The McMaster NEUDOSE Team
Our team is composed of undergraduate and graduate students at McMaster University, spanning from Levels I to V (and beyond!). The students have very broad areas of study ranging from Medical Physics, to Electrical Engineering to Mechatronics and many more! Each student brings their own unique skillset to the team. All members of the McMaster NEUDOSE project are a part of one of the eight integral teams that all contribute to the satellite in a vital way. Interested in joining the team? Check out our recruitment page!
Click to find out more about the members of each team!
Principal Investigators
DR. ANDREI HANU
Institution: Bruce Power
Contact: hanua@mcmaster.ca
Areas of Research: CubeSats for space radiation dosimetry and particle tracking; position sensitive radiation dosimeters for future deep-space missions; micro-pattern gas detectors for low mass space telescopes, particle tracking, medical imaging, and radiation dosimetry
Motivation: Space exploration is an ongoing adventure that captivates our imagination resulting in scientific and technological breakthroughs that benefit all of humanity. Currently, space programmes are shifting from government-driven strategies to commercial-driven initiatives with a common long-term goal of sending humans to Mars and beyond. This means access to space is becoming cheaper and more frequent. However, one of the biggest threats to any manned space exploration mission remains the harsh radiation environment and its health effects on astronauts. The NEUDOSE mission concept grew out of the need to developed advanced radiation dosimeters that lower the risk of deep space missions by providing superior radiation exposure monitoring. McMaster University is one of the world’s foremost institutions on health effects from radiation exposure and is ideally suited to address this challenge. NEUDOSE is the first of many CubeSat missions from McMaster University that will test advanced radiation monitoring technologies and train the next generation of Canadian scientists. This is a good time to like space!
Call Sign: VA3YEK, Basic Qualifications
DR. SOO HYUN BYUN
Institution: McMaster University - Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact: soohyun@mcmaster.ca
Website: McMaster University Faculty Page
Areas of Research: Accelerator neutron source and neutron spectrometry; advanced gaseous detector development; digital neutron imaging; microdosimetry; ultra low-level radioactivity measurement
DR. ERIC JOHNSTON
Institution: Nuclear Innovation Institute
Science/Engineering Interests: My interests lie in assisting innovative projects in the nuclear and radiation detection/protection sector. This includes the following topics: the nuclear fuel cycle and its environmental impact; radiation detector design; radiation dosimetry; extra-terrestrial radiation fields; and medical isotope production and supply. I also have a personal interest in machine learning for physics applications.
Motivation: I have always had an interest in space exploration and with recent developments trending towards the commercialization of space, the field is rapidly growing. I find the design constraints on engineering a space ready system intriguing, and I enjoy the challenge they provide.
This project will provide exciting and necessary information on the extra-terrestrial ionizing radiation field which is required if human deep-space exploration is to occur.
DR. FIONA MCNEILL
Institution: McMaster University - Department of Physics & Astronomy
Contact: fmcneill@mcmaster.ca
Collaborators
DR. STANLEY HUNTER
Institution: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Contact: stanley.d.hunter@nasa.gov
Ishwar Singh
Institution: McMaster University
Contact: isingh@mcmaster.ca
Systems and Management Team
Taren Ginter
Position: Operations Manager
Area of Study: Level IV Integrated Science (Physics Concentration)
Member Since: March 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: I've always been passionate about scientific innovation and discovery, especially as it pertains to space and biology. Physics and life sciences are my favourite subjects, and I love research in these broad and fascinating subjects. I'm especially interested in space biology and understanding the connections between our scientific understanding on earth and what lies beyond our planet.
Motivation: I hope to play a role in research that helps us understand and explore beyond our earth. NEUDOSE is a team made up of eager and passionate members, and I'm excited to collaborate with them to pursue scientific advances. I also want to share my passion for science and research with members of the community that might not be as aware of this project occuring at McMaster. .
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taren-ginter-29242a1a4/
Nicholas Vrzovski
Position: MOC Team Leader
Area of Study: Level III Engineering Physics
Member Since: October 2018
Science/Engineering Interests: I'm interested in learning more about the wonders of the universe, as well as space exploration. It's my hope to specialize in Aerospace engineering and work on satellites after I graduate.
Motivation: The McMaster NEUDOSE project provides great experience in many engineering principles, as well as the opportunity to contribute to research that will have a positive impact on space exploration for the future.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nick-vrzovski-11627b161
Call Sign: VA3VSK, Basic Qualifications
ADAM TOSTI
Position: Engineering Manager
Area of Study: Level IV Mechanical Engineering
Member Since: January 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Space Systems Engineering Aerospace applications of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Mechanical Design
Motivation: I joined the NEUDOSE team because of the unique mission and the chance to collaborate with other students who are equally passionate about space exploration and innovation. The opportunity to design and build something that will actually go to space is amazing!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtosti/
AIDAN FORSYTH
Position: Attitude Control System Team Lead
Area of Study: Level IV Engineering Physics and Management
Member Since: February 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Aerospace Engineering, Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics, Robotics, Mathematics
Motivation: From a very young age, I have always looked up at the sky and wondered our place in the stars, searching for answers about our origin. Thus, I have always been very interested in space, as it requires a complex, yet fundamental understanding of physics and mathematics to solve some of the most challenging unsolved mysteries. I joined NEUDOSE as it allows me to work in a field that I am extremely passionate about while contributing to an engineering project that will have beneficial impacts on the future of space exploration.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aidanforsyth
AVYUKTA KRISHNA NAIR
Position: Science and Engineering Researcher
Area of Study: Grade 11 at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Member Since: September 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: I have always had an interest for STEM subjects; also, based on my academic preferences and performance my teachers have guided me to stay focused in the area of science and technology. I first developed a passion to learn more about space and the "unknown" ever since my Grade 7 dog sledding trip; when for the first time I gazed at the stars and wondered. Later, in grade 8, I collected data from the Stratosphere or "near space" by successfully designing and launching a High altitude Balloon which included a scientific payload to the stratosphere by collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency and French Space Agency. Since then, I am focused on pursuing my studies in the area of space science and technology. As a high school student, I am doing my best to complete courses in science and math fields. Through McMaster NEUDOSE project, I am looking forward to learning lots and contribute the best way possible to the advancement of space knowledge through the mission.
