While not currently engaged in the activites or business operations of 4Frontiers, past associates are recognized for the assistance they have provided to the company.
Martha Adams Martha Adams comes from upstate New York farming country, and brings with her an interest in simple and practical machinery. Her first electrical project, done about 1936 or 1937, blew a fuse; but she reports her design and engineering skills have improved since then. Martha has worked as a secretary, ignition systems engineer, architectural and engineering draftsman, lifeguard, and Red Cross qualified Water Safety Instructor. She has volunteered five years in a major Childrens Hospital, and two in a homeless shelter. She has read widely all her life and recommends, J.R.R. Tolkein, Ring Trilogy. Ursula LeGuin, Earthsea; Left Hand of Darkness; The Dispossessed. Jack Vance, The Languages of Pao; The Demon Princes series. John Brunner, Stand On Zanzibar. …Many more come to mind. Retired in 1996, Martha marked time until she found a group of Mars people active in and near MIT. Now she is, as she says, “Up to my ears in it, retirement didn’t work for me anyhow.” Martha assisted 4Frontiers in various efforts early in the company’s formation, including providing input during a number of technical efforts.
Daniel Aleksandrow
Daniel is a recent graduate, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science combined degree from The University of Western Australia. He worked with 4Frontiers, in both the Orbital Facility Feasibility Study and Mars Analog Simulation Design internship roles in 2008. Daniel has a strong interest in the development of aerospace technology, and is keen to obtain further professional experience in this area.
Tara Allen – 2008 NASA ESMD Intern
Tara is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelors degree in Human Factors Psychology. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Masters degree in Human Factors in Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Fall of 2008. Tara has a strong interest in extreme-environment living and worked over the summer of 2008 developing the interior design and layout of the Gen 1.5 Mars Settlement. She was supported via the 2008 NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Internship Program, in coordination with the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Derek Andreas Derek holds Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics from Southern Methodist University, and a Master’s in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California. He is currently employed by SpaceX in McGregor, TX. Derek assisted 4Frontiers in the areas of technology development planning and mining systems for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
James Bagley
James obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2008. He has also completed his Master’s degree in Kinesiology and is currently pursing his Ph.D. at California State University, Fullerton where he conducts research on human performance and environmental exercise physiology. James has always been interested in human exploration and colonization of space. His primary research interests include the development of exercise and nutrition countermeasures to offset the negative effects of microgravity on human muscles and bones. James is assisted 4Frontiers in the writing and development of grant proposals for researching human factors and space life science.
Thomas Baird Tom Baird is a professional science educator with 35 years of experience. Mr. Baird holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Science Education. He has been a high school teacher, community college instructor (oceanography and microbiology), director of a science and environmental center, supervisor of science (K-12) in Pasco Co., FL, Director of Science (PreK-12) in Pinellas Co., FL, and the principal of a math/science/technology magnet high school in Pinellas Co., FL, prior to joining the Florida Department of Education as Project Director and Co-Principal Investigator of the Florida/NSF Statewide Systemic Initiative.
He has been published in the areas of marine science, energy education, equity initiatives, and science, technology and society issues, and testified before a congressional committee on national funding for science education. He has contributed to numerous guides and two textbooks, including Silver Burdett Biology, and has served on numerous boards for science centers and public aquaria. He was previously a director of the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair (1990) and president of the Florida Association of Science Supervisors. He is a consultant for several public and private universities on science education initiatives, and served as Coordinator of K-20 Programs for the Florida Space Research Institute at Kennedy Space Center. He most recently experienced weightlessness aboard Zero-G Corporations G-Force One along with national Teachers of the Year from several countries and U.S. States. Tom asssisted 4Frontiers as an education consultant during the development of the Lure of the Red Planet education package.
Esther Beltran-Forsythe MD, MS. Dr.PH
Esthers formal training is in Medicine. Graduated from Autonoma University of Barcelona with a Medical Doctorate degree, she pursed training in surgery and spent time in Scandinavia and in several European Community Countries. She also continued her passion for aerospace and decided to combine both interests in space and medicine. Later on also she continued her education in aerospace sciences and obtained a Masters in Science from the University Of North Dakota in Space Science. During her stay in North Dakota she worked on aerospace physiology projects. After her stay in the Northern plains she moved to Houston and graduated from the University of Texas Houston Health Sciences Center with a Doctorate in Public Health with specialization in Occupational Health/Aerospace Medicine. During her tenure in Houston she worked for Johnson Space Center in the Reduction Protocol for the prevention of Decompression Sickness in Space. She also served for a period as a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching courses in Life Sciences and working in research projects for permanent human presence in Space and Extreme Environments. Esther attended the Gen II programming kickoff meeting and provided insight and guidance.
Michael Busch Michael has a BS in Physics and a BS in Astronomy from the University of Minnesota. He is currently a graduate student in planetary science at Caltech. His research interests include the physical properties and dynamics of asteroids, water in the near-surface of Mars, and mining techniques on asteroids and Mars. Visit his website here. Michael assisted 4Frontiers in the areas of mining, geology and geoscience for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
Ned Chapin, Ph.D. Ned while working for more than 40 years in information technology, has had experience in most parts of the software and management aspects of the use of computers in a wide variety of organizations in many lines of endeavor and in size from small to very large. He holds an earned doctorate (Ph.D), is a certified information systems auditor (CISA), and is a registered professional engineer (PE). He is the author of more than half a dozen books and more than 200 published papers, and currently serves as an editor of the Journal of Software Maintenance and Evolution, and on several international committees. Ned assisted 4Frontiers in the area of Information Technology & Communications Systems for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
Foo Yee Chong
Foo Yee Chong is a final year mechanical engineering student at Hochschule Esslingen, one of the top engineering schools in Germany. He attended 6 months of business courses at Kettering University (Michigan), where he covered Entrepreneurial Finance, Innovation and International Business & Marketing. A huge fan of entrepreneurship in new and emerging markets, he believes that opening up the space industry to entrepreneurs will spur tremendous growth and lead to amazing feats. His other interests include web technology and competitive soccer. Foo Yee assisted 4Frontiers by investigating technical and market issues related to space launch systems.
Peter Collins
Peter is currently working as a graduate environmental scientist for a multidisciplinary global consultancy, having recently graduated with an MSc in Environmental Biogeochemistry with Consultancy Skills. Prior to that, Pete worked in management information for a local authority, following a BSc in Ecology. In 2004 Pete was a crew member at the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. His research interests include bioremediation and environmental chemistry, particularly with reference to closed ecological systems. Pete assisted 4Frontiers in the pursuit of research grants in agriculture and environmental science.
Dudley Crosson, Ph.D.
Dudley is a human factors specialist working in the life sciences field. He has a Ph.D. in physiology and started his career in diving operations. The similarities between the underwater environment and space a drew him into the space field, and now he provides services to both deep diving operations / engineering and to the space communities. His human factors and life support experience projects have involved undersea habitats, deep diving systems, lunar habitats, and EMUs. Dudley attended the Gen II programming kickoff meeting and provided insight and guidance.
Sam Dinkin, Ph.D.
Sam is an economics and business development expert currently working for Space Shot, Inc. to provide trips to space for winners of his educational game. He also designs auctions and has helped buyers and sellers conduct over $120 billion in energy and telecoms transactions. Dr. Dinkin received his doctorate in Experimental Economics from the University of Arizona studying under Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith. He is a 7th plateau IBM master inventor who received a broad patent on all externally adjustable medical implants. Dr. Dinkin has a paper forthcoming in Astropolitics on launch economics and has been published in American Economic Review and Journal of Law and Politics.
Marilyn Dudley-Rowley, Ph.D.
Marilyn assisted with the creation of the astrosociology report for the Gen II programming effort.
Dick Edwards
Dick was a Systems Engineer with over 46 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including launch vehicle (beginning with the Atlas program) and component structural/thermal analyses and test, satellite design, analysis, test and manufacturing, and Space Shuttle System/Element Integration and Requirements/Verification. He was recognized for major process improvements, and played key roles in both Space Shuttle accident investigations. With wife Anita Gale, he conducted Space Settlement Design Competitions for high school students for over 20 years, now involving teams on six continents; Dick arranged facilities and services to keep the events running, and advised student participants on management practices. He was a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space Colonization Technical Committee; he and Anita co-authored papers on space settlement requirements and technologies, and co-chaired sessions on Space Colonization at technical conferences. Dick and Anita lived in Nassau Bay, Texas, near Johnson Space Center in Houston. Dick advised 4Frontiers on space settlement requirements and risk assessment. 4Frontiers was saddened to learn of his passing in 2009 and remembers him for his significant contributions to our efforts.
