Omar Leon Email & Phone Number

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Research scientist focusing on in-situ space plasma instrumentation operating in low-Earth orbit, the magnetosphere, and lunar environment.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Advised Miniature Tether Electrodynamic Experiment (MiTEE) CubeSat mission science including the appropriate mission scope, required instrument capabilities, and deployment
• Supervised MiTEE CubeSat plasma subsystem including validation of mechanical designs, creating instrument calibration plans, determining proper vibration and thermal cycling tests
• Managed funding for MiTEE’s Langmuir probe instrument
• Performed NASA/Air Force Spacecraft Charging Analysis Program (NASCAP-2K) simulations to predict average current collection magnitudes for various spacecraft charging levels
• Created concept of operations for a 3-4 month low Earth orbit CubeSat mission to validate current collection models for a prototype electrodynamic tether system

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Budgeted NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship fund for experiment costs at University of Michigan and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and travel to and from NASA MSFC and relevant conferences
• Performed periodic maintenance on hollow cathode plasma sources for experimental accuracy and chamber cleanliness
• Expertise in Langmuir probe design, manufacturing, installation, operation, and data analysis to measure plasma characteristics, study plasma sheath effects, and track the electrical charge of nearby objects
• Familiar in the construction, operation, and analysis of retarding potential analyzers and emissive probes as plasma diagnostics
• Created LabVIEW projects to automate experimental procedures that commanded a variety of actuators, Keithley source meters, and data acquisition systems
• Performed maintenance on vacuum chambers including the replacement of turbomolecular and cryogenic pumps and gas lines to operate for experimental studies

• Thesis topic: Charged Fusion Product Trajectory Simulations
• Read papers and text books related to the focus of the research developing an instrument to measure plasma instabilities in spherical tokamaks
• Designed new machine parts and created machine drawings for hardware bench testing
• Contributed to the success of Instrument Mechanical and Electrical Design Reviews
• Collected data using an alpha radiation source to test a prototype data acquisition system
• Developed python code to create theoretical models for detector acceptance and simulate particle trajectories in plasmas

• Successfully developed the course IDH 2003 “The Middle Circle: IntegratingKnowledge and Ideas”; average class size 30 students
• Extensive tutelage in the creation of syllabi and lesson plans, grading practices, and general course creation and teaching
• Developed software that enabled students to learn how cultures evolves and affect international relations

• Underwent training in the “Seminar in Physics Education” where student psychology, teaching techniques, and proper responses to situations of conflict were covered, among other topics
• Managed various experiments and lab equipment
• Guided students using research-based teaching methods for educationally reformed physics labs of 25 to 30 students: PHY2048L, PHY2049L, PHY3106L, "Bridge to Success Program at FIU with Sea Perch" (Navy sponsored.

Department Of Mathematics

• Mentor: Dr. Miroslav Yotov
• Applied intensive mathematical course study in the fields of linear algebra,group theory, Lie algebra, and differential geometry utilizing educational textsand group education
• Weekly assessments of learned material consisting of 10 hour examinationspresenting theorems, definitions, and usage of theoretical knowledge in applicableexercises
• Constructed and developed new theories built upon prior knowledge frommathematical papers and preparation with useful applications in mathematicsand theoretical physics
• The relationship between graphs and Lie algebras was analyzed; specificallythe functor between the category of simple graphs and the category of two-stepnilpotent Lie algebras, as well as the existence of a complex.

• Mentors: Drs. Peter Machonis and Devon Graham
• Hands-on field research and study in Florida’s Everglades National Park
• Coordinated development of the personally created community access project“Let’s Beautify Sweetwater!” from start to finish including overseeing finaldevelopment of initial concepts as presented in the project outline.
• Researched into basic husbandry, market donation of greenery, and innovationin educational opportunities within the biology field for students of SweetwaterElementary School
• Researched advertising methods and developed community awareness informationalposter

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Engineering Physics/Applied Physics, 3.93/4.0

Activities and Societies: NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (NSTRF)My research focused on Langmuir probe operation on CubeSat.

Master Of Science (Ms), Engineering Physics/Applied Physics, 3.934/4.0

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Physics, 3.67/4.0

Activities and Societies: Society of Physics Students, Sigma Pi Sigma, FIU Experimental Plasma Physics group

Associate Of Arts (Aa), Pre-Bachelor Of Arts, 3.23/4.0