Ishan Bhatia

- Developed Bayesian optimization framework coupling QPAD 2D PIC code to optimize Gaussian beam parameters (sigma, centroid, density) for plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA) and laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), maximizing electric field strength and uniformity near trailing electron bunch. - Wrote custom hybrid symbolic regression + exploration/exploitation Latin hypercube sampling code for integration with ZPIC 2D PIC code to achieve 132% improvement in mean optimized acceleration field efficacy and 2x performance speedup compared to existing lab Bayesian optimization workflow. - Automated simulation workflow processing ~50-100 evaluations per optimization run to converge on optimal beam configurations. - Targeting publication of optimization methodology and physics results by June 2026.

- Leading technical direction for 40-60 member CubeSat development team across mechanical, operations, electrical, and software subsystems, coordinating toward 2028-2029 private launch. - Refined satellite-wide and subsystem-specific requirements list that adheres to CubeSat design standards and previous successful launch practices to outline subteam goals for Q1/Q2 2026. - Established with subsystem leads comprehensive intra-orbit system operation procedure to streamline ANSYS Thermal Desktop simulations for thermal system. - Systematized technical knowledge through ADCS physics documentation (reaction wheels, magnetorquers, Kalman filtering, TRIAD), and thermal control design workflow (dependent on various mass, volume, power budget restraints).

- Devised thermal control system for 70W peak internal dissipation using thermal straps and PCB copper backplates, stabilizing electronic temperatures between 0-50°C across thermal cycling in orbit. - Developed custom motor-actuated thermal switch integrated with PCB-mounted thermistors to improve passive transient response. - Implemented TRIAD attitude determination and MEKF (Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter) algorithms in Python to integrate magnetometer, sun sensor, and gyroscope data; documented data filtering approaches and algorithm selection rationale. - Designed low-friction bearing assembly in SolidWorks to analyze reaction wheel vibration and control algorithm accuracy.

- Outlined passive thermal control system stabilizing CubeSat piezoelectric fine-pointing electronic temperatures (-20℃ to 60℃ under 90W pulsed heat loads) using phase-change materials, thermal straps, and copper backplates; total satellite cost planned <$45,000; secured $2,000 AFRL grant. - Developed LEO debris remediation system concept using supercapacitor-powered bilayer solenoid to deflect ferromagnetic debris; wrote debris trajectory dynamics simulation code to determine required field strengths and consequent electrical power system requirements (<50W, <200A for 1ms) that successfully deflects 1cm debris at orbital velocities; submitted to NASA TechLeap.

- Machined powertrain components (e.g. lead screw, centerlock shift fork) for final vehicle using HSMWorks, mill, lathe. - Engineered structural mounts in SolidWorks to integrate powertrain with chassis.

- Led initiative to secure funding for lab materials used by Biodiesel and Waste Processing subteams

- Optimized transesterification process of waste frying oil that refines 98.7% of oil into usable hydrocarbons for biodiesel production - Analyzed lab data and wrote lab report to communicate progress and potential improvements to future lab teams

- Studied methods used in the lab's tests (e.g. DFT, Pseudopotential Theory, Variational Approach) - Explored how neural networks can improve simulation of electronic materials

- Presented to mycological experts my contribution to mycopesticide development - Opened new research avenues using different species of fungi and arthropods

- Confirmed C. militaris as an insecticide surpassing commercial agricultural pesticides in safety, cost and mortality - Studied attack mechanisms of entomopathogenic fungi within Hypocreales order & global health devastation caused by pesticides - Established mortality rate of C. militaris using aphid colonies and investigated addition of natural passive insecticidal substances - Developed formula for biopesticide production and generated cost-analysis confirming C. militaris’ potential importance in agriculture

- Destroyed old tax documents and USB drives with confidential client information for security purposes - Disassembled client binders and transferred tax documents into new organization systems

- Taught elementary school student for over 2 years (1st to 3rd grade) - Increased student’s foundation in both subjects to grade-level proficiency - Created practice worksheets with instructional diagrams and tutorials

Relevant Coursework: Heat Transfer, Transport Phenomena, Fluid Mechanics I/II, Thermodynamics, Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems, Dynamics, Statics, Advanced Strength of Materials, Signals and Systems, Control System Design, Circuit Analysis, Calculus I/II/III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra