Here are some of the things I’ve learned during my time at Cal Poly in required coursework, elective classes, and independent research work. Although we covered much more than these topics, I’m sharing my favorite examples of work that align with my passion and interest in astronautics.
Space Environments and Thermal Control
After my first Space Environments lecture, I was hooked. My master’s thesis utilized an atomic oxygen RF plasma asher to simulate part of the LEO environment, and using empirical data and statistical regression techniques I was able to develop a predictive model that estimates glassy surface silicate layer formation in PDMS-based space-grade silicones at the ISS altitude and inclination. I also have experience and interest in thermal control systems, spacecraft contamination, radiation, plasma, and micrometeoroid mitigation systems.
Courses taken: AERO 355/356 (Space Environments I/II); Spacecraft Design I,II, III
Research Experience in SE and Thermal Analysis: Student Test Engineer, Space Environments Laboratory; Master’s thesis: Investigation into Silicone-Silicate Conversion Due to Atomic Oxygen in the Low Earth Orbit Environment
Monte Carlo Simulation and Analysis
I have experience in the Monte Carlo ray tracing molecular transport software Molflow+, along with some Python MC code used for simple optimization algorithms.
Course taken: AERO 500 (Aerospace Modeling and Simulation)
Research Experience using MC Sims: Master’s thesis: Investigation into Silicone-Silicate Conversion Due to Atomic Oxygen in the Low Earth Orbit Environment
Astrodynamics
I love orbital mechanics! Check out what I’ve done in my elective and advanced orbital mechanics classes at Cal Poly under the esteemed Dr. Kira Abercromby.
Courses taken: AERO 351 (Introduction to Orbital Mechanics); AERO 452 (Spaceflight Dynamics II), ARRO 557 (Advanced Orbital Mechanics)
Hypersonic Reentry Systems
In addition to 3+ years of independent undergraduate research work on a proposed hypersonic reentry optical imaging system, I took a fascinating Reentry Aerodynamics course at Cal Poly with Dr. Nandeesh Hiremath. I was the second author on a published paper that proposed and outlined novel high-altitude platforms for hypersonic reentry physics studies.
Course taken: AERO 407 (Reentry Aerodynamics)
Published paper: Hiremath, N., Self, J., & Eller, N. (2024, March). System Architecture for De-orbiting Spacecrafts as a Platform for Experimental Aerodynamics Studies. In 2024 IEEE Aerospace Conference (pp. 1-15). IEEE.