Find Academic Supervisors

David M. MilesView profile

Associate Professor

• Experimental space physics
• Spaceflight instrumentation
• Space weather
• +4 more

David M. Miles, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of Research Operations at the University of Iowa's Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on experimental space physics, spaceflight instrumentation, and the interpretation of space-based magnetic field measurements. He leads the Miles Research Lab, contributing to space weather studies and solar-terrestrial interactions. Education: PhD in Physics from the University of Alberta. His work involves developing high-resolution instrumentation for space missions, including serving as Instrument Co-PI for the Cassiope/e-POP spacecraft's magnetic field instrument and PI for the Ex-Alta 1 CubeSat project. His research addresses auroral dynamics and plasma physics in near-Earth space environments. David mentors students in CubeSat development and space instrumentation. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to advancing space science.

Sergio Araujo-EstradaView profile

Lecturer

• Control Systems
• Robotics
• Aerospace Engineering
• +3 more

Sergio Araujo-Estrada is a Lecturer in Control and Robotics at the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Southampton. His research focuses on developing bio-inspired techniques to enhance the functionality and trustworthiness of robotic systems, particularly Unmanned Vehicles (UAVs), in air/water environments. He emphasizes improving control systems through modeling and applying natural principles to engineering challenges. Education: BEng in Aerospace Engineering (National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico), MSc in Electrical Engineering (CINVESTAV-Mexico), PhD in Aerospace Engineering (University of Bristol, 2017). Postdoctoral research at the University of Bristol before joining Southampton in 2022. Teaching: Leads the Mechanics of Flight module and supervises CubeSat group design projects. Current PhD students include Sourish Mukherjee, Merle Jill Weniger, and Bailey Rodney McAtee. Research Interests: Bio-inspired flight control, UAV dynamics, distributed sensing, wing-morphing technology, and simulation-to-real transfer techniques. Key Projects: Wind tunnel testing of bio-inspired UAVs, reinforcement learning for flight control, and legal frameworks for drone applications in construction. Labs/Teams: Member of Computational Engineering and Design Group, collaborating on interdisciplinary robotics and aerospace engineering initiatives.

• Space Systems Engineering
• Space Debris Mitigation
• On-Orbit Servicing
• +4 more

Dr. Jennifer Kingston is a Senior Lecturer in Space Systems at Cranfield University, part of the Cranfield School of Engineering. She leads the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering and teaches modules in Spacecraft Systems Engineering and Thermal Analysis. Her research focuses on space debris mitigation, on-orbit servicing, and innovative satellite technologies. Education: Bachelor's in Physics with Space Science (University of Leicester) Master's in Astronautics and Space Engineering (Cranfield University) Engineering Doctorate in Modular Satellite Design (Cranfield University) Executive MBA coursework (Cranfield University) Research Interests: Dr. Kingston specializes in de-orbit technologies like drag sails (e.g., Icarus and DOM systems) for LEO satellite compliance with debris mitigation guidelines. Her work integrates industry collaboration, including projects with ESA and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Key areas include passive de-orbit systems, spacecraft reliability analysis, and sustainable space architectures. Technical Contributions: Pioneer of Cranfield’s drag sail family, deployed on TechDemoSat-1 and ESEO satellites Leadership in failure analysis studies for satellite subsystems and de-orbit strategy selection Expertise in on-orbit servicing economics and mission viability assessments Grants & Collaboration: Funded by EPSRC, ESA, and industry partners Technical consultancy for satellite insurance underwriters Labs & Initiatives: Affiliated with the Cranfield Space Research Centre, advancing space system innovation through projects like LEOniDAS drag sail experiments and CubeSat lander simulations.

Michael TwardowskiView profile

Research Professor

• Oceanography
• Biogeochemistry
• Remote Sensing
• +3 more

Michael Twardowski is a Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University's Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, with an affiliation as Professor at OME. His work focuses on oceanography, biogeochemistry, and remote sensing, emphasizing optical properties of marine environments. He leads research on instruments like hyperspectral absorption meters and lidar systems for studying plankton, harmful algal blooms, and particle dynamics. His contributions include advancing BRDF correction methods for satellite data and developing analytical models for ocean color inversion. Education : Not explicitly listed in provided texts. Research Interests : Dr. Twardowski specializes in bio-optical oceanography, with a focus on particle interactions, light scattering, and bioluminescence. He designs novel instruments for in situ measurements and applies remote sensing techniques to study coastal and open ocean ecosystems. His work bridges field observations with advanced modeling, particularly in retrieving oceanographic parameters from satellite data. Recent efforts include evaluating high spectral resolution lidar and compressive sensing technologies for CubeSats. Key Trends in Articles : Recent publications highlight advancements in instrument calibration (e.g., PSICAM, lidar systems), BRDF correction for satellite sensors (OLCI), and applications of bioluminescence for plankton diversity analysis. He also addresses challenges in harmful algal bloom monitoring and integrates machine learning for automated plankton classification from holographic data. Awards : No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Advising/Grants : No student advisees listed. Active in collaborative projects such as the GO-SHIP program's plankton measurement protocols and NASA's PACE mission-related radiative transfer modeling. Labs/Teams : Involved with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) and likely contributes to FAU's ocean engineering research facilities, though specific lab names aren't provided.

• Plasma Physics
• Space Physics
• Optical Physics
• +4 more

Earl Scime is the Oleg D. Jefimenko Professor of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University (WVU), leading the plasma physics research group. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds a B.S. from Florida State University (1987) and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1992). Scime's research focuses on space-relevant plasma physics, including magnetic reconnection, plasma diagnostics, and laboratory plasma experiments. His group operates the PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) experimental facility to study kinetic-scale plasma phenomena. Collaborations include Southwest Research Institute, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and MIT. Key projects involve developing novel plasma diagnostic techniques like laser-induced fluorescence and Thomson scattering, as well as ultra-compact plasma instruments for CubeSat missions. Scime also contributes to STEM education initiatives targeting rural areas and directs the Mountaineer Area Robotics (MARS) program. His work bridges laboratory experiments with space plasma observations, emphasizing applications in fusion energy, industrial plasma physics, and robotic systems. Education: B.S., Florida State University, 1987 Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1992 Research interests span fusion energy, space plasma physics, plasma diagnostics, neuroimaging techniques in plasmas, and robotics. His recent work explores electron dynamics during magnetic reconnection, ion velocity distribution functions, and quantum-enhanced spectroscopy methods. The PHASMA experiment enables 3D measurements of plasma parameters, advancing understanding of reconnection spreading and flux rope interactions. Scime’s team also develops compact plasma instruments for space missions, such as the IMAGE and TWINS satellites, which imaged Earth’s magnetosphere using neutral atom cameras. Key technical advancements include multi-dimensional Thomson scattering systems, frequency-modulated laser diagnostics, and machine learning algorithms for reconnection detection. His contributions to plasma physics education include curricula integrating research and outreach to underserved communities. The Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics under his direction fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in kinetic plasma studies.

• Space Weather
• Radiation Effects on Electronics
• Aerospace Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Alex Hands is a Researcher at the University of Surrey's Department of Electronic Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He specializes in space weather, radiation effects on spacecraft electronics, and atmospheric radiation modeling. His work focuses on internal charging mitigation in space environments and developing tools like the MOBE-DIC model for predicting electron fluxes in MEO orbits. He collaborates with institutions such as ESA and NASA on projects including the Galileo satellite system and the CIRCE CubeSat mission. Key contributions include validating internal charging simulation tools (e.g., MCICT, DICTAT) using the REEF facility, advancing radiation dosimetry for aviation and space tourism, and analyzing extreme space weather events' impacts on critical infrastructure. His research addresses risks from solar particle events (SPEs) and ground-level enhancements (GLEs), with applications to satellite safety and high-altitude flight regulations. Hands leads the SAIRA citizen science network for atmospheric radiation monitoring and contributed to the MAIRE+ model for real-time aviation radiation nowcasting. His work bridges fundamental physics and applied engineering, ensuring robust space systems and safer aviation operations in extreme space weather conditions.

• Space Debris Management
• Aerospace Engineering
• Satellite Technology
• +3 more

Piergentili Fabrizio is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome. His research focuses on space debris management, satellite technology, and advanced aerospace systems. He leads projects in CubeSat development, thermal protection systems, and space environment interaction studies. Key areas of research include optical tracking of space objects, CubeSat missions (e.g., LEDSAT, GreenCube), and space debris monitoring through networks like Sapienza Space Debris Observatory Network (SSON). Collaborations with ASI and INAF enhance his work on orbital dynamics and sustainability. His contributions span experimental platforms such as the ROMULUS balloon-borne receiver and the HORUS CubeSat mission for sub-kilometer remote sensing. He emphasizes hands-on education through student-led projects at Sapienza S5Lab, fostering innovation in small satellite systems and space exploration technologies.

Asheesh Ravikumar LanbaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Advanced Materials
• Laser Ablation Tomography (LATscan)
• Image Analysis
• +4 more

Dr. Asheesh Ravikumar Lanba is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern Maine (USM), affiliated with the Department of Engineering within the College of Science, Technology, & Health. He specializes in advanced materials, laser ablation tomography (LATscan), and image analysis. Dr. Lanba leads USM's efforts to integrate the Composites Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), a non-profit analytical lab focused on materials manufacturing and optimization. He also oversees USM's K-16 CubeSat program, including the UCDC 2021 design competition for K-12 students. Dr. Lanba holds a PhD in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Penn State University (2015) and a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore (2009). His research group, the Lasers and Materials Engineering (LAME) team, explores applications of shape memory alloys (SMAs), bio-inspired composites, and LATscan imaging in plant science, entomology, and biomedical fields. His work has been supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and commercialized through his role as COO at L4iS, a laser innovation startup. Notable achievements include pioneering LATscan technology for 3D biological imaging and developing SMA-based solutions for infrastructure strengthening. His publications span interdisciplinary journals in materials science, biology, and engineering. Dr. Lanba also contributed to ExxonMobil's reliability engineering during his internship in Singapore and played cricket at NTU's national level.

Todd LetcherView profile

Associate Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• 3D Printing Technologies
• Space Robotics
• +4 more

Todd Letcher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds additional roles as Associate Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and teaches core courses like Engineering Design Methods and Mechanical Systems Design. His research focuses on additive manufacturing, space robotics, and engineering entrepreneurship, with notable contributions to 3D printing materials and in-space manufacturing challenges. Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, SDSU (2005) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2008) Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2012) Research Interests: Dr. Letcher’s work spans additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printer hardware and material development, as well as space robotics and engineering entrepreneurship. His recent projects include NASA-funded initiatives like Lunar Transport Vehicle design and Break the Ice challenges. He emphasizes practical applications, such as designing materials for extreme environments and fostering student innovation through senior design projects. Key Achievements: Recipient of multiple NASA awards, including 1st Place in NASA RASC-AL (2023) Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Young Investigator of the Year (2020) Lead researcher in gamma irradiation effects on 3D-printed materials Teaching & Mentorship: Dr. Letcher advises senior design projects, independent studies, and graduate students. He actively promotes engineering entrepreneurship through NSF I-Corps and collaborates on grants like the “Living and Working in Space” museum exhibit. Grants & Committees: Lead over 20 grants, including NASA EPSCoR and Sun Grant programs Member of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Committee and College of Engineering Promotion Committee Labs & Teams: Associated with the Materials Evaluation and Testing Laboratory (METLAB) and the SDSU CubeSat Club, fostering hands-on research in advanced materials and space systems.

