Alexey Shashurin

Alexey Shashurin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at Purdue University's College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Tel Aviv University (2008) and an M.Sc. in Plasma Physics from Nizhny Novgorod State University (1998). Prior to joining Purdue, he worked as a research scientist at the George Washington University's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University (2008)
• M.Sc., Plasma Physics, Nizhny Novgorod State University (1998)

His research explores low-temperature plasma applications in three primary domains:

• Nanoscale material synthesis (graphene platelets, carbon nanotubes)
• Electric propulsion systems (pulsed plasma thrusters, magnetoplasmadynamic accelerators)
• Biomedical engineering (cold atmospheric plasma therapy, cancer cell ablation)

He specializes in advanced diagnostics using coherent microwave scattering and laser interferometry to analyze electron density and plasma dynamics in high-energy nanosecond discharges.

Recent publications highlight trends in spacecraft propulsion innovations like ASCENT thrusters and liquid-fed magnetoplasmadynamic systems, alongside biomedical applications combining cold plasma with magnetic field enhancement. His work also advances diagnostic techniques for plasma characterization through microwave and optical methods.

• Recipient of Welch International Award (2008)
• Senior Member of AIAA and IEEE societies

With over 50 refereed publications and three U.S. patent applications filed, his research spans plasma diagnostics, spacecraft propulsion, and biomedical applications. He previously developed technologies for graphene mass-production, cold plasma therapy systems, and igniter mechanisms for electric propulsion devices.