Damon Ellender
Damon has a MEngSc (masters) degree in Mechatronics (robotics) from the University of New South Wales, BSME, and 12 years commercial experience in industrial automation including set-up and commissioning of manufacturing processes. Damon assisted 4Frontiers in the areas of robotics, automation, sensors and control systems for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
Spencer Frank – 2009 NASA ESMD Intern
Spencer was raised in Pembroke Pines, FL. He is currently a junior pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Spencer in involved in a number of clubs as school such as AIAA, ASME, and Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Spencer is also involved in the design of an amateur satellite at UCF known as Knightsat II. He dreams one day to work on NASA projects involving either space propulsion or satellite systems. In his free time he enjoys surfing at at Cocoa beach, building balsa wood structures, and doing CAD designs. He claims his interest in space started at conception and hopes to contribute to the advancement of space exploration in his lifetime. He was supported via the 2009 NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Internship Program, in coordination with the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Thomas Gangale Thomas Gangale holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Arts degree in international relations from San Francisco State University.
Upon graduating from USC, he was forced to turn down an offer from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to join the Voyager mission control team due to his prior commitment to the United States Air Force. He was both an airman and an officer in the USAF, serving as an air traffic controller, an F-4 weapon systems officer, and an historian. Also while on active duty, he served on the technical management teams of several satellite projects of the highest national priority involving national technical means of verification of strategic arms control agreements, as well as a Strategic Defense Initiative satellite program and two Space Shuttle payloads (STS-4 and STS-39). He was one of the authors of the Air Force Space Systems Division response to the NASA 90-Day Study on the Space Exploration Initiative for the human exploration of the Moon and Mars. As a civilian, he has contracted with the United States Navy to analyze maintenance data for the P-3 aircraft fleet. He has published numerous articles in aerospace and social science journals, has presented papers at several aerospace symposia, has written opinion editorials in major metropolitan newspapers, and has appeared as a guest on radio talk shows. He is a leading authority on timekeeping systems for other planets, and is the inventor of a class of orbits that will be essential to communication between Earth and crews in the vicinity of Mars. He was an original member of the Design and Project Management Team for the Mars Arctic Research Station, a NASA-related Mars analog research facility located near the Haughton Meteor Crater on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic. Thomas assisted with the creation of the astrosociology report for the Gen II study.
Zachary Gowen
Zachary Gowen is an undergraduate student at Portland State University, pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration and a minor in space and planetary sciences. He is a lifelong student and enthusiast of space exploration and settlement, and a firm believer in the power of private industry to execute it. When not in school or delving into books, papers, and documentaries about space, he enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, and science fiction.
John Graham Graham gained a degree in Mathematics at the University College of North Wales (Bangor) and, thereafter, studied mathematical physics at the University of Illinois, on a Fulbright Fellowship, and, later, at the University College of London.
Following ten years as a Senior Scientific Officer with the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell and Winfrith, John moved to the US in 1968. There, he worked twenty years for Westinghouse, first directing safety work for fast reactors — including the Fast Flux Test Facility and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor — and then becoming the Regulatory Manager for the Basalt Waste Isolation Project at Hanford, WA.
In 1989, he became Director of Safety for AECL-Research, at the Chalk River and Whiteshell sites, to license the facilities for the first time under the Control Board. In 1992, he returned to the US to join BNFL Inc., becoming Vice President with responsibility for Environment, Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance, from the Denver office. Since 1998, he has been a partner in ETCetera Assessments LLP, a firm specializing in technical safety assessments for such organizations as the IAEA, DOE, and private corporations. He has worked with the American Nuclear Society for over thirty years: serving for four years as the National Treasurer and for fourteen years as a Director of the Society. He was Vice President and President of the ANS from 1994 to 96. John assisted 4Frontiers with nuclear systems design for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
Paul Graham Paul has been working as an Engineer for the Mars Society’s Mission Support since the FMARS 2002 season, and is the current Engineering Team Coordinator. He attended Colorado School of Mines where he studed Engineering Physics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering as a triple major. He has worked in every building trade, including several years as a plumber, a tinner and an electrician, has extensive RV experience from construction, repair, refitting and living and even spent a few days working on the ARES rover.
Currently he is the CTO of Alpine Systems, a PC consulting company where he loves to teach people how to use their computers in a fun creative manner, and Alpine Systems Engineering, a Linux/Unix consulting and Web/e-mail hosting company where he spends most of his time building and breaking servers and figuring new and creative ways to use or abuse computers and electronic hardware. He is currently working on several Embedded controller real time telemetry and streaming media projects. He is also working with developing rural broadband using several wireless technologies. His other interests include writing (He is currently writing a novel, having several published short stories and non-fiction magazine articles), photography, videography, theater, acting, mountaineering, hiking and other outdoor activities, SCUBA diving, and he is an amateur radio operator (KC0IFZ). Paul assisted 4Frontiers in the areas of building trades and Mars suits for the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study.
Jasmine Greenaway – 2010 NASA ESMD Intern
Jasmine is in her final year, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She entered college as a Meteorology major, but found her love for programming again after declaring a minor in Computer Science. Her decision to switch majors has brought her no regrets. As one chapter in her educational journey is coming to a close, she has found herself drawing closer to the world of web development as it leaves a sense of nostalgia as she remembers her teen years of when she used to create small websites of her favorite bands. Jasmine has always been a fan of science and is specifically intrigued by the wonders of space. One day she would like to be aboard and among the magnificent scientists of the International Space Station. Her other interests include video games, everything Hello Kitty, and sampling different teas and ethnic foods from around the world. Jasmine assisted 4Frontiers by creating an interactive module for the website Crazy4Mars.com that will educate K-12 students on space exploration.
Albert Harrison, Ph.D.
Dr. Harrison received his BA and MA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan. In 1967, he joined the faculty of the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, and in 1979 he advanced to Professor of Psychology. Now Professor Emeritus, he is the author or co-author of approximately 100 papers in a wide range of journals, his books include Living Aloft: Human Requirements for Extended Spaceflight (with Mary Connors and Faren Akins, NASA, 1985), From Antarctica to Outer Space: Life in Isolation and Confinement (with Yvonne A. Clearwater and Christopher P. McKay, Springer-Verlag, 1991), After Contact: The Human Response to Extraterrestrial Life (Plenum, 1997) and, Spacefaring: The Human Dimension (University of California Press, 2001) and is awaiting publication of Starstruck: Cosmic Visions in Science Religion and Folklore. Al was a member of NASA’s Space Human Factors Engineering Science and Technology Working Group and is a member of the Permanent SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Committee of the International Academy of Astronautics. He is currently involved in planetary defense (protecting the Earth from asteroids and comets) and is currently chairing a subgroup of the Academy’s Space Architecture Study Group. In December, 2003 Al was PI of a NASA-sponsored conference on new directions in behavioral health, and has recently edited a special supplement on this topic for Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine (June, 2005). He is former deputy US editor of Systems Research and Behavioral Science and a science advisor to Bigelow Aerospace. He may be reached at [email protected], 530-757-3292, 756-2361 or by snail mail at the Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis CA 95616 USA. Dr. Harrison assisted in the creation of the astrosociology report for the Gen II study.
Brogan Hetrick
Brogan Hetrick joined the United States Navy after high school, spending six years operating nuclear reactors aboard submarines. Following his naval service, Brogan attended Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), were he recently completed studies earring a bachelor’s of science degree in marketing. While at FGCU, he started a space advocacy and science education outreach group, the Eagle Space Society. Brogan participated as the Chief Engineer at the Mars Desert Research Station for Expedition Gamma in January of 2007. He has also successfully completed the Executive Space Course and the Summer Space Studies Program conducted by the International Space University. These programs enabled Brogan to travel to Strasbourg, France and Beijing, China, to work with international teams on numerous space related projects. He has also volunteered some of his time to the Egan Observatory at FGCU, photographing near Earth objects. Brogan is currently a science educator in southwest Florida, working with all age groups. He intends to pursue a masters degree in space studies, concentrating on space business and policy. He assisted 4Frontiers as a communications intern, working hand-in-hand with 4Frontiers staff, consultants and other interns.
Chris Hoffmann Chris holds a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University, with a concentration in power and control systems. He has 3 years of experience in the petroleum industry, working on facilty electrical design and implimentation. This has included power, lan/wan infrastructure, satellite communications, and store technology upgrades. Chris attended the Gen II programming kickoff meeting and provided insight and guidance.
Kristin Houser
Kristin graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. She lives by the quote, The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams by Eleanor Roosevelt. It has inspired her to hang on to every goal that she has set for herself and never give up. She is the first female Choctaw to receive a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Kristin hopes that her accomplishment will be an incentive to aspiring female Choctaws to set their standards high in mathematics and engineering. She feels her profound desire in striving for excellence will be shown continuously through her career. Kristin assisting 4Frontiers in the organization of 4Frontiers Gen II materials related to mission planning and spaceport design.
William N. Hulsey III, Esq.
William has twenty years of experience and achievements in protecting and licensing clients’ intellectual property through U.S. and international patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, enforcement. He has drafted and prosecuted more than 600 patent applications in the following areas: nanoscience and nanotechnologies; software and computer technologies; wireless and telecommunications technologies and systems; aerospace and automotive technologies; lasers, photonics, optics, and imaging technologies; energy technologies and power systems; and semiconductor devices, integrated circuits and fabrication equipment technologies. For some tiem, Bill advised 4Frontiers on matters related to intellectual property.
Brent Jones
Brent graduated with a BBA from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, with an emphasis in marketing and strategy, with additional masters coursework in a finance concentration. He’s had experience at a Financial and Crisis Consultation/Investor Relations firm, which focused on mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, bankruptcy, and legal crisis work. Brent recently joined the Beacon Group as a consultant. Beacon is a management consulting firm focusing on the technology, healthcare, and defense industries and advising on potential market entry, competitive landscape analysis, strategic partnerships, etc. Brent assisted 4Frontiers with early development work on the NewSpace Center project.
Robert Milligan Robert held an AB in Chemistry from the University of California, Riverside and an MS in Organic Chemistry from San Diego State University. He had over thirty five years experience as a chemist, polymer scientist, and materials engineer covering synthesis, development and selection of engineering polymers in the areas of advanced fibers, films, blown foams, engineering composites, sandwich structures and structural adhesives. Working with Dr. Crossman, he helped to develop polymer and other materials manufacturing processes as part of the company’s Generation II Mars Settlement Study. 4Frontiers was saddened to learn of his passing in 2008 and remembers him for his significant contributions to our efforts.
Andrew Monteleone
Andrew is an integral member of DarkHorse’s technical organization and serves as the firm’s lead industrial designer. He is responsible for the ideation, conception, development, and fabrication of prototypes for client ventures. Andrew has gained valuable experience through participation in the Consumer Network Solutions group at Thomson, Inc.. His work has been published in the Industrial Designers Society of America’s (iDSA) INNOVATION Magazine and displayed at the Milan Furniture Fair. Andrew holds a BA in Industrial Design from Purdue University where he served as President of the University’s iDSA Chapter. Andrew assisted 4Frontiers with early development work on the NewSpace Center project.
Shaun Moss
Shaun holds a BSc in Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Engineering, plus graduate studies in Information Systems and Robotics. He brings with him 16 years of experience with computers, primarily in software and database development. A space enthusiast for most of his life, Shaun is a member of the Mars Society, the Space Frontier Foundation, and the AIAA, and studies planetary science, astronomy, and technologies for extraterrestrial colonization and terraforming. Shaun currently works as an Industrial Designer in the mining industry in Australia, and is writing his first book, a science fiction novel about the colonization of the solar system. Shaun advised 4Frontiers on Mars metals refining and manufacturing processes.
Juergen Nussbaumer
Juergen has strong interest in the surface evolution of Mars. Under this topic he worked for several institutions supported by two Marie Curie fellowships, mostly in Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Great Britain. He did his field work related to his Masters thesis in Argentina. He has education and professional experience in engineering (e.g. in aircrafts), as well as programming of detectors (shutter mechanism of a Mossbauer Instrument, UV suppression of the PLASTIC Mass Spectrometer on NASA STEREO Mission, CHAMP satellite gravity field mapping etc). Juergen assisting 4Frontiers in investigating various geology & geoscience grants that the company considered pursing.
Joseph E. Palaia, IV Joe holds a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a masters degree in Nuclear Science & Engineering from MIT. He has served in engineering and management roles in two comprehensive Mars settlement design efforts. He has co-authored technical papers on the topics of Mars surface nuclear power planet design, Mars settlement architecture, space economics and the economics of energy on Mars. He also served as executive officer and engineer for the Mars Society’s 2009 FMARS expedition. Joe recieved the 2005 Peter Diamandis Leadership Award and the 2007 Nepolitano Award for space industry entrepreneurism. Joe co-founded 4Frontiers and served as VP of Operations and R&D for the company’s initial years of operation.
Scott Patterson Scott is a project manager for a large construction company. He attended the Gen II programming kickoff meeting and provided insight and guidance.
David Petrick
Mr. David Petrick, Systems Analyst at TAI, is the technical contact for the study program. Mr. Petrick was the lead engineer in coordinating and conducting the feasibility study activities in NASA Phase 1 ISRU-related SBIR programs including managing the technical activities contributed by the Center for Space Resources (CSR). He has a MS degree in Chemical Engineering and five years of experience in the design and analysis of aerospace systems including cryogenic hardware. Mr. Petrick possesses excellent thermodynamic, heat transfer, and fluid flow analysis capability and is proficient in the use of finite element analysis software for support in developing cryogenic systems. His prior experience includes developing specifications for cryogenic systems and components, designing system hardware and test fixtures, component fabrication and assembly, test setup and testing, and development of hardware for spaceflight. He was designer, fabrication specialist, and data collection team member for the water mist fire suppression experiment flown on STS-107. David advised 4Frontiers on various technical matters.
Barbara Preslock
Barbara has extensive experience in commercial marketing. She ran an advertising /marketing firm in Daytona Beach specializing in newspaper/print marketing ads, TV ads, radio and all forms of public relations for a diversified clientele. Barbara holds a degree from Marjorie Webster College, in Washington D.C. She assisted 4Frontiers as marketing director for two years.
Ed Ramsey Ed holds a BFA degree in Visual Communications and has developed and delivered multimedia content in numerous print, graphic, web-based, and video formats for over 12 years. He brings more than 16 years of U.S. Space Industry experience in various positions on contracts for both the U.S. Air Force and NASA. He worked as a Senior Engineer repairing Shuttle Avionics at the NASA Shuttle Depot in Cape Canaveral Florida in the early nineties. He is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery, SIGGRAPH chapter, and a member of the Pixel Corps since the beta days. Ed assisted 4Frontiers with website development, graphics design, and children’s audio generation, in additional to attending and giving input during an early product selection meeting.
Grant Ray
Grant graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a BA in Video Production. Grant has interned with the media production department at Charter Communications, a cable provider. Grant has done and continues to do various graphics design and video production work. Grant also works in a sales position out of Indianapolis. Grant assisted 4Frontiers with early development work on the NewSpace Center project.
