By Christy Bui
Center for Space Research and Assurance
Air Force Institute of Technology

Winter quarter is a busy time at the Air Force Institute of Technology. On Thursday, 21 March 2024, the Graduate School of Engineering and Management’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics graduated 30 master’s students and one doctoral student. After countless hours studying, researching, and course work, our graduates are ready for the next phase of their careers. The Center for Space Research and Assurance would like to highlight a few of our astronautical engineering graduates.

Christian Conkle
Christian Conkle’s master’s degree focused on optical engineering. His research explored novel space systems and payloads, resulting in two pending patents. Conkle has expressed that his most memorable times at AFIT include the many conversations with Lt. Col. Robert Bettinger, a CSRA faculty member, sharing ideas. Conkle’s advice to new students: “Staying excited and learning about other's interests allows new ideas to flourish and will promote cross-domain knowledge in leadership roles.” Post graduation, Conkle will be relocating to Logan, Utah, where he will help to develop next-generation space systems.

 Christian Conkle works with Lt. Col. Robert Bettinger on his master's degree research.

Second Lieutenant David Garcia
Second Lt. David Garcia utilized the ancient art of origami in his thesis research, focusing on materials characterization and controls to build, test, and analyze space-based mirrors. He advises incoming students to “remain calm, approach the problem one step at a time, and keep trying new ideas no matter how many times you fail.” As a core memory of his experience at AFIT, Garcia praises the teamwork between engineers, faculty, and fellow students that helped with hurdles throughout his thesis. Post graduation, Garcia will head to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, to work with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate. He would like to pursue test pilot school and begin the application process to become an astronaut.

 2d Lt. David Garcia graduates from AFIT and wishes to pursue test pilot school.

Second Lieutenant Stephanie Halsey
Second Lt. Stephanie Halsey has spent the last eighteen months investigating advanced astrodynamics and space vehicle design. Much of her research has been geared toward differential games, optimal control, and estimation methods. Juggling home and school can be a challenge; however, Halsey advises new students to make going to class a priority and everything else will fall into place once a reasonable schedule is set and the focus remains on time management. Halsey volunteered at AFIT’s Halloween Spookapalooza this past year. “It was a lot of fun to see all the different booths, the children’s costumes, and how the children attempted ‘fishing,’” Halsey said. Post graduation, she will be presenting one last conference paper and preparing for her relocation to Chantilly, Virgina, to work on space systems design and operation.

2d Lt. Stephanie Halsey in uniform and volunteering at the AFIT Spookapalooza.

Second Lieutenant Kaitlin Roberts
Second Lt. Kaitlin Roberts does not shy away from the fact that the eighteen months spent earning her master’s degree felt long and arduous, but she advises that “it really does go fast.” During her time at AFIT, Roberts’ research related to designing a position, navigation, and timing system in select multibody environments such as the Earth-Moon-Sun and Mars-Phobos-Sun systems. Roberts advises incoming students to “not shy away from criticism,” and that presenting at conferences is an excellent opportunity for receiving valuable feedback. One of her memorable moments at AFIT was a night out at Disney Springs with fellow CSRA students. Post graduation, Roberts will be relocating to Chantilly, Virginia.

2d Lt. Kaitlin Roberts presenting her thesis reserach at the Cislunar Security Conference.

CSRA’s 2024 graduates helped advance astronautical engineering and space systems research in many ways, and each and every one of our graduates should be proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations!