John Blandino

John Blandino is a Professor in the Aerospace Engineering department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), joining the faculty in 2001. His research focuses on plasma diagnostics, electric propulsion, and dielectrophoretic effects in fluids. He previously served as a Senior Staff Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he worked on advanced propulsion technologies and mission support for deep space missions.

Education

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1987)
• MS in Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1989)
• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, California Institute of Technology (2001)

Research interests center on hollow cathode plasma properties, ion source diagnostics, and drag-free spacecraft operation in ultra-low Earth orbit. His work bridges plasma physics, propulsion system design, and space mission feasibility studies.

Key publications include studies on magnetoplasmadynamic thruster thermal analysis, electrospray droplet dynamics, and CubeSat orbital extension in the lower thermosphere. Articles reflect a blend of experimental and theoretical approaches across propulsion, plasma diagnostics, and fluid mechanics.

Professional roles

• Associate Editor, AIAA Journal of Propulsion and Power
• Vice Chair, AIAA New England Section Executive Council
• Member, AIAA Electric Propulsion Technical Committee
• Chair of NASA's Critical Design Review Board for colloid micronewton thrusters (2004-2007)

He mentors both undergraduate and graduate students at WPI, emphasizing collaborative research and teaching as interconnected pursuits.