Nigel Barnett

Coursework: Air Breathing Propulsion, Statistical Thermodynamics, Advanced Rocket Propulsion, Combustion

Coursework: Principles of Automatic Control, Graduate Rocket Propulsion, Materials & Structures, Signals & Systems, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Propulsion, Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Statistics & Probability, Intro to Python & Python Algorithms, Differential Equations, Space Systems Engineering

• Assisting with multiple lab projects, solid fuel RDE development, and laboratory infrastructure buildup

• Combined a neural network with stereoscopic imaging to provide shape estimation on a scaled prototype of a large-diameter actuated mesh reflector for enhanced weather monitoring
• Improved metrology methods for more precise shape estimation of the mesh surface
• Implemented code and created figures for a Robotics Science and Systems publication

• Experimentally characterized, defined, and validated an optimal procedure for manufacturing electrowetting valves, resulting in a 21% improvement in performance and overall faster fabrication
• Collaborated with Professor Lozano and multiple graduate students for project coordination, paper writing, revisions, and novel problem-solving

• Developed two cathode prototypes and planned the fabrication of a cathode for realistic low-Earth orbit testing of single-polarity electrospray thrusters

• Cooperated with other research interns and a mentor to develop and assess four prototype micrometeoroid orbital debris shields that performed 47% better than baseline models
• Designed, built, and tested 55 samples for a composite materials database
• Presented the design process and findings to Air Force staff for a conference

• Completed safety reviews and coordinated incremental tests to perform a successful hot fire
• Led 12 undergraduate students on two bi-propellant engines: Helios & Romulus
• Defined requirements and parameters for a new bi-propellant engine

• Employed CATIA to develop 75 part and assembly drawings for engineering review and documentation
• Collaborated with 15+ team members, providing feedback for over 80 other engineering drawings
• Created new and modified existing CAD models to simplify two different server rack assemblies

• Designed and integrated navigation and propulsion subsystems for AdoreSat and TrashSat

• Taught classrooms of 25+ middle and high school students about mathematics, English, and U.S. politics
• Curated a multi-lesson water bottle rocket workshop to introduce rocket science concepts to upper-level physics students

• Graded weekly assignments for an undergraduate thermodynamics class

• Trained students to use various shop machines and techniques safely
• Maintained the shop so that 50+ students have a safe working environment

• Raised funds to support over 90 students in six different sub-teams

• Allocated and tracked the budgets of 4 project teams for the 15+ students in the MIT SEDS chapter
• Coordinated outreach efforts and community events to rejuvenate the club after COVID by 60%

• Represented 600+ youth across the country for the Cowlitz Tribal Government; made recommendations about how to better support tribal youth
• Budgeted and raised funds for youth events and youth support programs

• Pioneered the structural and aerodynamic design for the team's National Championship solar car using Autodesk Inventor and Siemens STAR-CCM+
• Trained and coordinated 20+ members on CAD, professional communication, and electronic circuit design

• Led a group project to design a human-sized rotorcraft
• Hosted professionals in the aeronautics industry to mentor and introduce 20+ students to career opportunities in the field

• 3D printed and assembled 200+ protective visors and organized their distribution to frontline workers during the early pandemic PPE shortages
• Collaborated with volunteers to fill supply chain gaps and fulfill equipment shortages