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Alumni

The people who made it happen

Space exploration offers humans a means of striving for something greater far beyond Earth, so I have dedicated the past 4 years of my life to exploring the possibilities of innovations in technology for space. I believe there comes a time when you have to start changing the world, otherwise the world will change without you. This is why we started STAC.

Travis Brashears photo
Travis Brashears
Co-Founder & Engineering Design Lead
Engineering Physics

There are great knowns and great known unknowns, but what''s even more fascinating are those great unknown unknowns. Space is exactly one of those mysterious and spectacular final destinations for humans. With a relentless passion and intellectual curiosity, I explore the world with a state of adventurous and exploratory mind.

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Gan Tu
Co-Founder & Software Expert & Graphic Design
Computer Science Honors

Pursuing space travel is actually what pushed me toward engineering and computing. The idea of pushing the boundaries of what we can perceive and peeling away layers of abstraction from our idea of our own place in the universe has always appealed to me from an EE and more general perspective.

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Mia Mirkovic
Biosphere Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Space is an elusive melting pot of knowledge that has fascinated humans for centuries. However, we are at an exciting place far past the point of fascination and at the cusp of exploration where we are discovering things we could not have even imagined 50 years ago. We have to continue pursuing space because we have so much to learn from our universe.

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Tonya Beatty
Co-President
Mechanical Engineering

Space is an area of limitless possibilities and unchartered territory that not only inspires innovative technology but also excites creative ideas. Humans have the opportunity to learn new information through space exploration and research, which is why I''ve spent time working at NASA and would like to study space even further through STAC.

Olivia Hsu photo
Olivia Hsu
Co-Founder & TIME I Project Lead
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Whether we are in San Francisco, Hong Kong, or Brisbane, when we look into space, it poses a challenge to all of us to explore its vast stretches. In this sense, space is unifying: its presence we all must confront. Through STAC, I have dedicated my time to seeing progress in meeting that universal challenge.

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Jonny Watkins
Internal Vice President
Bioengineering

To me, space represents the limits of imagination. The hottest, coldest, largest and smallest things exist in space\; things that we can''t even wrap our heads around. Space exploration brings us closer to understanding these strange frontiers, and I am honored to be a part of that process.

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Peter Connors
Co-President
Materials Science and Engineering

For me, not only does space exploration represents the pinnacle of human achievement and scientific endeavour but also a figurehead of progress. I firmly believe that the future of the human species is multi-planetary and I am interested in contributing to that progression.

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Paul Kottering
CubeSat Member
Applied Mathematics & Physics Minor

I find high frequency telecommunications poetic that something so delicate, so minute, but so very deliberate, as the coded ripples in the electromagnetic fabric of reality around us can bring together all of mankind. With the inevitability of space exploration, it will be an incredibly humbling experience to extend the unshakable tenet of ubiquitous connectivity to mankind scattered across the stars.

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Hall Chen
Co-President
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

catch me @ Berkeley bowl buying some veggies

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Luke Langford
Engineering Director
MSE & Mechanical Engineering Minor

The sophistication and innovation of the first satellites and space technologies sparked my passion for the subject. We are in the midst of a new era of space exploration, and I''m excited to tackle the unique challenges that space presents. STAC gives me the opportunity to pursue my passions alongside a group of inspiring teammates.

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Jacob Warnagieris
Web Development Officer & CubeSat Project Member
Data Science & Computer Science Minor

I enjoy working on electronics projects, and electronics for space present some unique challenges not found elsewhere. The STAC team offers me an opportunity to find solutions to these challenges while working with a unique, motivated, and outstanding group of individuals.

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Aviral Pandey
Engineering Director & Electrical Expert
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Space is often looked at as where our future is heading, but I don''t think many people realize how much of it is already a part of what we do. From the incredible span of NASA spinoffs to the new modes of industry it allows for, space is the motivation that has pushed us there. I know space technology will only continue to set off even more chain reactions that go on to help everyone, and I hope to let our world appreciate and get involved with it more!

Anoushka Giri photo
Anoushka Giri
Member
Mechanical Engineering

Space captured my attention after I became involved with the hackathon arena in high school. To me, it''s the perfect way to unleash the power of a computer and make exciting new discoveries using open data. Studying space is my way of engaging with my surroundings - it''s a link between my interests in engineering and the natural world.

Shaantam Chawla photo
Shaantam Chawla
Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

I have always had a passion for space since I was a child. For me, space is the future and space is the ultimate destination for humanity. The innovations that come from space exploration just blows my mind and makes me profound at what we can achieve. There is so much in space that we don''t understand and I want to be able to discover these unknowns myself.

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James Mang
Member
Intended Astrophysics and Chemistry

Aspiring to become a chemical engineer, I have been interested in sustainable energy and environment. Space is a place full of possibilities, and I would love to explore it with my knowledge and skills learnt at Cal and STAC. Also, I''m just thrilled to work with all STAC members!

Audrey Zhao photo
Audrey Zhao
Member
Chemical Engineering

I can''t live on Earth my entire life. There''s so much to see, so much to learn about our world, that it doesn''t make sense to not be interested in space. I love solving hard challenges, and space requires solving a lot of them. Also, pictures of space look awesome and star gazing is really fun!

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Sirej Dua
Autonomous Rover AI Project Lead
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Ever since I was little, I''ve had butterflies in my stomach just looking up at the night sky and asking questions about space, a place where physical limits are tested and pushed to their extremes. I hope to inhabit the seemingly uninhabitable and create technology that will help people, all with the goal of exploring the universe.

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Makena Fetzer
High Altitude Balloon Project Lead
Astrophysics

Space instills unbridled curiosity because there''s just so much that we don''t know about it, and this type of curiosity has been fueling me to learn for many years in areas ranging from space to mathematics and engineering.

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Varun Khurana
CubeSat Deployer Project Lead
Mechanical Engineering & Pure Math

In an era where technology has improved by leaps and bounds, the ability of space exploration has unlocked a new realm for discovery and learning. The sheer vastness of space is intimidating, yet so intriguing. I hope to help those around me and push the barriers of what we think is possible.

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Chelsey Fang
TIME II Project Lead & Chemical Engineering Expert
Chemical Engineering

Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to explore my curiosity with space and science. I love the interdisciplinary nature of space research and the boundless possibilities of this field. I''m excited to contribute to the innovative research being conducted through Space Tech at Cal.

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Katelyn Yu
Research Officer
Environmental Sciences

After countless trips to Kennedy space center and seeing the direct impact of innovations for the final frontier, I''ve been enthralled with space. I love the challenging atmosphere that surrounds technology in space. I love making wide variety of things and am currently focusing on the intersection of software, electronics and mechanical design.

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Kireet Agrawal
Senior Advisor
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

I''m an amateur space enthusiast here at Berkeley. I really enjoy designing stuff, and am super pumped to be a part of STAC!

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Brent Yi
Senior Advisor
Computer Science

I have been fascinated with space ever since I was young. My dream job was to be an astronaut when I grew up. Although I don''t know whether that dream will come to fruition, being able to push the boundaries of space technology with STAC is the next best thing.

Elijah Kane photo
Elijah Kane
CubeSat Member
Physics

I want to put all of my education and engineering skills towards extending the limits of human knowledge and innovation. I am extremely curious about what is out there in space and am so grateful that I found STAC, where I can fully unleash my ambition working with the most brilliant people I know.

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Daniel Sotsaikich
Senior Advisor
Mechanical Engineering

I love to learn and there is nothing more prodigious than exploring the depths of space. Growing up next to JPL, space research has always been part of my life. Design is also something that has always been important to me and the projects at STAC allow for us to help aid the human effort in space exploration in a variety of areas. I hope to learn as much as I can. As the writer Brandon Sanderson says, ''Journey before Destination.''

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Philipp Wu
Senior Advisor
EECS & Mechanical Engineering

Space exploration is challenging. It pushes us to the limits of design, planning, and control. And it is this unforgiving battle against the elements (or lack thereof) that gives space exploration its allure. Not to mention the beauty and excitement that comes with discovering the unknown.

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Bradley Qu
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Computer Science

Creating and designing technology to endure the harsh challenges of space pushes the limits of human creativity. The future of the human race relies on us becoming a spacefaring civilization by utilizing this creativity. STAC is the perfect opportunity for me as an undergraduate to start working towards this future.

Evan Braun photo
Evan Braun
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

I became interested in space after debating space policy my freshman year of high school. There has been a huge resurgence in space research within the past few years and I strive to apply AI to the next frontier. Space is no longer the abstract concept that people believe is out of reach\; it''s a place where we can have a positive impact.

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Malhar Patel
Senior Advisor
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Learning about the development of the universe allows us to learn more about our own origins as living beings. Studying seemingly obscure topics such as cosmology or planetary and stellar sciences can help us learn more about why and how we came to be. STAC''s mission to enable life beyond earth is yet another step to allow us to discover more about ourselves.

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Kevin Tang
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Astrophysics & Computer Science

I''ve been interested in space exploration and experimentation ever since I learned about the possibility of life outside of Earth. I hope to utilize my experiences from working in Pieter Abbeel''s AI Robotics Lab and in Aerospace SAE to help design for the various projects in which STAC will participate. I''m extremely excited to see what this group of bright, passionate engineers can accomplish!

Sepehr Rostamzadeh photo
Sepehr Rostamzadeh
Senior Advisor
Mechanical Engineering

I have a lot of passion for design. I''m extremely interested to see how engineering in space changes in the coming future and am excited to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the great unknown. STAC has been a great organization that has bolstered my creativity and helped me foster closer relationships with my teammates. I look forward to exploring space with them!

Albert Li photo
Albert Li
Senior Advisor
Mechanical Engineering

After coming to UC Berkeley, I became very interested in aerospace through my engineering classes and certain aerospace clubs on campus. Space fascinates me because there is so much still unknown for us to explore and experiment. I am excited to take part in this exploration of space while expressing my creative freedom through STAC.

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Brian Lo
Engineering Officer & CubeSat Team
Mechanical Engineering

I didn''t used to know that you could want to be an engineer and not be interested in space! I''ve loved space exploration and technology since I was a kid, and I hope to expand my knowledge while contributing to our species'' ability to understand and operate in space.

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Ben Hoberman
TIME I Project Member
Engineering Physics

There are so many things we haven''t seen, and an incomprehensible amount of space for us to grow both physically and intellectually. I''m interested in furthering life beyond our terrestrial realm through building sustainable synthetic systems.

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David Mai
Senior Advisor
Bioengineering

Generations of humans have looked up at the stars and wondered what was out there, pulling grandiose stories out of the unknown to turn stars into fierce animals and demigods. I''m lucky to exist at a time where humanity has rapidly advanced space exploration, and I hope to advance space-related technology in my lifetime.

Eashaan Katiyar photo
Eashaan Katiyar
Autonomous Rover AI Member
EECS

In Space, there is so much that we don''t know about. We have barely scratched the surface. I am interested in space because of the amount f exploration that we can do, learn about new ways to travel, unlocking the mysteries of different stars and planets.

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James Hanenian
High Altitude Balloon Member
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The possibility of living in space has captured my imagination ever since I was a kid. While I know I won''t be able to do so, being able to help get us there one day is what drives me!

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Thomas Cheung
TIME II Project Member
Molecular and Cell Biology - Genetics, Genomics, and Development

I have diverse interests from space exploration to organic chemistry. I spend much of my time at the UC Berkeley Radio Astronomy Lab working on the HYPERION project probing signals from the Epoch of Reionization. I also enjoy competitive ballroom dance and cooking - perhaps the only thing more vast than the cosmos is the myriad of slow cooker recipes the internet has to offer.

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Daniel Shen
TIME I Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

In all of my mathematics, physics, and engineering courses, there have always been certain conditions that we were told to take as given or constant such as gravity or the behavior of molecules\; however, space as an environment for both thought experiments and engineering completely blows the top off of that system, both forcing one to adapt to new constraints or variability and opening up a limitless world of possibilities.

Levi Evans photo
Levi Evans
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Applied Math & Industrial Engineering Minor

Space is the gate to our future, holding answers to our earthly troubles and greater questions for us to explore. My biggest question is how can life exist in space, or on other planets? I seek to discover how we can spread and grow life beyond our little home.

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William Sharpless
Member
Molecular Environmental Biology

When I was little, I had a book in my room about outer space. Every night I would look at the pictures and wonder how they knew so much about something so far away. Now I want to help learn more about our universe, and STAC is helping me reach that goal.

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Riley Lyman
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Computer Science

I''ve always had a wide and varying range of interests, but I''ve been pushed to STAC since I saw how diverse and multifaceted space exploration can be. I''m glad to be at the forefront of the current thread of space technology, and I hope to see my own code headed towards the stars.

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Connor Prisby
TIME Project Member
Computer Science

I believe that advancements in space technology is the frontier of scientific innovations and I want to be part of this movement. History has shown that every step forward we have taken in space technology, we have gone ten steps forward in innovation on Earth. I want to contribute to expedite this process and taken humanity to the next generation. We, as humans, are bound to reach a brighter future and I want to be part of that effort.

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Jesse Orozco
TIME II Project Member
Chemical Engineering

I am interested in space because of what is happening here on Earth. Our current understanding of nature and state of technology have put us in a position to answer the most compelling questions about what is out there.

Alex Ungar photo
Alex Ungar
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Engineering Physics

I am interested in space because my dorm needs more of it. Jk. In reality, I''m interested in space exploration because in the past fifty years, it has brought out the best of humanity: curiosity, collaboration, and some of the most cutting edge technology of our time. Our world wouldn''t be the way it is today without space exploration.

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David Deng
TIME Project Member
Nuclear Engineering & Intended EECS

I think it''s humbling to know that if we work hard here on Earth, get our calculations right, and engineer tough enough technologies, we can take steps closer to even the furthest reaches of the universe. Space exploration provides opportunities to do things no one else has done before, and I''m excited to contribute towards this goal.

Lily Zheng photo
Lily Zheng
TIME I Project Member
Mechanical Engineering & EECS Minor

Space exploration and the development of space technology can open so many doors for humanity. There are answers to questions we haven''t even asked yet, and space allows us to learn about ourselves and the universe. I also think everyone should have the opportunity to go to space! It would be amazing for future generations to get to experience life beyond Earth.

Andrea Padron photo
Andrea Padron
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

The constraints of space result in really amazing technologies, from efficient jet propulsion to long range communication to autonomous control. I''m really interested in the innovations that come from developing for these environmental conditions, and all the amazing things we can do from these inventions.

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Eric D`sa
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

''Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its 5-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.''- Star Trek

Adiyan Kaul photo
Adiyan Kaul
Autonomous Rover Project Member
EECS

My interest in space developed as a child while observing stars at night. I kept wondering what could be out there and why we know so little about it. From that day on I imagined myself going to space as an astronaut every day. How cool it would be to be able to spend a portion of my life in space. Today I work towards that goal by aiming to advance space exploration projects.

Arda Hatay photo
Arda Hatay
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Mechanical Engineering & Physics

I''ve always been fascinated by space\; in fact, I first chose to become an engineer because I dreamed of designing a new generation of air and spacecraft. In an age where there is little of the Earth left to discover, one naturally looks to the stars, and I hope to do my own part in making space colonisation less of a dream, and more of a reality.

Ishaan Srivastava photo
Ishaan Srivastava
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Materials Science and Engineering

The space industry has so much growth potential with current improvements in reusable rocket technology, in companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic. Exploring the frontiers of space and beyond requires the highest level of engineering and innovation, and for a mechanical engineering student, contributions to humanity exploring the stars represent the greatest accomplishment.

Richard Yuh photo
Richard Yuh
TIME Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

I want (people) to live on Mars someday, but I also think that stretching the limits of science for space exploration has an extraordinary capacity for ameliorating human health. I would love to someday work on nanoscale enzyme prototypes, bioengineered food systems, or lightweight medical devices that help keep astronauts healthy but also give way to medical or ecological earth-based applications.

Christine Giuliano photo
Christine Giuliano
TIME-2 Project Member
Bioengineering

Before humankind there was space and long after we exit this world space will continue on virtually untouched. There is so much to explore and to be a part of these discoveries would make my life the most fulfilling.

Gabi Directo photo
Gabi Directo
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Mechanical Engineering & Applied Linguistics Minor

Space is the final frontier! A lack of interest in it doesn''t even seem plausible to me. It''s thrilling that there are so many answers out there waiting to be found\; many questions to be asked. Space exploration and study could very well be necessary to lengthen the lifespan of the human race, which is by all measures a goal I am more than proud to work towards.

