UW ESS Advanced Plasma Propulsion Lab
University of Washington
My research on helicon plasma thrusters at the University of Washington first exposed me to plasma physics. From the physics itself to the electronics that drove the experiments, I immediately felt an attraction to the field (ha!) that would lead me into electromagnetics-related research and work.
Concept and Research
The Advanced Propulsion Laboratory in the University of Washington's Earth & Space Sciences Department is focused on developing and testing novel, plasma-based thruster concepts for use in satellites and spacecraft. One of the main designs considered is the High Power Helicon (HPH) thruster, whcih was targeted toward deorbiting space debris. From 2010-2011, I worked in support of this project along with Dr. James Prager and Dr. Race Robertson, Ilia Slobodov, and another undergraduate researcher, Reece Beigh.
Mentors
Dr. Robert Winglee, University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences
Dr. James Prager, University of Washington, Earth and Space Sciences
