School of Engineering
Showing 1-28 of 28 Results
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Maria Sakovsky
Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
BioMaria Sakovsky's work focuses on the use of shape adaptation to realize space structures with reconfigurable geometry, stiffness, and even non-mechanical performance (ex. electromagnetic, optical). Particular focus is placed on the mechanics of thin fiber reinforced composite structures, the interplay between composite material properties and structural geometry, as well as embedded functionality and actuation of lightweight structures. The work has led to applications in deployable space structures, reconfigurable antennas, and soft robotics.
Maria Sakovsky received her BSc in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto. Following this, she completed her MSc and PhD in Space Engineering at Caltech, where she developed a deployable satellite antenna based on origami concepts utilizing elastomer composites. She concurrently worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on developing cryogenically rated thin-ply composite antennas for deep space missions. For her ongoing research on physically reconfigurable antennas, she was awarded the ETH Zürich postdoctoral fellowship as well as the Innovation Starting Grant. -
Steven Salah-Eddine
Masters Student in Aeronautics and Astronautics, admitted Autumn 2022
BioSteven Salah-Eddine is a Master of Science student in the department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Steven is a research assistant in the Structures and Composites Laboratory at Stanford University, where he works under the guidance of his principal investigator, Professor Fu-Kuo Chang.
Steven is engaged in cutting-edge projects involving the development and optimization of multifunctional energy storage composite (MESC). His primary focus is on creating a scalable, integrable structural battery with built-in sensing capabilities. This innovative MESC battery is designed to replace single-purpose structural members, potentially reducing vehicle weight and increasing energy capacity for enhanced range performance. Such advancements are particularly crucial in developing robust Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (EVTOL) vehicle structures, where traditional EV systems often rely on redundant support systems to protect battery cells from heat, impact, and moisture.
Steven's research project targets the EVTOL market, exploring the application of MESC in commercial EVTOL body structures and determining the energy capacity needed for standard flights. His second initiative involves optimizing MESC specifications for a previously fabricated I-Beam, using MATLAB programing language for intricate design calculations and failure mode analysis. Beyond the lab, Steven's experience as an iPhone Product Design Engineering Intern at Apple has honed his skills in product design, adding to his expertise in design for manufacturability, finite element analysis, and materials science.
Steven balances his life with personal interests that include golfing, weight training, and running during his free time. -
Debbie Senesky
Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, of Electrical Engineering and Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy
BioDebbie G. Senesky is an Associate Professor at Stanford University in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department and the Electrical Engineering Department. In addition, she is the Principal Investigator of the EXtreme Environment Microsystems Laboratory (XLab). Her research interests include the development of nanomaterials for extreme harsh environments, high-temperature electronics for Venus exploration, and microgravity synthesis of nanomaterials. In the past, she has held positions at GE Sensing (formerly known as NovaSensor), GE Global Research Center, and Hewlett Packard. She received the B.S. degree (2001) in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California. She received the M.S. degree (2004) and Ph.D. degree (2007) in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Prof. Senesky is the Site Director of nano@stanford. She is currently the co-editor of two technical journals: IEEE Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems and Sensors. In recognition of her research, she received the Emerging Leader Abie Award from AnitaB.org in 2018, Early Faculty Career Award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2012, Gabilan Faculty Fellowship Award in 2012, and Sloan Ph.D. Fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in 2004.
Prof. Senesky's career path and research has been featured by Scientific American, Seeker, People Behind the Science podcast, The Future of Everything radio show, Space.com, and NPR's Tell Me More program. More information about Prof. Senesky can be found at https://xlab.stanford.edu and on Instagram (@astrodebs). -
Charles Shao
Affiliate, Stanford Center For Position, Navigation and Time (SCPNT)
BioA seasoned entrepreneur and senior executive with multiple start-up enterprises in Silicon Valley and China. As co-founder, vp engineering, CTO of Easyway Company Limited, design and implement a Chinese high-speed rail passenger transit service system. As a founding team member, start-up EPIN Technologies, Inc., ServGate Technologies, Inc., NetScreen Technologies, Inc. between 1996 ~ 2006.
Research fellow and deputy director, center for high-speed rail technology (CHRT), Tsinghua University. Managed R&D projects for China's high-speed rail system since 2006; Initiated “Introduction for High-Speed Rail Technologies” class at California State University, Bakersfield.
Venture partner of TEEC Angel Fund in Palo Alto. General partner of TSVC fund.
BSEE, MSEE, Lecturer/Assistant Professor at Tsinghua University following with visiting scholar at University of California San Diego during 1980 ~ 1993. First prize winner of Rail Technologies Awards by China Railway Society. -
Lauren Simitz
Ph.D. Student in Aeronautics and Astronautics, admitted Autumn 2021
Masters Student in Aeronautics and Astronautics, admitted Winter 2022BioHi there! I'm an aerospace engineer, chemist, and geoscientist striving to both protect our world and advance technologies to explore new ones. Sustainability and DEI are just as strong of passions at the core of my work, in and outside of the space sector.
More specifically, my work in industry (Chevron, SpaceX, Benchmark) and academic research (Northwestern - flowable batteries, Stanford - clean combustion) catalyzed my passion for advancing sustainable, reliable fuel and energy systems at the micro- and macro-scale. I have interests in propulsion (chemical, air-breathing) and energy conversion processes like combustion. As a Stanford PhD candidate in the Fluids in Complex Environments (Ihme) lab, I employ the intersection of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and kinetics to probe underlying phenomena in these areas.
I welcome messages and am always seeking collaborations with other scientists/groups. I am also happy to answer any questions about graduate school, fellowships, aerospace/chemical engineering/geoscience, and SpaceX, or put you in touch with my network, if that is helpful.
