Douglas Thornhill

Douglas Thornhill serves as the Laboratory and Technician Manager for the Albert Nerken School of Engineering at The Cooper Union, overseeing 40 laboratory spaces and a team of 10 technicians. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching ME312: Manufacturing Engineering since 2018. With a B.S. in Astrophysics from Columbia University, he contributed to NASA’s NuSTAR x-ray observatory project. He actively supports NYC’s makerspaces and fabrication labs, aiding local small businesses through design and fabrication assistance.

Education: B.S. in Astrophysics, Columbia University.

Research Interests: Focuses on manufacturing engineering, lab management innovation, and application of fabrication technologies. His prior work in astrophysics optics and ongoing engagement with makerspaces highlight interdisciplinary technical expertise.

Labs/Teams: Manages Cooper Union’s engineering laboratories and collaborates on civic projects through initiatives like the Benjamin Menschel Civic Projects Lab.

Affiliations: Joined Cooper Union in 2017 and remains integral to its engineering infrastructure and educational programs.