MEET THE TEAM
"The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better"
Team Investigator
Dr. Joseph Ciotti is a Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics at Windward Community College. He is the founder and director of WCC’s Center for Aerospace Education and acts as the college’s Associate Director for the Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium. He designed WCC’s Lanihuli Observatory as well as the planetariums at both WCC (Hokulani Imaginarium) and UH‐Hilo (‘Imiloa Astronomy Center). He also established the college’s NASA AEL and serves as a NASA Space Ambassador.
Team Official
Dr. Jacob V. Hudson Jr. is a lecturer of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaii at the Windward Campus. After receiving his Ph.D. in High Energy Particle Astrophysics, Dr. Hudson has maintained an active interest in aerospace studies and, in particular, rocket propulsion. Dr. Hudson is the Coordinator for the NASA Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL), part of the Center for Aerospace, and is the Associate Director for Rocketry in the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium. NAR #82342 HPR Cert.
Payload Resource
Dr. Witteman has a PhD is Ecology, as well as a B.A. in Biology and Sociology. Is currently an Assistant Professor at Honolulu Community College (HCC). He is currently an Associate Director for both the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium as well as the Marine Option Program at HCC.
IT specialist
Helen Rapozo is an Information Specialist at Honolulu Community College and helps the team with using the University of Hawaii collaboration software tools, public web page, taking photographs, advising on controller programming, and keeping spare batteries for just in case.
Team Lead
Lyra Hancock is a Junior at the University of Hawaii pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. This is her third year participating in the NASA Student Launch project. She has her level-2 TRA certification which she received at this past ARLISS. She enjoys playing with her dog, Skyy, and hanging out with her friends.
Payload, Communications, and Outreach
Kristin Schupp is a Junior pursuing a Civil and Environmental Engineering degree through the University of Hawaii. She acquired her level two certification in high powered rocketry in September 2013. This is her second year participating in the NASA Student Launch project.
Propulsion, Stability, Simulations, and Saftey Officer
Gavin Nall is a Sophomore at Windward Community College. He currently holds a level-1 TRA certification in high-powered rocketry. Gavin enjoys building quadcopters, riding his new moped around the 44, and tutoring at the WCC Math Lab. His hobbies include wood working, skateboarding, and rock climbing.
Solid Works Design, Structure, and Communications
Nick Herrera is currently attending Windward Community College, and is an aspiring Mechanical Engineer student. This is Nick’s first year working with the team. He also works part time at Kamanu Composites building one man canoes. He is an avid canoe paddler that loves the ocean.
Payload and Coding
Kevin Lee is an undergraduate student currently taking classes at Windward Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, working towards a degree in Electrical Engineering. Kevin has a strong interest in cars, especially electric vehicles, and motorcycles. He is also enjoying his first year working with the team and mentors on this project.
Construction and Propulsion
Cale Mechler was born and raised in Hawaii. He is currently a sophomore at windward community college working towards a bachelors degree in physics and eventually a masters degree in theoretical physics. In his free time he enjoys making art and music and enjoying the great outdoors.
Payload Design
Matthew Mau is student at Honolulu Community College. This is his first semester with the Nasa Student Launch Initiative and is working toward a Bacholers degree in Biology.
Payload Design
Debora Pei is a student at Honolulu Community College. She aspires to be a Mechanical Engineer, and also has an interest in Aerospace Engineering. When she isn't drawing up designs or chopping PVC pipes, she loves to sing, garden, and cook