Nate Allwine

Aerospace Engineer
Pre-PhD Candidate, Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments
Chief Engineer, Western Aerospace Launch Initiative
Propulsion Lead, SWARM-EX CubeSat
nathaniel.j.allwine@wmich.edu
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About Me

I'm pre-Ph.D. student in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Western Michigan University. My research is focused on plasmadynamics, non-invasive plasma diagnostics, electric propulsion, and electric propulsion faciltiy effects. Plasma science continues to be a multidisciplinary field that has revolutionized modern technology and society.

My other interests include small spacecraft development; high-powered rocketry; and advanced spacecraft technology.

Education & Expericence

My Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Western Michigan University | 2018 - 2022

  1. 3.72/4.0
  2. Magna Cum Laude
  3. Minor in Mathematics and Physics
Pre-Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering

Western Michigan University | 2022 - Current

  1. 3.5/4.0
  2. Kenneth W. Knight Scholarship Recipient
  3. Research Advisor - Dr. Kristina Lemmer

My Expericence

Chief Engineer

Western Aerospace Launch Initiative | 2018 - 2023

Funded by University Nanosatellite Program

  1. Developed requirements and concept of operations for the Performance of Electrospray Propulsion on Ground and In Space CubeSat mission
  2. Composed and reviewed documentation that was submitted to a review board
  3. Verify system compatibility with the mission requirements
  4. Lead the team through meetings and tasks
Propulsion Lead

SWARM-EX CubeSat Team | 2021 - Current

Funded by National Science Foundation

  1. Verified cold gas thruster performance with thrust stand
  2. Compose and review sub-system documentation
  3. Verify sub-system satisfies sub-system and mission requirements
  4. Organize and lead sub-team through meetings
Graduate Assistant

Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments | 2019 - Current

  1. Perform research on plasmadynamics, plasma diagnostic technology, and electric propulsion devices
  2. Vacuum chamber experimental setup, testing assistance, and laboratory organization and upkeep
Chief Engineer

Advanced Rocketry Club | 2018 - 2022

  1. Lead the team through meetings and tasks
  2. Designed and produced a CAD model of entire payload system
  3. Assembled, tested, and documented GPS system
  4. Participated in Argonia Cup Collegiate Rocketry Competition
Project Manager Intern

Pro Services | 2020 - 2021

  1. Designed and implemented system for daily and long term project progression reporting and worker productivity
  2. Performed site-wide inspection of components with isometric and P&ID drawings to provide quality assurance and completion status

Additional Skills

Programs & Software

Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, AutoCAD, Inventor, LabView, Matlab, Navisworks, Abaqus, and Solidworks

Coding

C, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, and Python

Machining

Milling, Drilling, and other general hand tool skills

Projects

Propulsion on Electrospray Propulsion on Ground and in Space (PEP-GS) CubeSat Mission

PEP-GS aims to investigate electric propulsion facility effects by comparing telemetry and performance data from a porous borosilicate electrospray thruster during ground testing and in-space operations. This data will provide insight into expected on-orbit performance of electrosprays and provide a large set to generate predictive models.

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Development of a Millinewton Torsional Thrust Stand for Electric Propulsion and Low-Thrust Devices

A torsional thrust stand was developed for the Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments to directly measure the thrust of electric propulsion engines or other low-thrust devices. The thrust stand was later used to verify the performance of a cold gas thruster for the SWARM-EX CubeSat team.

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Download Report

Finite Element Analysis of an Electrospray Emitter Chip

In a graduate structural analysis course, I developed models of porous borosilicate electrospary emitter chips and performed finite element analysis to verify structural integrity throughout a space launch environment.

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Nate Allwine
Pre-Ph.D. Candidate

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Western Michigan University
4601 Campus Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

nathaniel.j.allwine@wmich.edu