Gregory MichnaView profile

Associate Professor

• Heat transfer
• Convective heat transfer
• Fluid mechanics
• +3 more

Gregory Michna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU), part of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. He holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2001) and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006). His academic responsibilities include teaching courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Thermo-Fluid Energy Systems. Michna's research focuses on heat and mass transfer, convective heat transfer, and electronics cooling, with notable contributions to CFD analysis for the DUNE neutrino experiment and 3D-printed heat exchangers. He has received multiple teaching awards, including the 2015 Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Teacher of the Year. His grants include leadership on CFD analysis projects for DUNE detectors and collaborations on CubeSat initiatives through the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. Michna’s work bridges experimental physics, thermal systems engineering, and educational innovation. Research Interests: Heat Transfer and Convective Phenomena Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applications Electronics Cooling Solutions 3D-Printed Thermal Systems Neutrino Detector Engineering (DUNE Collaboration) Grants and Awards: Lead PI: $244,079 for Phase 4 DUNE CFD Analysis (2021) Co-PI: $140,213 for In-Situ Resource Utilization NASA Design Challenges (2021) Recipient of 2018 Timothy J. Nichols Advising Award Multiple Students’ Choice Awards for Teaching Excellence Labs and Teams: Active contributor to the DUNE collaboration and the SDSU CubeSat Club, emphasizing student-led projects in thermal systems and space technology.

Rishabh MaharajaView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Astronautical Engineering
• Space Policy
• Space Law
• +5 more

Rishabh Maharaja is an Adjunct Professor of Astronautical Engineering at Capitol Technology University (Capitol Tech), where he teaches and serves as a founding member and concept developer of the Space Flight Operations Training Center (SFOTC). He has been at Capitol Tech since 2010, leading projects like the ROCKSAT-X sounding rocket payloads and the CACTUS-1 CubeSat mission, which launched in 2021. His research focuses on TCP/IP-based satellite systems, satellite communication protocols, and interdisciplinary space education. Professionally, he holds roles as Chief Technology Officer at Krionics-Space and Management & Program Analyst at the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Office, contributing to space policy and regulation development. At NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), he served as Systems Review Manager and led Mission Operations Assurance Engineering for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). He earned an Associate in Applied Sciences (2010), BS and MS in Astronautical Engineering (2013) from Capitol Tech, and an MS in International Policy & Practice (2021) from George Washington University, focusing on space policy and human health in space.

Richard ZimmermanView profile

Professor

• Marine Biology
• Oceanography
• Remote Sensing
• +7 more

Richard Zimmerman is a Professor at Old Dominion University in the Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. His research focuses on ecological physiology of marine photosynthesis, remote sensing of coastal ecosystems, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California (1983, 1979, 1975). Education: Ph.D. Biological Sciences (USC, 1983), M.S. Biological Sciences (USC, 1979), B.S. Biological Sciences (USC, 1975). Research Interests: Seagrass and kelp ecology, ocean acidification, remote sensing techniques (LIDAR, hyperspectral imaging), carbon sequestration, and climate change adaptation. His work integrates biogeochemical cycles, optical properties of water, and numerical modeling to understand ecosystem dynamics. Key Grants/Projects: Over 30+ grants totaling >$10M, including NSF-funded studies on blue carbon sequestration, ocean acidification impacts, and seagrass restoration. Notable projects: 'Collaborative Research: Toward An Improved Understanding of Blue Carbon' ($413,838) and 'MRI Acquisition of a Hybrid Mass Spectrometer System' ($517,631). Publications: Over 140+ peer-reviewed articles, including influential works on eelgrass physiology, seagrass remote sensing, and Arctic primary production. Recent focus on climate change effects (e.g., 2024 study on seagrass vulnerability to marine heatwaves). Awards/Honors: Phi Kappa Phi (2007), Sigma Xi (1981), Visiting Professorships, and A.R.C.S. Scholarship (1981). Active in international seagrass research networks and policy initiatives. Labs/Teams: Bio-Optical Research Group (BORG) at ODU, specializing in aquatic optics and remote sensing applications. Collaborates with institutions like NASA, NOAA, and international marine labs.

