During my time in the satellite program, I examined the effects of solar panel cross-sectional design on overall solar array natural frequencies for various configurations. I defined models and boundary conditions, and developed a MATLAB script for iterating equivalent stiffness, natural frequency, and factor of safety calculations. Following graduation I joined the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer. I currently support the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), a science instrument headed to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2022 to measure the mineral composition of Earth’s arid dust source regions. I facilitate all EMIT flight hardware and ground support equipment certification reviews, helping ensure the state of all hardware and any associated risk is well understood before delivery and integration with the instrument. Additionally, I support various internal QA efforts including the QA Additive Manufacturing Program, metrics development and reporting, and investigations of non-conforming hardware.

Over the span of two semesters, I learned about shape memory alloys(SMA) and heat transfer models through [ABEX]. My team focused on deriving a thermo-mechanical training recipe for our SMA. Developmental testing played a key role in confirming our lab work with MATLAB analysis. I was a part of the subgroup to create the MATLAB simulation visual to accurately model our shape changing, heat reacting hinge. I enjoyed the challenge of this project. I now work as a civilian employee for U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center supporting the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft(FARA) Project Office.

As a part of the ABEX Payload Design group, I was responsible for primary CAD work on the gamma ray detector, which included its casing, electronics, hardware, and other relevant components. I also participated in trade studies, presented in design reviews, and frequently communicated with [payload electrical engineers] and other ABEX design and science teams. This unique and fulfilling opportunity not only helped me mature my 3D modelling skills, but also helped cultivate crucial soft skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication, and time management. Now working as design engineer with Boeing, I have no doubt that my industry-relevant experience working ABEX under Jared Fuchs and Michael Halvorson played a substantial role in me landing this rewarding position.

ABEX’s thermal and radiation group was not my first choice for senior design - I had not yet taken heat transfer and really had no relevant experience for the project. When I got assigned this project, I was initially dissapointed, but I quickly grew to enjoy the subject. I had always been interested in the space industry and this program introduced me to in-depth spacecraft thermal concepts I truly enjoyed learning about. I worked primarily on modeling the ABEX thermal environment in MATLAB, researching solar, albedo, Earth IR, charged particle, and free molecular heating. The subject matter was extremely interesting and ABEX is 100% the reason I’m currently working as a thermal engineer in the space industry today. This program introduced me to a field I knew nothing about and gave me work experience that I never would have had the chance to get otherwise. My experience at ABEX was crucial to interviewing and landing my current job. It opened up an exciting career path that I had never previously considered before, and in retrospect, getting assigned to this project was one of the luckiest things that could’ve happened to me.

Throughout my time in ABEX, I helped to develop a MATLAB thermal simulation of an isothermal CubeSat by applying first principles. This senior design project began and solidified my understanding of the type of heating a spacecraft can expect to encounter as it exceeds the bounds of Low-Earth orbit (LEO). The team dynamic carried out in this project, which mirrored industry standard projects, as well as my contribution to the project, played major roles in my interviews for full-time positions.I interviewed with 3 or 4 major defense contractors and each one of the hiring managers expressed major interest in my time with ABEX. Now, I work as Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer for Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, TX.