Meet the Team

Team Dynamics

For the NASA Student Launch Competition, all team members are involved in the design, simulation, build, and launch process of the vehicle. Each member is placed in a leadership role, titled as an “area lead”, and has responsibility for specific aspects of the project which are necessary for success.

Areas of Emphasis

Project Lead

The team lead is responsible for overall communication both within the team and with NASA’s SLI competition officials. They will be tasked with planning weekly content to aid in team progress, facilitating communication during team meetings, and maintaining communication with project advisors and external partners. They will be expected to maintain individual accountability across team members, act as a team spokesperson throughout the course of the competition, and provide team documentation, working closely with the project manager and technical heads to ensure that the project is progressing effectively.

Vehicle Structure Lead

The Vehicle Structure Team is responsible for following the rules and regulations set by the team and by NASA during the designing, constructing, and implementing of the subscale and full-scale model of the launch vehicle. They are responsible for creating the structure of the rocket, ensuring a safe flight for the rocket and the components in their separate bays. The team will provide verification tests through simulations to justify design decisions made for the subscale and full-scale rockets.

Project Manager

This individual is tasked with coordinating the execution of project deliverables and monitoring project progress throughout the course of the competition year. They will be responsible for setting deadlines of minor project deliverables and ensuring that these deadlines are met, maintaining communication between technical heads and team lead, and facilitating overall organization and planning of events.

Avionics and Recovery Lead

The Avionics & Recovery Team is responsible for the design, testing and integration of all recovery systems, as well as the onboard flight computers responsible for recovery events. They will work closely with the vehicle structure subteam to ensure the recovery system design will be able to handle the weight and energy of the vehicle during parachute deployment, and during the descent stage. All handling of black powder energetics will follow NASA set safety rules, under close supervision and direction of the team mentor.

Safety Officer

This individual will oversee development of safety procedures and ensure team adherence to university, occupational, and NASA safety protocols for the spaces and equipment in use. They will ensure each team members agree to follow safety instructions outlined and instructed by them, and that members complete the necessary training required by the JMU to operate in spaces and use equipment before use.

Payload Lead

The Payload Team is responsible for designing an experiment that meets the payload requirements for the NASA Student Launch 2025 Competition Handbook. This year’s team is tasked with developing a system to measure several data points including temperature, velocity, accelerations and more during flight and communicate that information after landing. The payload team is responsible for designing the electronics, mounting surfaces, payload system integration with the rocket, code development, and testing. The team will also be responsible for designing for safety and communicating frequently with other sub teams to ensure the success of the overall mission.

Outreach Lead

The Outreach Team is responsible for building and maintaining a presence on social media by posting engaging content updates regarding the team’s progress on competition milestones, progress, and objectives. This includes keeping the team’s Instagram, Tiktok, and website updated, as well as producing novel content which is relevant and engaging. The Outreach Team is also responsible for planning and hosting STEM engagement events. The team is required to engage with at least 250 individuals and complete interactive activities related to STEM, rocketry, and aerospace.

NASA Student Launch Team 2024 - 2025

Grant Whitlow - Project Lead

Engineering Major

Business and Robotics Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Grant Whitlow is the 24-25 rocketry team lead and a member of the payload and outreach sub teams! Grant is a junior engineering major with minors in business and robotics. He wanted to join the JMU rocketry team to work with NASA engineers and learn aerospace engineering development techniques. Outside of the competition, Grant likes spending time outdoors, working out, and watching football!

Katelyn Marshall - Project Manager

Engineering Major

Graduation year: 2025

Katelyn Marshall is the 24-25 project manager and a member of the outreach and payload sub-teams! Katelyn is a junior engineering major who wanted to join the JMU rocketry team because she is very passionate about aerospace engineering and likes the idea of participating in a national competition. Outside of the competition, Katelyn likes playing guitar, skiing, and hiking!

Matthew Smith - Safety Officer

Engineering Major

Astronomy and Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Matthew Smith is the 24-25 safety officer and a member of the outreach and vehicle structure sub-teams. Matthew is a junior engineering major with minors in astronomy and mathematics. He wanted to join the JMU Rocketry Team because he likes the idea of working directly with NASA and wants to further his professional goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. Outside of the competition, Matthew enjoys snowboarding, weightlifting, hiking, and hanging out with friends and family!

Thomas Vancil - Avionics and Recovery Lead

Engineering Major

Physics and Robotics Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Thomas Vancil is the 24-25 Avionics and Recovery Lead, as well as a member of the Structure sub-team. Thomas is a junior engineering major with minors in physics and robotics. He wanted to join the JMU Rocketry Team because he wants to learn to communicate effectively with NASA engineers and gain hands-on experience with the systems that go into a high-power rocket. Thomas successfully completed his level 1 high power rocketry certification through Tripoli Rocketry Association. Outside of the competition, Thomas enjoys weightlifting and exploring the outdoors!

Owen Bailey - Structure Lead

Engineering Major

Physics and Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Owen Bailey is the 24-25 Structure Lead and a member of the Avionics and Recovery sub-team. He is a junior engineering major with minors in math and physics for engineers. Owen wanted to join the JMU Rocketry team because he loves aerospace and is excited to learn more about the field and build an awesome rocket! Outside of the competition, Owen likes to run and build hand crank toys!

