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PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CURRENT STUDENTS

Lindsay Coleman

Undergraduate Program Advisor

Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering

[email protected]

(734) 764-3282

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BUILD THE INSTRUMENTS THAT CAPTURE AND ELUCIDATE ON THE REMARKABLE BEAUTY AND SERENITY OF THE WORLD OF SPACE.

Space Sciences & Engineering (CLaSP)

Space sci·en·ces and en·gi·neer·ing

The designing, building, operating, and analyzing data from instruments to explore the space environments of our Earth and other planets.

Also Known As: Planetary Scientist, Space Plasma Physicist, Astrochemist, Space Engineer, Rocket Scientist, Space System Dynamicist, Geospace Scientist, Space Instrumentation Engineer, +10,000 more

A series of optical lenses are gathered around a purple light source in a lab

WHY CLaSP AT MICHIGAN?

Big research: Students work with world-renowned faculty on research topics ranging from the Sun and the solar system to exoplanetary systems around other stars.

Small community: The relatively small class size means that students get a lot of attention and hands-on experience in the classroom and form close connections to their peers as well as faculty.

Diverse environment: Our students, faculty, and staff come from all over the world. We strive for inclusivity and value all individuals, perspectives, contributions, and ideas.

Students construct a Mars Habitat in the basement of the Space Research Building.

What do Space Science Engineers do?

We study planetary atmospheres and how the solar wind beats the planets and their atmospheres, and the space environments surrounding the solar system bodies. It’s not just about observation- we also build instruments to collect data to be analyzed that will help us better understand what these space entities are all about. We travel through space and unlock the mysteries of planets in our solar system and the other stars that dot our night sky.

ACADEMIC CONCENTRATIONS

  • Space Science

    Explore perhaps the most important relationship in our existence- that between the Sun and the Earth. Use the elementary laws of physics and develop your quantitative, theoretical, and computational skills to explain our planet’s treacherous yet vital relationship with our most important star.

    Courses: Waves, Heat, & Light, Radiative Transfer, Electricity & Magnetism, Plasmas, Modern Physics

  • Space Instrumentation

    Observe the delicate elegance with which our solar system operates through a foundation of the Earth and Space Systems with technical, laboratory, and project-based learning. Design and build the intricate space instrumentation required to capture and analyze data from the beyond.

    Courses: Small Satellite Design, Astrophysics Engineering, Space Sciences Instrumentation, Space Weather Modeling

  • Concentration in Space Sciences and Engineering are mandatory to declare and will be indicated on your transcript.

Concentration in Space Sciences and Engineering are mandatory to declare and will be indicated on your transcript.

Explore Minors

ENGINEERING MINORS OTHER MINORS
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Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies Program (SUGS)

Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only five years with SUGS by taking some graduate-level classes during your undergraduate years, so you can save yourself one semester and complete the masters with only two additional semesters.

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Sample Course List

First-Year

First-Year

  • Fall Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus I (Math 115)
    • CoE Core Engineering 100
    • CoE Core Chemistry (125/126/130 or 210/211)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth
  • Winter Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus II (Math 116)
    • CoE Core Engineering 101
    • CoE Core Physics (140/141)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth

Sophomore Year

Sophomore Year

  • Fall Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus III (Math 215)
    • CoE Core Physics (240 and 241)
    • Major Requirement Earth & Space System Evolution (SPACE 320)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth
  • Winter Semester
    • CoE Core Differential Equations (Math 216)
    • Major Requirement Earth & Space System Dynamics (SPACE 321)
    • CoE Core Earth System Analysis (SPACE 323)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth

Junior Year

Junior Year

  • Fall Semester
    • Major Requirement Solar-Terrestrial Relations (SPACE 370)
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Instrumentation for Atmospheric & Space Sciences (SPACE 324)
    • Elective General Elective
  • Winter Semester
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Technical Elective
    • Elective General Electives

Senior Year

Senior Year

  • Fall Semester
    • Major Requirement Space Environment (SPACE 478)
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Technical Elective
    • Elective General Elective
    • Major Requirement Data Analysis & Visualization (SPACE 423)
    • Major Requirement Upper Atmosphere & Ionosphere (SPACE 495/595)
    • Major Requirement Concentration Course
    • Major Requirement Technical Elective

Individualized schedules will be made by students in consultation with an advisor who will tailor their classes to better fit the student's needs.

EDITABLE SAMPLE SCHEDULE ENGINEERING COURSE LIST U-M COURSE GUIDE

Practice Your Purpose

Apply the skills you are learning in class to the real world.

