Meet the PolarNOx team

Scott Bailey, Professor
Director at Center for Space Science and Engineering Research

Education:
B.S. in Physics, 1990 | Virginia Tech

M.S., 1994 | University of Colorado

Ph.D. in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences, 1995 | University of Colorado

Justin Carstens, Reasearch Assistant Professor

Education:
B.S. in Physics and Math, 2004 | University of Alaska Fairbanks

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, 2012 | Virginia Tech

Justin says: This is my fourth rocket launch, and the thing that stays with me the most is not the launch itself but the experience with the team, especially during integration operations at Wallops and buildup operations at the range. Each of these periods lasts about a month. The work can be grueling, frustrating, stressful, and sometimes even boring. Failures on launch night can be devastating.

But, very few experiences in my life have been more memorable, exhilarating, or fun, and it is the bonds built with the team that make it feel that way. The group we have this time has not disappointed. Regardless of what happens on launch night, the experience I have had so far will stay with me for life.

Aklima Khatun, EE Ph.D. Candidate

Hometown: Noakhali, Bangladesh

Education: 
B.S. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2018 | Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong, Bangladesh

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, 2024 | Virginia Tech

 Aklima says: I have truly enjoyed being part of our amazing team. When we first came together two years ago, some of us barely knew each other, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve grown as a team since then. I’ve learned so much from every member along the way.

Being involved in a sounding rocket mission has been a first-hand learning experience—from the testing and engineering to the science behind it all—and it’s been fascinating to see everything that goes on behind the scenes.

Now, beyond the launch itself, I’m really looking forward to the data we’ll receive. We have estimations and theories about nitric oxide deposition during the polar night, but it will be exciting and intriguing to finally see and analyze the real data.

Sowmya Muthurangan, EE Ph.D. Candidate

Hometown: Pondicherry, India

Education:
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), Electronics and Communication Engineering, 2019 | National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, 2023 | Virginia Tech

Sowmya says: I am looking forward to the launch! Of course, being part of Dr.Bailey’s pre-launch “traditions” and sharing this journey with the team has been truly fun, and it’s given us memories we’ll all look back on with a smile.

Savannah Church, senior B.S. in Physics with minors in Mathematics and Astronomy

Hometown: Rockingham County, VA 

Savannah says: I've really enjoyed traveling with the team, participating in lab work, and learning hands-on skills while working have been enjoyable over the past few years. 

Weston Allen