Cody Yanna photo
Cody Yanna
CubeSat Deployer Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

Space to me is the final frontier. It represents the fact that people can do anything and literally go where no one has gone before, and that drives me as a technologist. I''d like to put my computer science skills to use to take people beyond the limits of imagination and atmosphere.

Ruta Joshi photo
Ruta Joshi
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Computer Science

As an aspiring mechanical engineer, I want to be a part of the advancement of space technology to further explore space. I''m very interested in space because I want to know more about what''s the great unknown and to expand our knowledge of space''s complexity. I joined STAC to challenge myself in design and creativity.

Jessica Yuan photo
Jessica Yuan
CubeSat Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

I''m fascinated by the possibility of working on a tangible project that has the potential of actually being launched into space. Also, I''m a big Star Trek fan.

Daksh Dave photo
Daksh Dave
Biosphere Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

Nobody really knows how bacteria react to being in space and in many extreme environments, bacteria and other microorganisms thrive to the exclusion of many other forms of life. I am interested in space because it offers a great opportunity to understand the physiology of how microorganisms adapt to the final, unexplored frontier.

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Joseph Maa
TIME II Project Member
Microbial Biology

There is so little known about space, which means there is so much there to discover. By advancing in space technologies, we can apply these innovations to further improve our lives. I believe that space is the catalyst for modern innovation. Also, stars are pretty.

Timothy Huang photo
Timothy Huang
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

I''m interested in space and STAC because I want to learn more about the challenges of living and learning in space. It''s a field that feels more powered by the curiosity and drive of humankind rather than personal gain, and thus something I''d like to be a part of.

Andrew Li photo
Andrew Li
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Space exploration will unlock a new realm of engineering and scientific inquiry, expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it. I''m most focused on space technologies that help us understand the limits of life, as well as how we can protect Earth life that travels beyond our orbit.

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Tristan Caro
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Molecular & Cell Biology

The thought that I can make an impact in the exploration of something as vast and ultimate as space itself is the thought that keeps me going.

Amol Pant photo
Amol Pant
Autonomous Rover AI Member
Intended Computer Science

Space is fascinating - it seemingly goes on forever, has mind bending scientific qualities, is amazingly beautiful, and at the same time a freezing death trap. I''m excited to learn everything I can about it and one day hopefully go there. Moving into space is moving forward!

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Andrew Voit
Autonomous Rover Mechanical Member
Mechanical Engineering & EECS Minor

What is outside the limits of our world? What is beyond that frontier? I hope to be able to explore and to know on any level that vast space that stretches forth the heavens.

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Josh Zhou
CubeSat Member
Computer Science

After working for a few years in nuclear weapons policy, I have come to the firm conclusion that the survival of the human race depends on whether or not we make it off of this planet. Also: it''s super cool.

Nathaniel Mahowald photo
Nathaniel Mahowald
Autonomous Rover AI Member
Data Science & Computer Science Minor

Space is the next frontier. Recent advances in materials, design tools, and manufacturing have expanded the limits of the things we can build and places we can go. Projects that were within the reach of only a small subset of specialists are now accessible to anyone with the drive and passion to explore the unknown. Personally, this is an opportunity I can''t ignore.

Tim Barat photo
Tim Barat
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
EECS

I have been fascinated with space ever since I can remember, I am filled with curiosity and wonder every time I think about what''s out there. I think space is just so interesting and I would love to one day go to space or help advance life in space.

Jasmine Gupta photo
Jasmine Gupta
TIME II Member
Bioengineering

Since competing in NASA''s ZeroRobotics in high school, I''ve remained fascinated with space technology. I believe outer space has shaped modern culture, inspiring rapid innovation in communications, education, robotics, medicine and numerous other fields. I look forward to continuing the tradition of discovery.

Evan Frenklak photo
Evan Frenklak
CubeSat Deployer Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

This planet isn''t nearly big enough for me!

George Matheos photo
George Matheos
Autonomous Rover AI Member
Intended Computer Science & Mathematics & Physics

I''ve had a fascination with space since I was a kid with glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling. I love to explore applications of AI/ML and space is a particularly exciting frontier.