Student Design Teams

4 students wearing MRover shirts smile while carrying the rover, a machine platform with 4 tires and a robotic arm.
MRover - Michigan Mars Rover
Masa Logo
MASA - Michigan Aeronautical Science Association
BLiSS - Bioastronautics and Life Support Systems
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The Michigan Exploration Laboratory

Professional Development

Students in the Michigan Geophysical Union hold award certificates
Michigan Geophysical Union
GUStO Logo
GUStO - CLaSP Graduate and Undergraduate Student Organization
Students For Exploration And Development of Space
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space

Research

Streaks of yellow light against a red background
Justin Kasper & Enrico Landi: Parker Solar Probe
READ MORE
Susan T Lepri Headshot
Susan T. Lepri: Solar Orbiter, Solar & Heliospheric Physics
READ MORE
A satellite with blue wings orbiting the red giant- Mars
Sushil Atreya & Nilton Renno: Mars Express & Juno-Jupiter Polar Orbiter
READ MORE
A large satellite orbiting Jupiter
Xianzhe Jia & James A. Slavin: Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer
READ MORE
Headshot of Mark Moldwin
Mark Moldwin: Magnetometer Sensor Development
READ MORE
A computer model of a rock covered with a rainbow of colors and prisms to map its dimensions
Mike Liemohn, Tuija Pulkkinen, Aaron Ridley, & Shasha Zou: CSEM
READ MORE

Alumni Biographies

Each of these alumni are real people who were once in your shoes, deciding a major. Explore their path and how a Michigan education set their life in motion.

  • Alex Mednick headshot
    • Alex Mednick
    • Physical Sciences Inc.
  • Emanuella Della Bosca headshot
    • Emanuela Della Bosca
    • Airbus
  • Ezekiel Willet headshot
    • Ezekiel Willett
    • Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems
  • Kelly Korreck headshot
    • Kelly Korreck
    • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • Manish Mehta headshot
    • Manish Mehta
    • NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
  • Mana Kocher headshot
    • Manan Kocher
    • Insight Silicon Valley
  • Lois Smith headshot
    • Lois Smith
    • Facebook
  • Samuel Lopez headshot
    • Samuel Lopez
    • National Air and Space Intelligence Center
  • Steven Mccarty headshot
    • Steven McCarty
    • NASA Glenn Research Center, Mission Architecture and Analysis Branch
  • Wayne Lester headshot
    • Wayne Lester
    • Lockheed Martin
Alex Mednick headshot

    Alex Mednick

    Physical Sciences Inc.

Emanuella Della Bosca headshot

    Emanuela Della Bosca

    Airbus

Ezekiel Willet headshot

    Ezekiel Willett

    Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

Kelly Korreck headshot

    Kelly Korreck

    Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Manish Mehta headshot

    Manish Mehta

    NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Mana Kocher headshot

    Manan Kocher

    Insight Silicon Valley

Lois Smith headshot

    Lois Smith

    Facebook

Samuel Lopez headshot

    Samuel Lopez

    National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Steven Mccarty headshot

    Steven McCarty

    NASA Glenn Research Center, Mission Architecture and Analysis Branch

Wayne Lester headshot

    Wayne Lester

    Lockheed Martin

Not sure what major to choose?

Tap into our network of 85k+ engineering alumni. Do you have questions you’d like answered? Our alumni are always eager to talk about engineering.
(Current and admitted UM students only.)

Speak to an Alum
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Industries & Occupations

  • Federal Government Agencies like NASA, NOAA, AFOSR, DOD, DOE, etc.
  • Scientific Research Laboratories
  • Technical/ Business Consulting
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Astronomy
  • Space Weather
  • Atmospheric Sciences
A professor works on a space exploration vessel in a lab donned with UM and NASA logos and the US flag

Companies

  • Intelsat
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Blue Origin
  • United States Antarctic Program
  • National Science Foundation
  • Boeing
  • SpaceX
  • The Aerospace Corporation

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Alex Mednick headshot

Alex Mednick

  • Physical Sciences Inc.
  • Senior Research Engineer

Lafayette College, BS Mechanical Engineering, 2011
University of Michigan, MSE Space Systems Engineering, 2015
Career Summary

Alex works in Research and Development for Deployable Space Systems and innovative research programs, mainly for the Department of Defense.

Awards Received

Technological Development Achievement Award, 2018

What excites you about your career?

I get to learn and do new things every day.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

I liked how much the MEng program emphasizes team projects and professional development. It was the most applicable part of my education to my job.

