Andrew Laich, Ph.D.
About Andrew Laich, Ph.D.
Andrew Laich, Ph.D., is a Propulsion Engineer specializing in Combustion Devices at BLUE ORIGIN, with extensive experience in experimental and modeling techniques in propulsion and reactive flows.
Current Role at BLUE ORIGIN
Andrew Laich works as a Propulsion Engineer specializing in Combustion Devices at BLUE ORIGIN. He has been with the company since 2021 in Kent, Washington, United States. His role involves working on advanced rocket engines, leveraging his expertise in heat transfer, combustion, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Previous Experience at German Aerospace Center (DLR)
In 2019, Andrew Laich worked as a Visiting Researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for 2 months. During his tenure in the Stuttgart Area, Germany, he contributed to combustion-related research, applying his knowledge in oxy-methane and natural gas combustion and hydrogen promoted methane combustion.
Graduate Researcher at VASU LAB
From 2017 to 2021, Andrew Laich was a Graduate Researcher at the VASU LAB in Orlando, Florida Area. His research focused on combustion, propulsion, laser diagnostics, absorption sensors, and fuels. He gained hands-on experience with experimental and modeling/simulation techniques in propulsion and reactive flows.
Educational Background in Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Laich earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Fluids Track) from the University of Central Florida, where he studied from 2017 to 2021. He also holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in the same field from the same institution, completed from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, he achieved a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, between 2014 and 2017, and an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Engineering from Henry Ford Community College from 2012 to 2014.
Industry Experience and Technical Skills
Andrew Laich has extensive industry experience, having worked at DENSO as a Thermal Engineer from 2015 to 2016 in Southfield, MI. Earlier in his career, he held multiple roles at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, including Undergraduate Research Assistant, Science Learning Center Associate, University Ambassador, and Peer Tutor. His expertise covers oxy-methane and natural gas combustion, hydrogen promoted methane combustion, staged combustion cycles, and closed sCO2 and Brayton cycles.