Cody H. Fleming

Cody H. Fleming's journey into the world of engineering wasn't a straightforward one. Growing up in Humboldt, Iowa, Cody was more captivated by sports than academics. However, thanks to the encouragement of dedicated teachers and mentors, he discovered a passion for engineering that would shape his future. His interest in STEM subjects blossomed during a high school job shadowing experience with a local engineering firm, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to a distinguished career in academia and research. Fleming's academic journey began at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he balanced his love for basketball with his studies, earning a B.S. in engineering. Although a series of knee surgeries curtailed his basketball aspirations, they redirected his focus towards a career in the STEM field. He pursued further education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed an M.Eng. in civil and environmental engineering and a Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics. Between his master's and doctoral studies, Cody gained valuable industry experience working for Northrop Grumman Space Technology in Redondo Beach, California. In 2015, Fleming joined the engineering faculty at the University of Virginia, where he contributed significantly to the field of engineering education and research. However, the allure of returning to his roots brought him back to Iowa in the fall of 2020, as he joined the mechanical engineering faculty at Iowa State University. Cody was drawn to Iowa State for its commitment to advancing the field of mechanical engineering and its strategic investment in STEM infrastructure. At Iowa State, Fleming focuses his research on dynamics and controls, machine learning, system safety, autonomy and planning, system integration, and safety by design. He is particularly interested in the intersection of these areas, exploring how physics-based models can be integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance autonomous systems. His work aims to address critical questions about system interactions and safety, with applications ranging from driverless cars to automated flight management systems. Outside of his professional pursuits, Cody enjoys watching basketball and cycling, activities that reflect his lifelong passion for sports. He is an avid fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and has also adopted the Virginia Cavaliers as a favorite team. Cody looks forward to participating in RAGBRAI, a renowned cycling event in Iowa, upon his return to the state. He and his wife, Sarah, are also busy raising their young children, Grey and Frankie. As an experienced engineer and educator, Fleming emphasizes the importance of grit and determination to his students, particularly those in his lab. He believes that success in research is largely dependent on these qualities, combined with a strong foundation in math, analytical tools, and mechanical systems. Cody is eager to mentor students who share his passion for engineering and are ready to tackle the challenges of the field with resilience and enthusiasm.