Jason Rhian – Media Relations Consultant Jason holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida in Journalism and Public Relations. His desire is to improve the publics awareness of the value of space flight. He is a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and in the summer of 2007 he interned at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. Jason is also a former soldier and law-enforcement officer. He is currently assisting 4Frontiers in the writing and development of materials for promotions and marketing efforts. He was supported during the summer of 2009 via the 2009 NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Internship Program, in coordination with the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Michael Rudis Michael has three long standing interests: architecture, environmental sustainability and the exploration of outer space. He has made efforts to mingle these at every opportunity in his career path. Mr. Rudis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture with an emphasis in Project Management from Portland State University and is currently working on a MS degree in Space Architecture from SICSA at the University of Houston. His thesis project is the design of a high performance, rapidly deployable emergency habitation module to provide shelter in extreme climates and natural disaster zones. His experience with space and architectural human factors design intersected with his 0-Gravity experience onboard NASAs KC-135 aircraft while testing a next generation sleep restraint he co-designed and fabricated for astronaut use. This prompted a NASA invitation for an internship with the Johnson Space Centers Habitation & Human Factors Branch and Advanced Projects Office on their Lunar Habitat Mock-ups project. Mr. Rudis professional experiences also include supporting project engineers in class 1A heavy construction, with industry leader Hoffman Construction Co. and Portland State Universitys Facilities & Planning AECS division, where he provided design and project management services and support on a range of projects varying in size and scope that included interior remodels, demolition and new construction.
Brice Russ
Brice graduated with Distinction from the University of Chapel Hill in the spring of 2008 with a B.A. in linguistics. His honors thesis examined linguistic features of the social-networking website Facebook. Brice will be attending graduate school in the fall of 2009 to study sociolinguistics and is currently serving as the Director of Media Relations for Yuri’s Night. He previously served as Vice-President for UNC SEDS and was the Plenary Coordinator for the 2008 ISDC. Brice’s served as a 4Frontiers intern, focusing on applying new Internet technologies to reach broader audiences with 4Frontiers’ message and materials.
Dillon Sances – 2010 NASA ESMD Intern
Dillon Sances recently completed a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) with a concentration in fluid dynamics and space propulsion. He was selected for the NASA Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) fellowship, focusing on CFD modeling and microgravity testing of spacecraft propellant slosh in collaboration with NASA Launch Services Program. In 2008 and 2009, Dillon participated in the NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Program (RGSFP) and performed spacecraft propellant slosh research onboard NASAs C-9 parabolic aircraft. Dillons reduced gravity training includes: an Air Force Class III flight medical, FL-250 altitude chamber flight, and over 60 zero-g parabolas with NASA. In addition to research, Dillon was a Graduate Teaching Assistant at ERAU, training students how to program and machine parts in a university environment. Dillon has also been a project engineer with the Omega Envoy Project, an official Google Lunar X-Prize team in Florida, competing for the worlds first commercial lunar robotic mission.
Svetlana Shkolyar
Svetlana graduated Cum Laude with a Physics B.S. with interdisciplinary Honors from the University of North Florida where she was a Research Assistant in the UNF PICM Sensor Lab and a science writer for the campus newspaper, the Spinnaker. After participating in NASA Kennedy Space Center internships, she now attends the University of Florida where she is pursuing a masters degree in Science Journalism. She is a freelance contributor to the UK-based technology magazine for the Institution of Engineering and Technology. She is also an independent consultant with the Florida Space Grant Consortium and Space Florida. Svetlana assisted 4Frontiers as an intern, writing and developing materials for promotions and marketing efforts, and performing technical writing related to the Gen II design effort.
Phil Smith Phil Smith is a freelance artist specializing in aerospace subjects. His preferred media include acrylics, color pencil, and oils. Mr. Smith also designs and builds scale models using a variety of media depending on the subject matter. Mr. Smith uses his 15-year experience and knowledge in aerospace, politics, history, and anthropology to render unique visions of our future in space. A portfolio of his work can be seen on his webpage. Phil has produced numerous works in support of the company’s efforts, including renditions of the Crazy4Mars characters.
Alexander Stimpson – 2008 NASA ESMD Intern
Alex has a B.S in Bioengineering from the University of Florida, and has begin work on a masters degree in Aeronautic/Astronautic Engineering at MIT. He has worked on several NASA-funded research projects for the University of Florida, including waste recycling systems, Mars greenhouse design, and plant germination aboard the ISS. He is also an advisory board member for the Coalition for Space Exploration. Alex assisted 4Frontiers with Mars simulation planning, Mars greenhouse design, and greenhouse materials testing over the summer of 2008. He was supported via the 2008 NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Internship Program, in coordination with Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Dr. Richard Sylvan, MD Richard specialized in Oncology and brought his medical experience to the Program Study team for both the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Mars Settlement Design efforts. He received his B.S. in Theoretical Math from MIT and his M.S. in Microbiology and Virology from New York Medical College. He studied Medicine at the University of Louvain in Belgium and completed his M.D. at SUNY Buffalo. He did his residency in Internal Medicine at John Hopkins University Service at Baltimore City Hospital and his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. He was the author of multiple papers on space life science and most recently space economics. 4Frontiers was saddened to learn of his passing in 2008 and remembers him for his significant contributions to our efforts.
Eric Travis – 2009 NASA ESMD Intern
Eric was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he grew up with an excellent view of many rocket and shuttle launches. He is attending the University of Central Florida as a senior in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology with a focus on Space Science. Eric has been actively involved in many space engineering related endeavors including being a team member of the Omega Envoy Google Lunar X PRIZE team where he works on robotic systems engineering and space environment dangers. He is a member of the AOPA and AIAA and has also completed the Space Florida Academy. His ultimate goal is to help the United States and mankind achieve settlements on the Moon, as well as Mars within his lifetime. Eric was supported during the summer of 2009 via the 2009 NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Internship Program, in coordination with the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Dan Vacura
Dan graduated from Purdue in 2006 with a B.S. in Computer Science. Dan has already had an impressive amount of software engineering experiences through his current employment at Motorola in multimedia driver development, two internships, one at Siemens and the other at Tellabs, and courses including EPICS for three semesters, two of them as a team leader. Dan assisted 4Frontiers with early development work on the NewSpace Center project.
Zachary Whitten Zachary Whitten graduated from California State University, Chico, in 2000 with BA’s in English and Liberal Studies. After earning his teaching credentials, he became one of the founding teachers of a new charter school, where he has taught a variety of subjects to 6th-12th graders. Zach developed some custom lesson plans which are available in the educator section of the 4Frontiers website, and gave input during an early product selection meeting.
Debi-Lee Wilkinson Debi-Lee holds an M.S. in Physics from Florida State University and a B.S. in Physics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her graduate work was in high energy particle physics. More recently, she has held a research post within the Space Physics Department of University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). There she performed extensive data analysis and worked under NASA and NSF supported grants and contracts, specifically with regard to the Geophysical Institute Magnetometer Array (GIMA) and Meridian Scanning Photometer (MSP) projects.
In 2003, Ms. Wilkinson was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for the Surveyor Telescope for Atmospheric Research (STAR) system, investigating nighttime ozone measurement, under her independent consulting company Cygnus Innovations. She served as the principle investigator for that award. She has also served in various project management and supervisory roles at UAF during her 15 year tenure. Debi assisted 4Frontiers in pursuit of various research grants.
Kiara Winans
Kiara is currently completing a MSc in Ecological Engineering under the advisement of Dr. Mark Brown, Director and Professor, Systems Ecology, University of Florida. Kiara’s research involves emergy synthesis of scarce resources (i.e. soil fertility) and afforestry parkland systems in the Sahel region of West Africa. Prior to this, Kiara completed a M.A. in Social Ecology from Antioch University. Her research interests include biochemistry, appropriate technology, and aeronautics. Kiara is assisted 4Frontiers as an intern during the summer of 2008, and her efforts included design work on a Mars simulation program.
Andrew Winstanley
Andrew Winstanley is a final year undergraduate Aerospace Engineering student at RMIT University in Australia. He began his studies by completing a degree in Space Science at La Trobe University but realised he would rather pursue engineering work, particularly in the space field, rather than science. Andrew would love to achieve his dream someday of becoming an astronaut, and it is that desire to enter the space industry that helped him to find 4Frontiers. Andrew enjoys reading about history, science fiction, and fantasy, playing sports such as Australian Rules Football and soccer, as well as watching movies. He is currently in Manching, Germany completing a 6-month internship at Cassidian before returning to Australia at the end of March 2011.
"There may be only a brief window of opportunity for space travel during which we will in principle have the capability to establish colonies (which could in turn establish further colonies). If we let that opportunity pass without taking advantage of it we will be doomed to remain on the Earth where we will eventually go extinct." - Richard Gott, "Implications of the Copernician Principle For Our Future Prospects," Nature, 1993
