Sasha Portnoy ’26 Builds on Passion for Aviation with Independent Study

Sasha Portnoy ’26 has been designing aircraft in some way, shape, or form since the fourth grade, when he first felt the thrill of defying gravity with paper airplanes.

That early curiosity hasn't faded in the least. Over the years, paper designs gave way to building radio-controlled planes, taking a Dronebotics Engineering course, and founding the Aeronautics Club at Rutgers Prep. What perhaps began as a hobby has become a passion driving Sasha in the classroom.

This year, Sasha brought that passion to new heights through an Independent Study in Aircraft Design and Modeling. Working with Architecture and Design teacher Derrick Laurion, he spent the fall semester designing a light sport aircraft, producing detailed mock-ups and tackling complex decisions about wing structure and fuselage design.

On January 23, Sasha presented his research and findings to classmates and faculty in the Architecture and Design Studio. He shared that, as the semester went on, he had to navigate real-world engineering constraints, FAA policy changes, and college-level materials. One of the biggest challenges, he said, was starting this kind of design work so early, before he had learned the more advanced mathematical concepts that usually support it. “The biggest challenge in designing aircraft was doing it so early,” Sasha said. “Most people start designing when they have an understanding of much higher-level math and concepts, so having to teach that to myself to progress was a hard thing to do.”

Mr. Laurion noted how independent Sasha has been throughout the project. “He came up with the idea, broke it into semesters, and set his own outcomes,” he said. “The level of thoroughness and realism in his work is impressive."

Laurion added, "It's been fun as an advisor to learn more about the subject myself."

In the spring semester, Sasha will shift into 3D modeling, aerodynamic simulation, and, if all goes according to plan, building and testing a radio-controlled version of his aircraft. Next year in college, he plans to study aeronautical engineering with a specific interest in designing private, civilian aircraft not unlike what he's creating for this course.

Sasha's work is a clear example of what an Independent Study at Rutgers Prep can offer: the freedom to pursue passions, the challenge of college-level subject matter, and the support to help curiosity take flight.