Gokul Swamy photo
Gokul Swamy
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

I am interested in space and space technology because I believe it is the frontier to numerous breakthroughs. Since it is a field that is still being explored, it is unknown and mysterious, which drives my curiosity and interest. STAC will both challenge me and help me grow and develop as an aspiring mechanical engineer.

Allison Yuan photo
Allison Yuan
High Altitude Balloon Member
Mechanical Engineering

Space to me represents an unparalleled opportunity for innovation, discovery, and research - pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible will bring us whole new technologies we can''t even imagine at the present.

Jake Bildy photo
Jake Bildy
TIME II Member
Software Engineering and Genetics

Space is an age-old frontier of human exploration. Its exploration presents some of the most complex and interesting challenges in engineering and science. Combined with my passion for working on electronics projects, STAC provides a unique opportunity to engage in both.

Jason Hou photo
Jason Hou
CubeSat Deployer Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

The need to know the unknown is probably one of the most fundamental characteristics to any human. We strive to gain an understanding of the universe around us, and I see no other way to do this but by aiming for the stars. The growing hunger to push the boundaries of what we can currently do in space is what will make the science fiction of today become the reality of tomorrow. Being a part of the movement working towards paving the way for future human exploration into the cosmos, well there isn''t anything else I would rather do.

Alexander Zapata photo
Alexander Zapata
TIME I Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

Space is by no means intuitive. If you could be in space without a suit, you wouldn''t hear a sound. You could go 10 km/s without feeling a thing. To work on a space project is to think beyond the norm, to solve problems in ridiculous, beautiful ways, even when the odds are terribly stacked against you. This is what I love about space.

Salvador Alvizar photo
Salvador Alvizar
CubeSat Member
Mechanical Engineering

The need to discover and learn about what lies beyond our world drives so much ingenious innovation and the goal of making space habitable still hasn''t been fully realized. There''s a great deal more to be done, and I''m excited to see and work on the new technologies that will help make space exploration and research more accessible to all!

Aaron Lin photo
Aaron Lin
High Altitude Balloon Member
EECS

Men are weak now, and yet they transform the Earth''s surface. In millions of years their might will increase to the extent that they will change the surface of the Earth, its oceans, the atmosphere, and themselves. They will control the climate and the Solar System just as they control the Earth. They will travel beyond the limits of our planetary system\; they will reach other Suns, and use their fresh energy instead of the energy of their dying luminary.

Junhao Yu photo
Junhao Yu
CubeSat Deployer Project Member
Mechanical Engineering & Physics

Space exploration is the epitome of human knowledge and curiosity. Like many others, my curiosity in space arises as a result of the inquisitive human nature. Specifically, I am interested and fascinated in discovering how space expiration can affect life here on Earth.

Mahsood Ebrahim photo
Mahsood Ebrahim
TIME I Member
Mechanical Engineering

I''m interested in space because it''s currently the final frontier and truly innovative engineering is what it takes to further explore it. From that engineering, newly discovered technologies can be a significant impact in making the world a better place both on Earth and beyond.

Kelvin Pang photo
Kelvin Pang
TIME-2 Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

Thirty years ago, the voyager spacecraft took its last peek at the earth. In its eye, the earth appeared as a tiny dot, so negligible against the vast universe. The image evokes an awe-inspiring sensation in many of its viewers including me. Comparing to the grandeur of the universe, the earth inevitably loses its lust: the violent history it went through is not so significant\; the various dwellers it incubates may not be so unique. Living deep inside the society, we constantly accept our environment as the totality of our universe, failing to recognize the existence of a much wider one filled with highly-energetic particles traveling close to the speed of light, humongous stars clusters spanning across hundreds of lightyears, and exploding stars outshining a whole galaxy. Therefore, driven by the simplest and purest motivation, curiosity, I let go of my imagination to be carried by the wonders of the universe.

Che Liu photo
Che Liu
CubeSat Project Member
Intended Physics & Pure Mathematics

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

Matthew Trepte photo
Matthew Trepte
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Are we alone? That question remains unsolved\; however, modern science has allowed us to begin to formulate our answer. Researching how microorganisms behave in space clues us in to how life arose on Earth and perhaps elsewhere in the universe. Space is intriguing to me because it allows us to answer humanity''s biggest questions.

