Kristina Rojdev

Hi, I'm Dr. Kristina Rojdev, an aerospace engineer passionate about exploring the universe and doing the hard things.

Kristina Rojdev's Bio:

Kristina Rojdev's Experience:

• Aerospace Engineer - Systems Architecture and Integration at NASA

  2008 - Present | Los Angeles, CA

  COMPOSITE MATERIAL STUDIES: Navigated the organization through several challenging studies of composite materials for a host of different applications. Submitted an internal R&D proposal within 2 months of joining the team, gaining strong leadership support, project approval, and funding. Led research into material properties related to radiation, degradation, mass, fire resistance, and cost for use in habitats developed for a lunar environment. Named Principal Investigator and Project Manager for a study of the radiation effects on composite materials in various conditions that uncovered indications of radiation vulnerabilities in several material composites. Honored with the highly coveted JSC Director's Commendation Award. Earned an invitation to the prestigious 2012 Gordon Research Conference, presenting in both the Student and Main Conference Sections in Radiation Chemistry. Named to the 2014 Young Investigators Committee. HABITAT INITIATIVES: Orchestrated a project to create a wireless, modular instrumentation system accommodating 200+ sensors for habitats used in deep space deployment. Also led radiation shielding studies for inflatable habitats. Defined integration processes for systems and software for the phased integration of all sub-systems. Managed communications and collaboration with contractors, partners, universities, and NASA engineers. OPTIXX: Coordinated project scheduling, risk management, milestone fulfillment, and design support for a joint initiative with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to create a state-of-the-art optical system robotic assembly for the International Space Station (ISS) telescope.

• Guest Lecturer at California Institute of Technology

  2013 - 2013

  Guest lecturer on "Space Radiation and the Challenges in Human Space Flight"

• PhD Candidate at University of Southern California

  September 2006 - December 2012

  Led a breakthrough for PhD students by engaging directly with NASA-JSC on a project as part of a PhD dissertation with a world-renowned expert advisor in radiation and how it affected composite materials in space habitats.

• Teaching Assistant at University of Southern California

  2006 - 2008

  Instructed and led students through a Spacecraft Design course and a Propulsion course. Guided and communicated with over 100 students per class across the nation

• Systems Engineer and Graduate Research Assistant at University of Southern California

  2006 - 2008

  Conducted satellite mission design research and led students in astronautical systems engineering design, testing, and development. Oversaw virtual/remote instruction as a TA for Propulsion and Spacecraft Systems Design courses. Created an Earth-based lunar landing test bed (LEAPFROG) complete with data tables recording mass, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI) information to optimize procedures and landing routines. Cultivated relationships and negotiated investment opportunities with federal agencies and aerospace firms. Led the research and strategy planning for an experimental satellite mission design.

• Co-Op - Systems Architecture & Integration, Neurosciences, Motion Control, Crew & Thermal Systems at NASA

  2005 - 2007

  Hand-picked initially to research and test lighting for thermal vacuum chambers, and then completed a series of co-op assignments in various specialty areas within NASA. Authored procedures and led training. Performed database updates. - Led ideation and concept design for inflatable habitat instrumentation deployment. - Configured the design to meet stringent specifications for performance in extreme Antarctic conditions. - Documented operational processes, test breakdown procedures for field testing at McMurdo station. - Resolved issue of shattering light fixtures in extreme temperatures, researching, testing, and advocating materials for procurement. Provided detailed reports, analyses, and solution recommendations. - Achieved Certified Test Operator status for virtual reality human testing and Certified Trainer for flight controllers and crew members as part of the International Space Station Guidance Navigation & Control (ISS-GNC) sub-system.

• Engineering Research Assistant - Space Physics Research & Nuclear Engineering Labs at University of Michigan

  2002 - 2005

  Performed gamma ray emission spectrum research and MCNP simulation analysis for Nuclear Engineering. Supported the Applied Physics Lab with thermal vacuum testing for spacecraft instrument final acceptance testing. Conducted ion beam testing, robotics research, test data analysis, graduate student experiment design/execution. Served as a member of the Solar Car Team. Designed portions of the vehicle suspension system and an oven for curing composites. Represented the team at the Detroit Auto Show.

• Engineering Co-Op - Performance & Test Facilities Engineering at GE Aircraft Engines

  2003 - 2004

  Selected for 2 consecutive high-profile engineering co-ops, the first to examine and forecast the structural performance of newly designed engines in the certification process. Returned the following spring, working with 2 different programs to conduct Finite Element Analysis for solving boundary value problems on mount frames.

Kristina Rojdev's Education:

• University of Southern California

  2006 – 2012
  PhD
  Concentration: Astronautical Engineering

• Stanford University

  2010 – 2010
  Composites Design Workshop
  Concentration: Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

• University of Michigan

  2001 – 2006
  BS
  Concentration: Aerospace Engineering

• Seven Hills Highschool

  1998 – 2001
  High School Diploma

Kristina Rojdev's Interests & Activities: