Sassoon, AaronThe ability of synthetic jet actuators to leverage natural instabilities in the flow field due to separation is reviewed for applications towards virtual shape change. The separating flow over a backward facing step of height h is studied under the influence of an actuator upstream and downstream of separation. Experimental tests were conducted in a wind tunnel using particle imaging velocimetry and time-averaged static pressure data to measure and analyze the affected flow fields and pressure distribution. By placing a second actuator downstream of separation, the ability to influence the pressure distribution has been shown. The two actuators demonstrated the ability to affect Cp and dCp/dx in the region from 0 - 6h after the step.ThesisAerospace engineering