Abhi Varma photo
Abhi Varma
TIME II Member
Bioengineering

My passion for space began in 2nd grade with my admiration and respect for my female role model in STEM: Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Space specifically fascinates me because there is so much research and science to develop to aid us in exploring and learning about what the universe has to offer. Exploring the unknown, and being able to do that with so many degrees of freedom, is why I''m interested in space.

Namrita Baru photo
Namrita Baru
Autonomous Rover Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

From microwaves to foil and propulsion systems, the sheer amount of innovation that has come from the human desire to explore space is mind blowing. Aside from being fascinated by the mysteries of space, I love space technology because of its potential to improve lives and further our fundamental understandings of the universe.

Adhiraj Datar photo
Adhiraj Datar
CubeSat Member
EECS/Materials Scicence Joint Major

...still working...

Calvin Qiu photo
Calvin Qiu
CubeSat Member
Intended Physics and CS

The sheer distances involved in space have never ceased to amaze and intrigue me. At STAC, i''m able to directly research and learn more about space, gradually taking steps towards answering questions that fueled my passion in the first place.

Neil Bhattacharjee photo
Neil Bhattacharjee
CubeSat Deployer Project Member
Intended Computer Science

I''m always excited to learn new things and new disciplines. Whether that be design or space exploration. I hope that by joining the team and engaging with all these other brilliant students and creators I can continue to grow and broaden my horizons.

Rachel He photo
Rachel He
Graphic Designer
Economics

I took a seminar in modern physics in senior year of high school, and I loved learning about the frontiers of science. I think space is the most frontier-like of all the sciences: all of our current knowledge comes from an Earth-like environment, so space offers unlimited potential for discovery. I want to spend my entire life discovering new things, and that starts here at STAC!

Steven Cao photo
Steven Cao
TIME-2 Project Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

When I was younger, space and space travel terrified me\; even the experts knew so little about about it and that deeply worried me. As I grew older, I started to learn more about what we didn''t know yet and my fear turned into curiosity. Now, the unknown quality of space is what fuels me to discover what it truly is and how humans will get there.

Victoria Yim photo
Victoria Yim
High Altitude Balloon Project Member
Mechanical Engineering

Until now, skeptics continue to question the validity of space, space technology, and space exploration. However time and time again, scientists and engineers prove them wrong. Through the development of space technologies we are not only dispelling these skeptics, we are also revealing and discovering new information about the world we live in, space, and our universe as a whole.

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Bianca Luansing
Former Co-External Vice President
Intended Astrophysics, Physics, and South & Southeast Asian Studies

I''m pursuing excellence in engineering management. The STAC team is incredibly passionate and innovative. I am so excited to do anything I can to further our discovery in space technology. I am heavily involved in the logistics, recruiting, and financing of multiple engineering teams and research projects, and hope to turn those skills into a career in furthering science and engineering.

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Camille Stuczynski
Member
Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

I am passionate about shaping our future in space and working on projects that really matter. The opportunities for space exploration are boundless and offer unique challenges. Hands-on learning is my favorite building and testing is what I love most. I have experience in a variety of disciplines including product design and flight controls engineering, and I also carry a private pilot license.

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Emily Stednitz
Mechanical Expert
Mechanical Engineering

I have been interested in space ever since I started watching Futurama as a kid, and firmly believe that humanity will settle beyond Earth in our lifetime. I study engineering so that I can be a part of that great endeavour in any way I can.

Abhishyant Khare photo
Abhishyant Khare
Member
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

The future of humanity is written in the stars. The next big step in our evolution is reaching beyond our world to others unknown. I want to do everything that I can to help us get to closer to knowing more about the universe. There are untold wonders out there to be found!

Ravi Dashputre photo
Ravi Dashputre
CubeSat Team
Intended Applied Math

I built my first cubesat in high school as part of the Irvine CubeSat project and wanted to keep working on amazing hands on projects that end up in space.

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Mark Hill
CubeSat Team
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

I am so naturally curious about the wonders of the night sky: the stars, the moon, and the planets. I always ponder if the resources from these bodies can help humanity extend beyond a single planet. Technology is the only vehicle to drive the progress of space exploration forward and further broaden our understanding of the mysteries of the universe. I am excited to work with a motivated team to innovate groundbreaking technologies that will be the frontiers in space exploration.

