Kamesh Sankaran

Professor Kamesh Sankaran is a faculty member in the Department of Engineering & Physics at Whitworth University since 2004. His expertise spans spacecraft propulsion, plasma physics, computational physics, and public policy in science & technology. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and M.A. from Princeton University, along with a B.S. from Illinois Institute of Technology.

His research focuses on electric propulsion systems for interplanetary missions, plasma thruster modeling, and Mars cargo mission analysis. Notable contributions include developing the Low-Thrust Interplanetary Trajectory Analysis tool and publishing extensively on magnetic nozzle plasma dynamics and asteroid mission optimization.

His articles emphasize computational methods for plasma flow simulation, thruster performance analysis, and trajectory optimization. Awards include the Most Influential Professor (2014, 2015, 2021) and the Junior Faculty Award (2006).

Sankaran teaches courses like Engineering Design Project, Computational Physics, and NASA Space Policy. He coordinates internships and advises on ethical dimensions of engineering through the CO 350 curriculum.