Mitchell L.R. Walker II

Mitchell L.R. Walker II is a tenured Professor and the W.R.T. Oakes Chair at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He serves as the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and Director of the Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute. His research focuses on electric propulsion, plasma physics, and hypersonic aerodynamics/plasma interaction, with expertise in Hall thrusters, ion engines, and plasma diagnostics.

• Education: Ph.D. (2004), M.S.E. (2000), B.S.E. (1999) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.
• Labs: Leads the High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory (HPEPL), one of the largest academic vacuum test facilities for propulsion research.

Dr. Walker has authored over 130 technical publications and holds patents in ion focusing and cold cathode technology. His 15 most recent articles focus on Hall thruster performance under varying propellants, advanced diagnostics (THz spectroscopy, Thomson scattering), and plasma-material interactions. His research trends highlight plasma stability, vacuum facility effects, and non-invasive diagnostics.

• Awards: AIAA Fellow (2023), Georgia Power Professor of Excellence (2017), AFOSR Young Investigator (2006), Lawrence Sperry Award (2010), NASA Faculty Fellow (2005).
• Service: Chair of AIAA Electric Propulsion Technical Committee, member of NASA Advisory Council, and contributor to national standards for electric propulsion testing.