As the Structures Lead of the Launch Initiative at Tech Team, my job is to work with the Full-Scale Structures Lead and Sub-Scale Structures Lead in managing the fabrication, testing, and assembly of the Sub-Scale and Full-Scale Rockets for the Undergraduate Student Launch Initiative NASA Competition.

The objective of this Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) is for students to learn the theory and gain the skills necessary to fabricate next-generation batteries for EVs, spacecraft, and Smart Cities infrastructure. Fabrication of graphene-based coin cell batteries to compare to market standard Lithium-ion batteries will be a focus of the class. Performance testing, lifetime and stability testing, and the integration of next-gen storage devices will be research topics.

CAD Designer for the Drop Test section of the Structures section of GTXR. The assignment included finding the optimal fin design for the Drop Test and constructing the CAD model for it.

In my role as a Research Assistant at Auburn University's Aerospace Department, I have the privilege of investigating the practical uses of Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs), focusing particularly on creating a Deployment Mechanism. This innovative project is under the supervision of esteemed professors Dr. Davide Guzzetti and Dr. Russell Mailen, as part of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) initiative.Our team is exploring the capabilities of SMPs to revolutionize the design and assembly of spacecraft components. Specifically, we are designing a mechanism that includes a spool of SMP which can be deployed to form a versatile and customizable structure. The primary advantage of this methodology lies in the potential of printing, encapsulating, or attaching electronics directly onto SMP sheets. This not only provides a groundbreaking approach to spacecraft bus fabrication but also simplifies in-space assembly.Our final 3D design aims to significantly reduce manufacturing complexity and mitigate storage limitations, two pivotal challenges in the space industry. The SMP Deployment Mechanism project as a part of the NIAC initiative represents a stepping stone towards the future of space exploration and promises significant advancements in spacecraft design and manufacturing.

I was instrumental in the system preparation and inspection phase, which encompassed unpacking computer and network equipment, and meticulously setting up these components as per the provided engineering drawings. When PLC cabinets were involved, I applied my attention to detail to ensure components were installed accurately according to the engineering drawing.My responsibilities also extended to the system setup phase, which involved setting up all computer and network equipment in accordance with system documentation. This included configuring BIOS settings, assigning IP Addresses, adjusting DIP Switch Settings, and managing other equipment-specific settings. This level of technical engagement provided a practical, hands-on understanding of network setups and configuration.Further, I played an essential role in the deployment of the computer systems. This task required using documentation to deploy computer images to all system components, such as Deployment Server, Application Servers, Terminal Servers, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and Thin Clients.I also honed my skills in installing and setting up T3000 (Siemens Power Plant Control System). This included installing the latest version, ensuring all power plant-specific requirements were met, loading automation processors (industrial PLC that holds the plant logic), and verifying configuration and loading of any other communication processors (AS3000, CS3000).Moreover, I had the opportunity to perform system testing as per instructions. This process involved rigorous redundancy testing, hardware installation, and testing various communication systems such as Modbus, DNP, IEC, among others. This exercise gave me in-depth insights into system functionality, integrity, and resilience.In summary, this internship provided me with a vast range of experience and practical knowledge in system setup, deployment, and testing, all while adhering to the highest standards of safety and accuracy.