Favorite Class: Rocket Propulsion class with JP Sheehan

Advice to Students

Don’t be afraid of change, embrace it as an exciting adventure

What do you like to do outside of work?

Ultimate frisbee, sailing, travel

Emanuella Della Bosca headshot

Emanuela Della Bosca

  • Airbus
  • Systems Engineer

University of Michigan, BSE Aerospace Engineering, 2016
University of Michigan, MSE Space Engineering, 2017
Career Summary

I work for Airbus developing technology roadmaps, which analyze the evolution of a technology over time, in order to value and synergize the company’s investments for short, medium, and long term. Having a comprehensive system of integrated roadmaps gives you visibility on what is available and what value a technology brings to a specific product.

I have previously worked as a project leader for NASA, where I developed mission concepts and early system design for a CubeSat constellation mission, and as a research assistant for Michigan eXploration Laboratory where I worked on space-grade CubeSat solar panels with dark-current, illumination, and infrared testing.

Career Timeline
  • Airbus
  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • Michigan eXploration Laboratory
What excites you about your job?

I think I’m in a very lucky position surrounded by passionate people that I meet all over Europe. It’s not so often you get to see behind the scenes when big decisions are made about a company investment. I love having visibility on products/technologies that won’t be on the market for another 10-20 years.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

I remember having a lot of stressful times, through difficult classes, busy nights, endless homework. Yet, somehow, looking back am extremely thankful. Here I met some of the most inspiring and talented people from which I learned on a daily basis. I had the best support system of friends, professors, and mentors that cared about you on a personal basis.

Favorite Student Orgs
  • MXL (Michigan eXploration Laboratory): working on space hardware with some of the most talented engineers, spending long hours in the lab constantly learning and supporting each other through difficulties.
  • SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) outreach events to motivate and engage the next generations of engineers and scientists.
  • DUST project sponsored by JPL: Developed mission concepts and early system design for the technology demonstration of a CubeSat constellation mission.
  • UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) mentoring and advising first and second-year students in their first research experiences in the engineering fields.
  • AERO305 GSI- I loved teaching the AERO305 lab and introducing students to the fundamentals of instrumentation. I am sure that this experience taught me more than I taught students.
Advice to Students

Take advantage of meeting any guest lecturer / visitor and make sure you keep the contacts. Meet them and discuss on a personal level, don’t just add them on LinkedIn but give them a reason to remember you. Also try to do as much as you can in terms of student organizations, teams, research groups, and absorb everything. It’ll be worth it!

What you like to do outside of work?

I am currently pursuing a Data Analytics degree and working towards a private pilot license outside of work. However, I am also taking advantage of weekend trips exploring the area’s countless castles and vineyards as well as other European destinations.

Ezekiel Willet headshot

Ezekiel Willett

  • Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems
  • Principal Systems Engineer

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BS Aerospace Engineering, 2012
University of Michigan, ME Space Engineering, 2015
University of Michigan, MS Aerospace Engineering, 2016
Career Summary

In my current role as a Principal Systems Engineer, I perform mission systems engineering tasks related to the evaluation of mission feasibility and the development of astrodynamics solutions for spacecraft operations. I also support the development of ground software to support spacecraft operations. I was previously a Systems Engineer, where I was able to contribute to strategically important proposal initiatives as well as the development of mission analysis software applications.

What excites you about your job?

My job as a mission systems engineer at Northrop Grumman in Dulles, VA allows me to contribute to solutions for some of the most difficult and urgent problems facing the security of the United States. Every day at work, I am presented with difficult problems requiring thorough analysis and decisive action, fully exercising my skills as an engineer.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My graduate study at the University of Michigan cemented my foundational understanding of aerospace and systems engineering, and it put my professional career on a rapid path to success. My commitment to graduate school and the high expectations that I had for myself allowed me to better appreciate the value of graduate education and the resulting positive impact on my professional capabilities. I applied to the University of Michigan because of its reputation in aerospace engineering, and I received an education, taught my many inspiring and motivational professors, that I will value forever.

Favorite Organizations

Sigma Gamma Tau, Aerospace Engineering Honor Society

Advice to Students

My advice to students is quite simple – do not take your opportunity to study at the University of Michigan for granted. Whether it be undergraduate or graduate study, the rigor of the curriculum at the University of Michigan builds the foundational knowledge required to be successful in careers spanning a broad range of disciplines. Opportunities to attend an institution with the reputation of the University of Michigan don’t always come back around, so I encourage students to fully commit their time to learning and absorbing as much knowledge as possible

What you like to do outside of work?