Sarina Sabouri photo
Sarina Sabouri
High Altitude Balloon Member
EECS

Space is exciting because it''s humanity''s greatest frontier right now. There is so much possibility and mystery in what can be found out there. When there are questions to be asked, there are answers to be found.

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Eric Liu
HAB Graduate Advisor
EECS

Even since I was a child, I was fascinated with space. Watching episodes of The Universe everyday after school, and seeing the vastness and mysteriousness of space fueled my curiosity. But space also has the potential to solve humanities greatest problems, and I''m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the space revolution.

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David Yang
Senior Advisor
Mechanical Engineering

I see space as humanitys next frontier. Its a challenge to our generation. Will we make it amongst the stars? I want to contribute to solving this problem, and that is why I am at STAC.

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Yujie Wang
External Officer & TIME II Member
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

As Carl Sagan said, ''the Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena.'' There is so much outside of our little bubble that we have yet to truly understand, along with so many doors yet to be open. I''m not exactly sure what I am hoping to find out in the great beyond, I just know that I have to keep searching.

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Morgan Nanez
Senior Advisor
Astrophysics & Computer Science Minor

''If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I''ll bet they''d live a lot differently... when you look into infinity, you realize that there are more important things than what people do all day.'' - Calvin and Hobbes (Bill Watterson)

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Eric Lin
Senior Advisor
Data Science & Computer Science Minor

R* . Fp . Ne . F1 . Fi . Fc . L = N.

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Jonathan Lee
Senior Advisor
Materials Science and Engineering

Space is the future. Its harsh environments spark innovations never imagined before, and the amount of research that can be done there is limitless. We have so much to learn out there\; how can''t we be excited about it?!

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Rocky Hughes
Mechanical Rover Member
Chemistry & Intended Mechanical Engineering Minor

Space represents one of humanity''s greatest pursuits of understanding. Looking above at the stars stirs this inexplicable awe at just how vast this universe is. I aspire to, along with all the wonderful people in this club, drive forward space technology and uncover the cosmos little by little!

Ocean Zhou photo
Ocean Zhou
Mechanical Rover Member
Intended MechE + Physics

The future of humanity definitely lies in space exploration! Besides the amazing possibility that we could potentially colonize Mars, there is just so much to discover - alien life forms (which I know are out there!), a seemingly-endless supply of rare resources, cutting-edge medical research that can only be performed in space, new physics breakthroughs, the list goes on.

David Lin photo
David Lin
Mechanical Rover Member
EECS

I have developed a love for space and astronomy ever since I read Stephen Hawking''s ''The Universe in a Nutshell'' at an age of 13. It simply is fascinating to take a break occasionally from matters on the ground, and focus on all the amazing physical processes at work above us. But how can we, as humans on earth, further explore this realm? STAC offers me the answer: through innovative technologies for space science.

Jeff He photo
Jeff He
AI Rover Member
EECS

Space provides a wealth of information that is intricately tied into the frontiers of research in almost every science. Only by further exploring this vast, largely unknown domain can mankind obtain the near infinite knowledge and resources necessary for our sustainable intellectual and technological growth. Also, funky stuff happens in space, and that''s really cool.

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Jim Wang
External Officer & AI Rover Member
EECS

Space is the final frontier. It''s a place that can only be reached with the brightest minds engineering the most innovative and ground-breaking solutions. With space technology we are able to push the boundaries of human knowledge and learn more about the universe we live in and the fundamentals properties of how it works. From star anatomy to mars colonization, space .

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Benjamin Tait
High Altitude Balloon Member
EECS

Woody always told me to reach for the sky, so I did.

Miguel Garcia photo
Miguel Garcia
Time II Mech Team Member
Mechanical Engineering

''If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I''ll bet they''d live a lot differently.'' - Bill Watterson. I love this quote. This is how I feel when I remember we have so much to learn about our planet and space itself. I hope to help STAC as much as possible to push the frontier of space research and the space industry.

Tom Ragsac photo
Tom Ragsac
High Altitude Balloon Team Member
Mechanical Engineering