Rich Whittle

Dr. Rich Whittle is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Davis, leading the Bioastronautics and eXploration Systems (BXS) Laboratory within the Center for Space Flight Research (CSFR). His work focuses on understanding human physiological responses to space environments and developing technologies to enhance spaceflight safety and efficiency.

• Education:
  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University
  • MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, Cranfield University
  • PGDip in Strategic Management and Leadership, Stratford Business School
  • MA/MEng in Engineering, University of Cambridge

Research interests include space physiology, human-systems engineering, and exploration systems design. Key themes involve cardiovascular responses to gravity, virtual reality applications for astronaut training, and countermeasures for long-duration missions. His lab investigates ocular perfusion, metabolic modeling in altered gravity, and lunar habitat safety concepts.

Recent publications analyze ocular pressure dynamics, gravitational stress impacts on cardiovascular systems, and virtual reality's role in mission resilience. His work bridges clinical data, engineering systems, and mission-critical design.

• Awards:
  • Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society (BIS)

Advising and grants: While specific student names are unlisted, his lab actively collaborates on NASA-funded projects. Research focuses include military recruit injury prevention and pandemic epidemiology modeling (e.g., NYC's 2020 data).

Dr. Whittle leads the BXS Lab and contributes to the CSFR, fostering interdisciplinary teams in space systems engineering and human factors. His prior military service (2009–2023) as a British Army officer informs his focus on operational readiness and mission-critical decision-making in extreme environments.