My top priority is spending valuable time with my wife and family. I owe much of my success to them, and I never want to take them for granted. In my spare time, I always enjoy running, golfing, and I am always up for a good book.

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Kelly Korreck

  • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • Astrophysicist

University of Michigan, BS Astronomy and Physics, 1999
University of Michigan, PhD Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences (AOSS), 2005
Career Summary

Since graduation, I have worked as an Astrophysicist leading people and technology development to revolutionize our society’s understanding of our star, the Sun, and its connection to our everyday lives. I also work in communicating this wondrous connection to the public as well as educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists are key to achieving this goal.

Additionally, I serve as Science Advisor to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Board. In this position, I work with the Director and the Advisory Board to communicate enthusiasm of astronomy to donors, the public and Congress. I created the Space on the Hill program that brings current astronomy research to the US House of Representatives in an understandable and accessible way.

Awards

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Outstanding Service Award (2015)
NASA Group Achievement Award to the High-Resolution Coronal Imager Team (2012)

What excites you about your job?

Exploring new parts of the universe, mentoring, learning new things, communicating science to the public

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

I absolutely loved my time at U of M. I enjoyed the close friendships in the department and the excellent and caring professors. I loved the ethos of Michigan. I always felt challenged in a good way. I felt surrounded by amazing people doing amazing innovative things yet were humble and just good people. I loved Ann Arbor – from football Saturdays to Art Fair to Top of the Park to Dominick’s, it is all fabulous and I miss it so much!

Favorite Organizations

I worked with the Alumni Association as a student that was amazing! The AOSS grad student group was also a great group that really got us socializing and together as a department. My favorite science class was probably a tie between Fisk’s Plasma physics course and Gombosi’s Intro to space physics. I loved that both of them used real world analogies to help in understanding the subject. My favorite non-science class was a class on the apocalypse taught by Ralph Williams- such an amazing lecturer and interesting subject.

Advice to Students

Students, enjoy your time- everyone tells you it will go quickly and it doesn’t feel like it but you will miss it! Take advantage of everything Michigan has to offer take a class in a different department, join a club, go to a game, meet new people. Use all that you learn and figure out how you will apply it to a problem that will help the world. It is a great privilege to have gone to Michigan and with that privilege comes the responsibility to give back. And you will have all the Michigan Alumni to help you! Go Blue!

What you like to do outside of work?

I like to spend time with my family. I am in a performance dance team. I am getting my yoga teacher certification. I kayak, sail, collect wine, and just spend time with friends!

Manish Mehta headshot

Manish Mehta

  • NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
  • Subject Matter Expert in Aerothermodynamics

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS Chemistry, 2005
University of Michigan, MS Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, 2009
University of Michigan, PhD Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, 2010
Career Summary

Currently, I am a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Aerothermodynamics with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. This job entails computational modeling, ground testing and flight instrumentation development & analysis and data reconstruction and fuses both planetary science and engineering. I am currently a Co-Investigator on design, development and science for a lander descent stereo imager called Stereo Camera for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS).

I specifically focus on launch vehicle ascent environments and thermal protection system design for the Space Launch System (SLS), as well as entry, descent and landing (EDL) environments for robotic science-based and crew landers, such as Phoenix, Mars Science Laboratory, InSight and Human Landing System (HLS).

I was previously a Staff Aerospace Engineer within the Aerothermodynamics Team in the Aerosciences Branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and an Aerospace Engineer Contractor with NASA Kennedy Space Center.

Awards
  • NASA Space Flight Awareness Trailblazer Award, 2016
  • NASA Early Career Achievement Medal, 2014
What excites you about your career?

I enjoy solving technical challenges in deep space exploration through innovative engineering solutions and to work with both spacecraft designs for human spaceflight and science missions.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My experience at the University of Michigan was extremely rewarding when I found a research advisor that wanted to see me academically and professionally grow in a discipline. Research can be extremely challenging and faced with hard obstacles, and as a result a knowledgeable and open-minded research advisor is necessary to stretch the envelope in a discipline. This was Professor and Associate Chair of Research, Dr. Nilton O. Renno. I had a very rewarding experience with Professor Renno’s Research Group and learned a lot through my doctorate experience. My dissertation fused aerospace engineering with planetary science and I was able to take all my electives in gas dynamics. I took the opportunity to collaborate with faculty from two premier engineering departments Aerospace Engineering and CLASP and hope other doctoral students take similar advantage of this opportunity.