Josiah Walker - Payload Lead

Engineering Major

Honors and Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Josiah Walker is the ‘24-‘25 Payload Lead and a member of the Structure sub-team. He is a junior engineering major with minors in math and honors. Josiah wanted to join the JMU Rocketry team because of the ability to design, build, and fly a rocket, applying all the skills he has learned so far in engineering and learning new ones as needed. He is also excited to work on a new challenge with other driven individuals! Outside of the competition, Josiah works in an acoustics research lab, is a bible study leader and servant team director with a campus ministry called Cru, listens to music, and plays Magic the Gathering.

Lily Debruycker - Outreach Lead

Engineering Major

Honors, Mathematics, and Business Minor

Graduation year: 2025

Lily Debruycker is the ‘24-‘25 Outreach Lead and a member of the Avionics and Recovery sub-team. She is a junior engineering major with minors in math, honors, and business. Lily wanted to join the JMU Rocketry team because she wants to learn more about aerospace and work with a motivated team! Outside of the competition, Lily enjoys spending time with her friends and playing on the Club Field Hockey Team!

NASA Student Launch Team 2022 - 2023

Matt Caulfield - Project Lead

Engineering Major

Physics, Robotics, and Honors Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Matt is interested in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. After graduating he is planning on beginning work with a company in an engineering field of interest and planning to pursue a master's degree. Outside of class Matt is a Physics TA, Member of the DND Club, and Madison Engineering Leadership Development Team. For this project he is looking forward to working hands on, on the structural aspects of the rocket, as well as coding and learning more about the Physics and Fluids Principles involved. A couple fun facts about Matt are that he lived in Germany for four years, sung the National Anthem at the DC All-Stars Game, and loves playing in the Marching Band!

Finn Otto - Team Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Finn is interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. After graduation he plans on starting his professional career(s) immediately or attend a school to get his master’s in aerospace or Mechanical engineering. Finn hopes to be able to improve on his 3D modeling, manufacturing skills, as well as reach our ultimate team goal of participating in the NASA Student Launch competition. Some fun facts about Finn is that he is from Harrisonburg, VA and that he mentored freshman engineering students at JMU.

Patrick Foreman - Safety Officer

Engineering and Mathematics Major

Graduation year: 2023

Patrick is interested in Aerospace and Electrical engineering. After graduation, he plans on working for an engineering firm in one of his areas of interest. For this project, he is interested in facilitating the team’s safety, and the construction and coding of the payload and avionics. Outside of class Patrick is a teaching assistant for the engineering program, has a certification for teaching snowboarding, and has marched two seasons with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.

Grace Klein - Social Media and STEM Engagement Area Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Grace is interested in Software and Aerospace engineering. After college, she hopes to go into the field of aerospace engineering and help to explore outer space! For the 2023 NASA Student Launch, she is interested in the scientific payload and the avionics system of the rocket. Outside of engineering, Grace likes to drive students home safely on weekend nights through the service organization, SafeRides. She also enjoys leading a Bible study and serving as the Spiritual Formation chair as part of the Catholic Dukes ministry.

Aakash Girdhar - Simulation Area Lead

Engineering Major

Mathamatics Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Aakash is interested in Aerospace and Mechanical engineering and hopes to work with a company that values his skills upon graduation. For the project, Aakash is excited to expand his knowledge in CAD modeling and coding in various languages. He hopes to be a dedicated and accountable team member so that he can help the team succeed. Outside of school, Aakash is currently the academics chair for his Fraternity, and loves to stay active and outdoors as much as possible.

Hanim Ibrahim - Fabrication Area Lead

Engineering Major

Robotics and Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Hanim is interested in mechanical engineering, specifically automotive and aerospace engineering. For this project, she is interested in the propulsion and fabrication aspects of the project. After graduation, Hanim plans on pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering before working in industry. Outside of class, Hanim is a research assistant and a teaching assistant in the engineering program and enjoys spending time reading, painting, and traveling.

Tyler Emory - Recovery Area Lead

Engineering Major

Mathamatics Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Tyler is interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. After graduating from JMU, Tyler plans on working in the aerospace industry focusing on space exploration. Through the completion of the 2023 NASA Student Launch, Tyler wants to focus his learning on the propulsion and aerodynamics of the rocket. Outside of engineering, Tyler loves the outdoors and hopes to visit many of the U.S. national parks. Tyler also has a deep passion for music, and he has attended a multitude of concerts spanning multiple genres and sizes.

Hemant Patel - Payload Area Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics and Business Minor

Graduation year: 2023

Hemant is interested in civil and aerospace engineering. After graduation he plans to work with a company that relates to aerospace or civil engineering. He is considering doing master’s in aerospace in the future. For this project, he is interested in the coding and fabrication aspect of the project. He hopes to expand his programming skills though this project and simulation data collect from the team. Out of class, Hemant is a teaching assistant with the engineering program and loves to follow the various mission NASA sets out to launch.

