Brendan Stassel
Senior in Computer Systems Engineering, UAA
I am a senior in Computer Systems Engineering. I have a minor in Math, Physics, and Electrical Engineering. I am a local from Anchorage. My future plans are to attend the University of Michigan Applied Physics PhD program to conduct research on electric propulsion systems. I want to eventually go in to space myself.
I am interested in making space travel more economic and I believe electric propulsion systems are the key to doing so. Understanding plasma electro-magneto-fluid dynamics is key to making more powerful and more efficient space propulsion systems. In 60 years, I believe the majority of space travel will use electric propulsion systems, with many of them using plasma.
The Plasma Lab is building our own plasma source to provide the capability to conduct plasma research. Using COMSOL, I designed and modeled the electromagnets required for the helicon plasma source. I am currently identifying suppliers to provide the parts needed to build the coils.