Archives:
2016 – 17 Graduate students
2017 – 18 Graduate students
2018 – 19 Graduate students
2019 – 20 Graduate students
2020 – 21 Graduate students
2021 – 22 Graduate students
2022 – 23 Graduate students
2023 – 24 Graduate Student Research Projects
Hannah Blumhoefer – Iowa State University
Scientific Machine Learning Augmentation of Computational Fluid Dynamics
The primary objective of this research project is to improve the efficiency of computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) modeling by integrating deep learning and optimizing computational expenses
through enhanced shock detection and shock capture methods. These enhancements will advance
CFD’s diagnostic and design capabilities in research and commercial use…Read more
David Fehr – University of Iowa
Identification of Spin Centers in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors Induced by Irradiation with Magnetic Resonance Simulations
In recent years, research into radiation-hard, high-temperature, and high-voltage devices made from wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC, GaN, and Ga2O3 in the spaceflight industry has only increased due to their lower cost, volume, weight, and power consumption when compared with silicon chips. These advantages translate to more efficient spacecraft with greater functionality and promise to substantially impact the monetary costs associated with launching payloads…Read more
Alexandra Grajales – Iowa State University
Stable Isotope Analysis of Fossilized Plants for C cycling and N soil Availability during the Phanerozoic
On Earth today, plants comprise the vast majority of fixed carbon in biomass and plant growth may be limited by bioavailable N. Studying the evolution of the terrestrial C cycle depends on understanding how plants fixed C and the availability of N in their environments. The relationship between C and N may reflect a combination of atmospheric isotopic signatures of CO2 and soil N availability. By cultivating plants in growth chambers with various CO2 and N2 fluctuating conditions, we can track plant adaptability and compare isotope plant tissue concentrations through time…Read more
Gage Harris – Iowa State University
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Spacecraft Trajectory and Systems
The objective of my Ph.D. research is to test the hypothesis that large-scale discrete multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) can maximize complex, next-generation engineering systems’ performance automatically, which has not been possible with existing numerical methods. Specifically, I am looking at a new optimization framework considering low-thrust trajectory optimization with discrete fly-by options to enable more frequent and affordable missions, which aligns well with NASA’s mission to explore and extend our knowledge about the universe. …Read more
Mason Henry – Iowa State University
STEM Engagement of K-12 Undergraduate Development Through Project Based Learning
My research project involves assisting Professor Matthew Nelson with engineering education through STEM engagement of K-12 students and teaching undergraduate students professional development skills such as time management, communication, decision-making, and adaptability. …Read more
Samantha Kruse – University of Iowa
Exploring the Effects of Gamma Radiation on Organic Materials for Radiation Shielding
My research focuses on the development of safe and sustainable radiation-resist materials for space technology. Currently, NASA uses an organic material known as polyethylene as radiation shielding on-board the International Space Station. This work will expand on other organic materials which would be highly competitive radiation shielding materials in space. …Read more
Gage MacLin – University of Iowa
Advancing UAV-Manned Aircraft Integration Through Optimal Control
My research project focuses on the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into traditional air traffic systems operating in proximity to airports, which is a topic of ongoing investigation by various NASA research groups. This research falls within the broader domain known as Urban Air Mobility (UAM), which strives to create an efficient autonomous vehicle system for urban environments characterized by heavy air traffic…Read more
Matthew Marander – Iowa State University
Development of Ceramic Inks for the Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing of Functional Electronic Devices
Resupply missions for spacecraft suffer from limited cargo space, requiring prioritization of materials. Improvements to supply availability and variety could be made with the production of devices on demand where raw material is transported instead. This would allow for the freedom to produce a device independently, making the most out of limited cargo space….Read more
Jacob McLaughlin – University of Iowa
Plasma Wave-Particle Interaction in a Dipole Magnetic Field
Characterizing plasma-wave interactions is critical to understanding particle energization mechanisms in space plasma environments and in applied technical fields. Currently, there is no conventional scattering theory for waves in plasma physics…Read more
Dylan Sitarski – Iowa State University
Injected Domain Turbulence Generation for Computational Fluid Dynamics
This research aims to apply multiple turbulence generation methods to a plane within the computational domain rather than at the inlet as is usual. The advantage of this is in its computational efficiency. The efficiency of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations is greatly affected by the mesh, or grid, on which they are solved….Read more
Victor Torres – Iowa State University
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of New Mixed Oxy-Sulfide-Nitride Glassy Solid Electrolytes
My research project focuses on the synthesis, structural evaluation, and property optimization of glassy solid electrolytes for their use in all solid-state batteries (SSB). My objective is to create a SSB that is safer than their liquid electrolyte counterparts that can be used for space or vehicular technologies…Read more