Bill CroftsView profile

Researcher

• Satellite Engineering
• CubeSat Technology
• Space Education
• +3 more

Dr. Bill Crofts is the Director of the Warwick Satellite Programme (WUSAT) at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering. Since establishing the program in 2006, he has led satellite engineering initiatives and advised student teams on space projects. Director, WUSAT Satellite Engineering Programme Faculty Advisor, UK CanSat Projects (Warwick Aerospace Society teams) Advisor, ESERO-UK CanSat Projects Member of Midlands Innovation Space Group Board Member, Space Academic Network (SPAN) Research Interests focus on educational satellite engineering, CubeSat development, and interdisciplinary project management. His work emphasizes hands-on learning and industry collaboration. Publishing in areas including CubeSat design , atmospheric measurement experiments , and engineering education pedagogy , he contributes to space technology through student-led projects and educational frameworks. Selected Scientific Roles : EPS Subsystem Team Lead for ESMO Moon Orbiter (2006-2012) Author of educational engineering textbooks (1991-2010) Advising & Partnerships : Actively mentors multiple student teams in CanSat projects, fostering collaboration between universities, schools, and space industry stakeholders.

Robert WicksView profile

Professor

• Solar Physics
• Space Plasma Physics
• Space Weather
• +4 more

Robert Wicks is a Professor at Northumbria University's Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering. He specializes in plasma physics with a focus on the solar corona, solar wind, and near-Earth space environments. He contributes to the ESA Solar Orbiter mission as a co-investigator of the Solar Wind Analyser EAS instrument. His research emphasizes turbulence and wave dynamics in space plasmas, space weather risk mitigation, and space technology development, including CubeSat-based laser communication systems. He holds a PhD in Physics (2008) and an MSci from Imperial College London (2005). Education: PhD in Physics, 2008 MSci Physics, Imperial College London, 2005 Research Interests: Acceleration and heating of solar corona/solar wind via turbulence Space plasma instrumentation design Laser communication systems for CubeSats ESA mission proposals (e.g., Debye, STELLA) Space weather impacts and mitigation strategies Recent Articles Trends: Focus on solar wind turbulence mechanisms, ion cyclotron waves, interstellar probe missions, and CubeSat technology advancements. Collaborations involve multi-spacecraft data analysis (e.g., Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter) and laser communication payload design. Grants & Projects: ROARS CubeSat mission (European Space Agency, 2023–2024) Laser Communication CubeSat projects (UK Space Agency, 2021–2025) Debye mission proposal (ESA F-Class, 2018–2019) Labs & Teams: Leads space instrumentation development teams and collaborates internationally on solar wind missions. Active in CubeSat engineering groups and space weather risk mitigation initiatives.

Peter PachowiczView profile

Associate Professor

• CubeSats
• Satellite Communications (SatCom)
• Space Communications (SpaceCom)
• +6 more

Dr. Peter Pachowicz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at George Mason University (GMU). He leads research initiatives in CubeSats, satellite communications (SatCom), and space systems engineering within the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC). His work focuses on ultra-small satellite bus architectures, resilient systems, and rad-hard embedded software. He oversees the development of CEC's SatCom ground stations, including a 9.1-meter satellite dish and the ECE CubeSat Engineering Lab, supporting lunar missions and student projects. Dr. Pachowicz also manages a SmallSat Engineering certificate program and Space-Based Systems specialization for graduate students. Dr. Pachowicz holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the AGH University of Science and Technology. His research has been funded by DARPA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and industry partners. His early work explored intelligent systems, machine vision, and data fusion, with applications in defense and aerospace. Over a decade of industrial consulting experience includes roles at SAIC and U.S. Army NVL, focusing on transitioning theoretical frameworks to practical engineering solutions. His current projects include the NASA/GMU Landolt mission payload development (launching in 2028) and advancing antenna design for CubeSats. His research spans signal processing, embedded systems, and AI integration into aerospace systems. His team collaborates on student competitions and lunar relay systems, emphasizing hands-on learning and mission readiness. Publications highlight contributions to satellite subsystems, machine learning applications in defense, and adaptive algorithms for dynamic environments. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing real-world implementation of innovative engineering solutions.