NASA Student Launch Team 2021 - 2022

Kelly Sadel - Meeting Manager

Engineering Major

Physics and Honors Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Kelly is interested in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and physics engineering. After graduating she is planning on potentially pursuing a Masters in aerospace engineering and/or working in the aerospace or general engineering field. Outside of class Kelly is involved in the Young Life College, Engineering Ambassadors, and is a TA. For this project she is looking forward to hands-on experience with rocketry and rocket science and analytical calculations. A couple fun facts about Kelly are that she can solve the Rubik's cube in under 3 minutes, LOVE's coffee and water skiing, and has met an astronaut!

Brandon Carroll - Team Manager

Engineering Major

Graduation year: 2022

Brandon is interested in aerospace engineering, hypersonics, and leadership/management. Outside of class Brandon is a physics research assistant. For this project he is excited to build connections with other rocket enthusiasts and applying concepts from class to rocket problems. A fun fact about Brandon is that can identify most rock and alternative songs in 10 seconds!

Coleson Baughan - Vehicle Lead

Engineering Major

Graduation year: 2022

Coleson is interested in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. After graduation he plans to begin working with a company in an engineering field of interest. For this project he is excited to gain knowledge and experience with rocketry, get to compete in the competition, and make good connections with team members. A fun fact about Coleson is that he loves all "board" sports and doing anything he can to stay active!

Cameron Funk - Modeling and Simulations Lead

Engineering Major

Graduation year: 2022

Cameron is interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. After graduating he is planning on getting his masters in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Outside of class Cameron is part of the 3D printing club. For this project he is excited to learn the basics of high powered model rocket design, design the vehicle, and assemble the rocket itself. A couple fun facts about Cameron are that he is a huge fan of aviation history, previously lived in Ellicott City MD, and likes to 3D model and print things in his free time!

Ben Hoare - Funding and Budget Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Ben is interested in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. After graduating he is planning on continuing his engineering education in graduate school or work in the field of engineering for top companies. Outside of class Ben is a member of the JMU Club Baseball team, Club Dodgeball team, and Innovation in Engineering Podcast. For this project he is excited to accomplish our final goal and enjoying the challenges along the way.

Ben loves staying active, playing sports, and lifting!

Kris Krueger - Payload Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics, Physics, and Honors Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Kris is interested in engineering involving anything space! He was one of the students that first started the competition back in the spring of 2020. After graduation, he is planning on getting an entry level position for an aerospace company and/or getting his Masters in Aerospace Engineering. Outside of class, Kris is a physical chemistry lab assistant, honors thesis candidate, and working part-time at AEVEX Aerospace. For this project, he is the team's payload electronics and communication lead. A couple fun facts about Kris are that he lived in seven countries, is a history buff, chocolate lover, and is part-Austrian and part-American!

Abby Maltese - STEM Engagement Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics and Honors Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Abby is interested in aerospace, mechanical, and systems engineering. After graduating she is planning on continuing her education in graduate school to get her Masters in Aerospace Engineering and/or working in the engineering field to gain experience. Outside of class Abby is a Statistics lab assistant, on the JMU Women’s Varsity Soccer team, the Vice President of JMU's Society of Women Engineers, and a JMU Engineering University Innovation Fellow. For this project she is looking forward to learning more about rocket components and how they work together to complete a mission. A couple fun facts about Abby are that she was on a team that got to send our experiment to the ISS on the Cygnus NG-10 and runs her own clothing business!

Gray Roisch - Safety Officer

Engineering Major

Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Gray is interested in aerospace engineering, supersonic aerodynamics and orbital mechanics. After graduation he plans to work towards a job in the aerospace field then get his Masters degree. For this project he is excited for the trajectory calculations and force analysis. Outside of class Gray is a member of JMU's Boarderline club.

Trace Scordo - Recovery Lead

Engineering Major

Mathematics Minor

Graduation year: 2022

Trace is interested in aerospace, mechanical, and design engineering. He is currently an intern at HII Newport News Shipyard and plans to continue with the company after college. For this project he is excited to gain experience in the aerospace field while developing friendships with his team members and ties to the rocketry community. Outside of class Trace is a three year member of Theta Chi Fraternity (PCP), and is a Longboarding and Rock Climbing Club member. A couple fun facts about Trace are that he loves all sports relating to riding a board, is a Big ol Esports nerd, and is a gamer!

How to Support

Our team aims to successfully design, build, and launch a scientific payload on a high-powered rocket in the 2023 NASA Student Launch Competition.

We have a goal to fundraise $10,000 by the 2023 competition. This will cover all of the competition expenses including, parts, manufacturing, STEM engagement, traveling and more.

Our sponsors help us thrive by allowing us to build, test, and launch more successful and ambitious rockets. Our team is a group of passionate and driven students who want to get plenty of hands-on experience that will prepare us to enter the workforce and become the next generation of innovators and explorers. Sponsors of the JMU Student Launch team will gain visibility throughout James Madison University, our local community, and nationally at competition in Huntsville, Al.

Please use the link below to donate and please put "JMU Rocketry" in the special gift instructions.

Donate

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