Kalamazoo Times

Mohammed Asif, a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University (WMU), has achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2025 Vintage Gold Cup sailing championship. Asif, who is researching space propulsion technologies, competed alongside teammate Luke Lawrence and outperformed several elite and Olympic sailors from around the world during the event held at Gull Lake Yacht Club in Richland from October 1 to 4.

“I feel deeply honored to have won against some of the best sailors on the planet,” said Asif. “It brings me great joy and a sense of responsibility to those who are still pursuing their own dreams to show that perseverance and belief can take you anywhere.”

The competition involved multiple races with participants navigating vintage wooden Star Class boats. The overall winner was determined by cumulative points based on race finishes, aiming for the lowest total score. Asif and Lawrence secured victory over two-time Brazilian Olympic bronze medalist Lars Grael’s team.

“When I think about what made this sailing win possible, it wasn’t just skill—it was about making sure every little piece fit and worked together in harmony,” said Asif. He described how he and his partner checked all aspects of their boat, selected optimal equipment, refined their strategy, and learned to work seamlessly as a team. “It was a constant process of adjustment and trust, of bringing all the details together to perform as one.”

Asif had not initially planned to compete due to commitments related to finishing his dissertation on microwave-frequency ion thrusters for space vehicles at WMU. However, he decided to join after being invited by Lawrence shortly before the event. Despite limited practice sessions, their long-standing partnership contributed to their success.

“To be the first Indian to do so at a major international championship—and the first active university student and Ph.D. candidate to achieve it—is both humbling and motivating,” said Asif. He credited his mother for her support throughout his journey: “None of it would have been possible without my mother’s strength and the values she instilled in me.”

Asif’s interest in sailing began as a teenager in Chennai, India, where he joined the youth racing team at the Royal Madras Yacht Club after an introduction through friends. He later trained with an Olympic coach as part of India’s efforts to advance in Olympic sailing but ultimately chose graduate studies over continuing an Olympic campaign.

His pursuit of advanced research led him internationally before enrolling at Penn State University for a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. At WMU, he collaborated with Dr. Kristina Lemmer in her Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments on campus.

“WMU is where I’ve grown the most, not just as a researcher but as a person,” said Asif. “Professor Lemmer helped me begin my Ph.D. journey and gave me access to her lab to move my research forward. Professor [Muralidhar] Ghantasala helped me develop as a researcher and believed in my ability to finish what I started—in research, leadership and life.”

Over five years at WMU, Asif has worked on developing miniature ion thrusters for space applications while collaborating with scientists worldwide.

Outside his academic work, Asif finds balance through sailing—a passion he continues via participation in WMU’s Club Sailing team since 2021. “When you’re out on the water, you can’t afford to think about your Ph.D.” he said.

His involvement also extends beyond athletics; he served as president of WMU’s Graduate Student Association, working closely with university administration and gaining experience relevant both academically and personally.

“It really helped me understand how the University works... And that can translate into engineering design as well,” said Asif.

Reflecting on his time at WMU, Asif highlighted personal growth through collaboration: “I’ve had to learn how to learn... The more I think about it, the more I realize that is the true heart of Western: all the little pieces and all the people that make this big engine of ideas and discovery work.”