Akesh is currently finishing his PhD at RMIT University and some of his main areas of interest include systems engineering, composite materials, and additive manufacturing.

His PhD project entails the development of an end-to-end methodology for rapid design and production of replacement aircraft interior parts using additive manufacturing. This includes the geometry capture of the original part and a redesign or re-engineering of the replacement tailored for additive manufacturing.

Methods of compliance demonstration, especially with regulatory standards, are also investigated where model-based system engineering and other digital methods are utilised to support a rapid process. The project has been presented to CASA, AIAC conference, and other events and has been well received.