield Arnson

Çınar speaks at National Academies Webinar

Dr. Çınar is an expert panelist for the National Academies Webinar ‘Sustainable Electrification of Transportation Systems’.

Jul 11, 2023 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM Virtual

Featured Publications

Yi-Chih "Arenas" Wang, Swapnil Sarjerao Jagtap, Blake Moffitt, Jennifer Hallbach, Gökçin Çınar (2025). Design Space Exploration and Performance Analysis of Low Temperature PEM Fuel Cell Propulsion Aircraft. 2025 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC).

Emma Cassidy, Yipeng Liu, Max Li, Kathryn Kirsh, Gökçin Çınar (2025). Energy and Power Management Optimization for Sequential Daily Operations in Regional Hybrid-Electric Aircraft. 2025 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC).

Nawa Khailany, Paul Mokotoff, Gökçin Çınar (2025). Aircraft Geometry and Propulsion Architecture Visualization for the Future Aircraft Sizing Tool (FAST). AIAA SciTech Forum 2025.

See all publications