2018 Graduates
Name: Awele Anyahun
University/Date: North Carolina A&T University, May 2018
Degree: PhD in Electrical Engineering
Advisor: Dr. William Edmonson
Thesis Topic: Model-Based (MBSE) System Architecture Development for a Hybrid Inter-Satellite Communication System
Present Position:
Name: Jacob Bean
University/Date: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, May 2018
Degree: PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Advisor: Dr. Chris Fuller
Thesis Topic: Design and Analysis of an Active Noise Cancelling Headrest
Present Position: Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., San Diego, California
Name: Milad Hamidid
University/Date: North Carolina A&T University, December 2018
Degree: PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Advisor: Dr. William Edmonson
Thesis Topic: “A Game Theoretic Approach for Optimization of Inter-Satellite Communication in Small Satellite Networks”
Name: Rodolfo Ledesma
University/Date: University of Virginia, December 2018
Degree: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor: Dr. James Fitz-Gerald
Thesis Topic: Detection of Surface Contaminants on Aerospace Structural Composites Prior to Adhesive Bonding
Present Position: Contractor, National Institute of Aerospace and Advanced Materials and Processing Branch, NASA’s Langley Research Center
Name: Lucas Mills
University/Date: Old Dominion University, December 2018
Degree: MS in Aerospace Engineering
Advisor: Dr. Brett Newman
Thesis Topic: Gust Alleviation System for General Aviation Aircraft
Present Position: Engineer, Global Patriot Solutions, The Raytheon Company, Waltham, Massachusetts
Name: Ankit Shah
University/Date: University of Virginia, May 2018
Degree: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor: Dr. Mool Gupta
Thesis Topic: Laser Sintering of Tungsten Nanoparticles for Solar Thermal Receivers
Present Position: Xperience Robotics Private Limited, Mumbai, India
Name: Adam Slagle
University/Date: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, May 2018
Degree: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Advisor: Dr. Chris Fuller
Thesis Topic: Morphing Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Mechanisms and Controls
Present Position: Mechanical Systems Branch, NASA’s Langley Research Center
Name: Alexander Trochez
University/Date: Old Dominion University, August 2018
Degree: MS in Mechanical Engineering
Advisors: Dr. Ghosh, Dr. Kravchenko and Dr. Wu
Thesis Topic: Effects on Automated Fiber Placement Defects on High Strain Rate Compressive Response of Advanced Composites
Present Position: Maintenace and Operations Branch, NASA’s Langley Research Center