Experience
My roles span human factors research on AI and robot utilization for space operations, along with leading multidisciplinary teams across space systems and propulsion projects.
Active
University of Colorado Boulder • Postdoctoral Associate
- Leading end-to-end experimental protocol design and execution for a human-robot interaction study investigating the utilization of robots to support astronauts during maintenance operations.
- Developed Franka Research 3 robot arm capabilities for real-time, co-located human-robot task execution, including Python-based kinesthetic teaching and C++/ViSP-based visual servoing, with collision detection and joint-limit safety features.
- Developed a GUI (Tkinter) in Python for remote controlling the FR3 capabilities (moving arm and gripper by using kinesthetic teaching and visual servoing) via X-server (X11).
- Established data collection and processing pipelines for physiological (BIOPAC ECG and respiration), computer vision (facial impressions), and survey-based (Qualtrics) measures.
- Developed Lab Streaming Layer (LSL) applications in Python to synchronize physiological, computer vision, and behavioral data streams.
- Developed GUIs (Tkinter) in Python for data visualization, as well as data analysis scripts for the collected data.
- Designed an ecologically valid space habitat maintenance scenario with associated experimental layouts, session workflows, and participant training protocols.
University of Southern California (USC) • Research Assistant
- Conducted human factors research advised by former NASA astronaut Professor Garrett E. Reisman for 5-years on integrating AI into crew operations.
- Led end-to-end experimental protocol design, IRB process management and experiment execution in two separate occasions for human-AI interaction studies involving 60 participants.
- Designed experimental layouts, session workflows, and participant training protocols for these experiments and trained 60 participants to perform a simulated space habitat maintenance task during experimental sessions.
- Rehearsed training and operational protocols for experiments with former NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman.
- Built computer vision-based applications (OpenCV) in Python for data collection; performed statistical analysis in MATLAB and R.
- Conducted a survey study with ten former astronauts to characterize interaction dynamics between astronauts and mission control during maintenance operations, informing AI integration into crew operations.
- Performed comprehensive literature reviews on human factors metrics and human spaceflight operational and training procedures.
- This role was funded by Habitats Optimized for Missions of Exploration (HOME), a NASA Space Technology Research Institute (STRI). HOME-affiliated appointments are listed below.
- Scenario Scientist, NASA STRI HOME (Jan 2023 - Jun 2023)
- Led development of an ECLSS maintenance demonstration scenario with human-robot interaction under the supervision of HOME Director and former NASA astronaut Professor Steve K. Robinson.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to integrate multidisciplinary projects into a cohesive operational scenario.
- Co-developed a robotically manipulable ECLSS testbed for use in the Capstone demonstration.
- Capstone Captain, NASA STRI HOME (Jan 2024 - Jun 2024)
- Co-led the development and execution of a capstone demo simulating deep-space habitat ECLSS maintenance with astronauts, AI, and robotic agents.
- Coordinated research and engineering efforts among stakeholders, co-developed the operational scenario, and integrated multidisciplinary work into a cohesive demo that met NASA requirements.
USC Liquid Propulsion Laboratory (LPL) • Lead Engineer
- Managed a nonprofit academic propulsion group, leading 40+ students and overseeing an annual budget of approximately $60k.
- Assumed leadership of ongoing research initialization on particle shedding in 3D-printed metal rocket engines with The Aerospace Corporation, leading statement-of-work development and coordinating with University Corporate Relations to launch the sponsored research collaboration.
- Managed end-to-end project execution for the design of a liquid rocket engine test stand in collaboration with Pangea Propulsion, serving as project coordinator overseeing timelines, deliverables, and technical alignment.
- Implemented industry-aligned organizational and technical operating standards across laboratory activities.
- Coordinated with USC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to establish testing protocols and COVID-era operational procedures.
- Defined high-level project goals for the design and testing of rocket engines and feed systems.
- Negotiated with university administrators to secure additional operational space for the laboratory.
USC Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) • Systems Engineer Intern
- Participated in a summer internship at SERC, part of USC's Information Sciences Institute (ISI), under the supervision of Professor David Barnhart.
- Generated system requirements for an Earth-based lunar lander simulator (LEAPFROG Gen 1).
- Co-built the LEAPFROG structure and cold-thruster guidance system.
- Integrated the LEAPFROG structure into a 3-DOF ball-bearing testbed for guidance and control experiments.
USC Liquid Propulsion Laboratory (LPL) • Propulsion Engineer
- Volunteered with a nonprofit academic propulsion group alongside graduate and undergraduate USC students to build and test liquid rocket engines.
- Integrated a pyro igniter into a LOX - Kerosene rocket engine for static-fire testing, collaborating with two other graduate student engineers.
- Supported in-house water flow testing operations of a GOX - Kerosene rocket engine injector.
GE Aerospace • Design Engineer Intern
- Supported Material Review Board (MRB) engineers by performing calculations, modeling, and analytical studies to evaluate nonconformance in manufactured LM2500 engine components.