Engineer / Researcher / Builder

Yifan
Wang

Grade 11 high school student interested in Aerospace Engineering, working at the intersection of experimental aerodynamics and machine learning. Founder of Elevon EX, developing AI systems for aviation efficiency alongside wind tunnel testing and aircraft performance analysis.

Research

Published

Scholarly Review Journal / January 2026

Aerodynamic Analysis of Conventional and Non-Traditional Paper Aircraft: Wind Tunnel and Flight Analysis

This study demonstrates that paper aircraft geometry significantly influences airflow behavior, stability, and efficiency, with small design changes leading to major differences in flight performance.

Read paper โ†’
Under review

Curieux Academic Journal / Est. May 2026

A Supervised Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Efficiency Gaps in Commercial Aviation

A supervised machine learning framework using Gradient Boosting to model fuel burn and identify operational inefficiencies in commercial aviation through aerodynamic, environmental, and route-based analysis.

In progress

Est. Sept 2026

A Hybrid Experimental-Computational Framework for Tailfin Geometry Optimization in Low Reynolds Number Flight

Investigating optimized tailfin geometries for low Reynolds number flight regimes through a combined experimental and computational approach.

Selected Projects

Live

ML App / 2026

Aviation Fuel Efficiency AI Tool

Full-stack ML application predicting commercial flight fuel burn and generating optimization recommendations using a Gradient Boosting Regressor, Flask backend, and custom frontend.

In progress

Nonprofit / 2025

Elevon EX

Designing and distributing aerospace STEM kits to children in lower-income communities. Building toward a one-week summer program reaching 1,000+ students.

In progress

Hardware / 2024โ€“2026

Experimental RC Aircraft Prototype

Custom RC aircraft built as an experimental aerodynamics platform to validate ideas in wing geometry and low Reynolds number flight performance.

In progress

Hardware / 2026

Smart Home Security System

Phone-controlled door lock via servo motor triggered remotely through a custom mobile app, expanding toward an integrated security camera for real-time monitoring.

Concept

Concept / 2026

Biomimetic Fail-Safe Drone

Drone that transforms into a maple seed autorotation glider on power failure. Inspired by Von Karman vortex dynamics from wind tunnel testing, with AI-assisted return-to-user logic.

Technical Skillset

Python
3 years
  • Numerical modeling
  • Data visualization
  • Parameter sweeps
  • Equation implementation
CFD
1 month
  • Flow simulation
  • Pressure analysis
  • Mesh evaluation
  • Result validation
CAD
8 months
  • 3D modeling
  • Geometry iteration
  • Prototype preparation
  • Constraint design
JavaScript + CSS
1 month
  • Interactive tools
  • Dynamic elements
  • Responsive design
  • UI styling