CLASP has a strong research core in space weather/plasma physics, planetary atmosphere and earth science. It would be ideal to have more engineering faculty focus in planetary geology and human spaceflight issues especially since NASA is making a push to land humans on the moon and eventually Mars. Universities have the drive to solve challenging technical problems. In the 1960s, Michigan Engineering and Professor Harm Buning were on the forefront of human spaceflight research and it has led to great things for both departments.

Ann Arbor was an ideal place to meet my wife where we were both young students and had many ambitions. This place will always be special to the both of us.

What you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my wife, Dr. Kasha E. Benton, M.D., who is a successful neurologist in Huntsville and my 20-month old son, Zeb. They both are my world and I live for them. We all go on multiple hikes within Huntsville. As of the last few years, I am a huge space history enthusiast and enjoy watching science fiction movies.

Mana Kocher headshot

Manan Kocher

  • Insight Silicon Valley
  • Health Data Science Fellow

University of Michigan, BSE, Earth System Science and Engineering, 2013
University of Michigan, MS, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, 2015
University of Michigan. Ph.D., Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, 2018
Career Summary

In my role as a Health Data Science Fellow, I developed an app, ARTChat (manankocher.com)- an HIV antiretroviral drug prescription tool for physicians and patients. I also currently work as a Postdoctoral Fellow for Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, a Palo Alto & Bay Area Environmental Research Institute.

What excites you about your career?

The common thread in my career has been seeking problems that are relevant to society. As a PhD student I worked on Earth-directly solar eruptions, implementing and developing techniques that might one day be used by the wider scientific community, as a post-doc I have continued this work and participated in the development of a Python package for the analysis of Atmospheric Imaging Assembly data, and I developed an HIV antiretroviral drug prescription tool as an Insight Health Data Science Fellow. The ability to work in domains that allow me to constantly learn and make an impact is the most satisfying part of my career.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

UofM has always been a seat of great community organizing. Participating in that has been a humbling space for learning, expanding my worldview, and developing skills that I continue to hone in my professional spaces. I have also had the pleasure of working with spectacular academic and professional development mentors (Angela Farrehi, Susan Lepri, Enrico Landi to name a few). The part of my experience at UofM that I least appreciated was the fact that research was often dictated by folks who have been in the field for decades and did not make an effort to provide space for new ideas and methodologies.

Favorite Student Orgs

Graduate Employees’ Organization, Student Allied for Freedom and Equality, Coalition for Queer People of Color, University of Michigan Educational Theater Company

Advice to Students

Branch out of your home departments and explore ways to take a more interdisciplinary approach to your career.

Uplift those around you – teach your peers and share resources because collaborative learning is the skill you must cultivate early.

Don’t be afraid to deviate from the expected path of someone in your career. It is perfectly OK to explore something different because college is a safe place to do just that!

What you like to do outside of work?

Community organizing, volunteer educator, hiking, biking, and traveling!

Lois Smith headshot

Lois Smith

  • Facebook
  • Senior Data Scientist

University of Colorado Boulder, Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Latin, Applied Math, 2012
University of Michigan, MS Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, 2015
University of Michigan, PhD Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, 2016
Career Timeline
  • Facebook
  • Self-Published Author: “Straw to Gold: Making a lot of a little when it comes to Finances”
  • Thinkful
  • Microsoft
  • iSpot.t
Awards

Fix-a-thon, Top Fixer (both for Microsoft and Facebook, 2018 and 2019)

What excites you about your job?

I love doing deep investigations, and using data to show what drives user behavior.

Reflection on time at U-M

Likes: Ann Arbor, the support of the CLASP department to go to conferences and travel, and that we didn’t have to TA – it was a choice

Dislikes: Qualifying exams

Favorite Class: I really liked my EECS class – Graduate Level Computing taught by Andrew Morgan

Advice to Students

Work really hard to give yourself choices.

What you like to do outside of work

Bicycling, traveling, reading, cooking

Samuel Lopez headshot

Samuel Lopez

  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center
  • Engineer

University of Michigan, BSE Aerospace Engineering, 2018
University of Michigan, MEng Space Engineering, 2019
What excites you about your career?

What excites me about Aerospace Engineering is that I can go home to my parents and when they ask me what I worked on today I can reply ‘rocket science’. The incredible complexity and coolness of the machines and technologies that make up the Aerospace field is a testament to the skill and knowledge of the people who study it. Aerospace is also a very broad field which means that there’s something for everyone, from the magnetometers on a satellite to the wing design of a 747.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

The University of Michigan has given me a firm foundation from which to build on in the real world. The classes, I chose to take, covered a wide variety of topics in both aeronautics and space engineering which provided me a generalist approach to Aerospace Engineering. This was done in order to take advantage of the large size of the University of Michigan, which afforded a much greater variety of classes and specialized instructors.

Favorite Classes

Michigan Balloon Recovery and Satellite Testbed (MBuRST) which operates in conjunction with the Space 584 class.

Advice to Students

My advice to incoming students, particularly in the graduate programs, is to always have some kind of balance between studying, life, and extracurricular activities and also to have these different aspects interact and build off of each other.

What you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy playing video games, watching Netflix series, and reading fantasy or science fiction literature.

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Steven McCarty

  • NASA Glenn Research Center, Mission Architecture and Analysis Branch
  • Mission Design Engineer

University of Michigan, BSE Aerospace Engineering, 2010
University of Michigan, MEng Space Engineering, 2013
Career Summary

In my work for NASA, I specialize in trajectory design and optimization for spacecraft using advanced power and propulsion systems, particularly those with low thrust solar electric propulsion. I am currently one of the lead mission design engineers for NASA’s Lunar Gateway and Power and Propulsion Element, the latter of which will fly the most powerful electric propulsion system to date. I am also heavily involved in design studies for interplanetary space missions to explore destinations such as Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

My previous work includes computational fluid dynamics and thermal modeling for the U.S. Army, in addition to spacecraft survivability engineering for The Boeing Company, 2013-2015.

Awards

NASA Group Achievement Award, 2018

What excites you about your job?

It is incredibly exciting to be involved in the exploration of space. We are constantly making new discoveries and yet there are so many more places to go and questions to be answered. I feel honored to be tasked with designing the trajectories that will enable our spacecraft to extend our presence in deep space.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

Attending U of M was one of the best decisions I ever made. I look back fondly on all of the late nights of studying and working on projects with my colleagues, knowing it was all worth it in the end. After all we’ve been through, the city of Ann Arbor became a second home for me that I still look forward to visiting whenever I am able to. There’s nothing quite like a football Saturday in Ann Arbor.

That said, 8:30 am classes on North Campus were not my favorite thing. 🙂

Favorite Events: Football games were my favorite events.

Favorite Class: AERO 548 (Astrodynamics), the notes from which I still reference from time to time.

Advice to Students

Get involved as much as possible in relevant projects and research outside of class. This is a great way to help figure out the type of work you enjoy doing before you graduate.

Don’t wait to be taught how to do something. Be curious and explore the topics that interest you.

Take advantage of the vast resources that UM provides to you as a student. There are probably many that you’re unaware of.

What you like to do outside of work?

I like to travel, visit with family and friends, and spend time with my two golden retrievers, Carl and Bernard

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Wayne Lester

  • Lockheed Martin
  • Satellite Vehicle Controller

University of Michigan, BSE Aerospace Engineering, 2017
University of Michigan, MEng Space Engineering, 2018
On-the-job training for 5 certifications on flying satellite ground systems
What excites you about your job?

My mission is all real-time. There is no long design life-cycle since the satellites are already built. Any action that I perform has a direct and costly (savings or burning) impact on the mission at hand

Awards

Hero of the Week (2019) – Given to flight operations team for saving real time mission data upon hardware maintenance flaws

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

There are too many organizations and project teams to not have fun, learn, or find your community. I had a blast with all of my involvements. U of M has the resources to make experiences very real and exciting.

There is good food everywhere. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to fit every class I wanted to take into my schedule, while still graduating on time

Favorite Organization: Michigan Capoeria (Brazilian Martial Arts)

Favorite Event: Annual Welcome Back Barbecue by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Favorite Class: Space 584: Space Instrumentation with Susan Lepri

Advice to Students

Every class and project experience holds value. Give it your best and your learning will flourish.

Talk to those senior to you. They do not have to be your mentor to get advice from or idea bounce with. They could even be friends just a year or two above you school or career-wise.

Keep dreaming. There is plenty of time to figure life out and plenty of opportunity to be had so don’t rush. However, do know how to make decisions and when a good opportunity arrives. Find the balance between waiting and rushing.

What you like to do outside of work?

I love cooking! I also have a passion for language so I try keeping up on my Japanese and Spanish. When I can give it, my 2 cats enjoy my attention too. But I can’t leave out my guitar, martial arts, video games, nor anime either.

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