Motivation: I am looking to participate in extracurricular projects related to space science and technology. As part of the McMaster NEUDOSE team, I am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience of a real-life space mission process. I am hoping to help the best way I can in the development, testing, and manufacturing of the NEUDOSE CubeSat and gain experience in business operations that are critical to achieving project success.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/avyukta-krishna-nair-0442b6181/
ALEX PLEAVA
Position: Orbital Simulation Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Physics
Member Since: November 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Computational physics, orbital mechanics, computer science
Motivation: There are many reasons why I wanted to become a part of the NEUDOSE team. For one, it represents a way to learn about how my passion for computational physics can be applied in the real world, to contribute to large-scale, meaningful projects. Second, I love being a part of project teams, and NEUDOSE gives me an opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse group of skilled team members. Finally, it's an opportunity to think about and play a role in advancing space exploration, which is a topic that has captivated my imagination ever since I was young.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pleava-2b61331b5/
Command & Data Handling Team
Jay patel
Position: CDH Team Leader
Area of Study: Level IV Software Engineering
Member Since: December 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Space exploration, Embedded Systems, Programming, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Rockets
Motivation: I aspired to be an astronaut as a kid, inspired by watching countless Space Shuttle launch videos. Over time, my interested in space remained while my ambition of becoming an astronaut changed to becoming an engineer and develop new technologies for space exploration. McMaster NEUDOSE provides me an opportunity to combine my interests of space with what I learn in class, and an opportunity to have a direct impact on future of space exploration by developing a CubeSat for lower Earth orbit to study to effects of radiation on humans.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaypatel-se
Stephen Scott
Position: CDH - Lead Software Engineer, MOC - Software Engineer, Satellite Operations Engineer
Area of Study: graduated with Bachelors Mechatronics Engineering and Management
Member Since: April 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Embedded Software, Satellite Design, Semiconductor IP, AI
Motivation: I joined NEUDOSE because space has been my biggest interest for as long as I can remember and this was the perfect opportunity to contribute to a meaningful project that will play a vital role in the future of space exploration. Understanding the effects of ionizing radiation on human tissue is crucial to helping us prepare for prolonged missions to the moon and eventually Mars, and so I wanted to contribute as much as possible to ensure the mission's success
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-scott-software-engineer/
Rehan Ayub
Position: Automated Testing Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Computer Engineering
Member Since: October 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Embedded Systems, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Biomedical Engineering
Motivation: NEUDOSE provides an intersection between my passion for computer engineering and scientific research in biochemistry. The common admiration for space exploration, a fast paced learning environment, and a strong work ethic of team attracted me to NEUDOSE immediately. I joined the team to apply my knowledge outside of the classroom and contribute in launching McMaster's first ever satellite into orbit. It's an honour to be given the opportunity to work and learn alongside bright-minded individuals that want to push the Canadian space initiative to the forefront!
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rehanayub/
Diana Cancelliere
Position: Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Electrical & Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: January 2021
Science/Engineering Interests: Health tech, space exploration, biomedical engineering, programming, hardware, sensors
Motivation: I've always found space exploration very interesting and was therefore fascinated by the opportunity to contribute to a piece of technology that will be travelling to space soon! The team also provides a great way to gain real technical engineering experience outside of the classroom while solving problems with teammates.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cancelliere
Magalie Durepos-Létourneau
Position: Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Level I Engineering
Member Since: November 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: I am fascinated by the technology used in space exploration, astronomy and astrophysics. I hope to work in the space sector one day, either as a mechatronics engineer, aerospace engineer or from an engineering physics perspective.
Motivation: Growing up, I remember looking at the night sky and being fascinated by stars and planets. As I became older, space exploration truly became a passion of mine, more specifically, the technology used in that field. McMaster NEUDOSE offers an incredible opportunity for students to develop important technical skills and contribute to an impactful experiment that will be launched in space, which is something I have always dreamed of doing.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/magalie-durepos-létourneau
Patrick Kosierb
Position: Automated Testing Specialist
Area of Study: Level II Mechatronics Engineering
Member Since: October 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Embedded Systems, Automation, Space Exploration
Motivation: Space Exploration provides a bright future for Humanity and is the root of my passion for Engineering. The solidarity that space missions bring is unmatched and being apart of a team that can do something as amazing as sending something to space is such a great opportunity to not only meet brilliant people, but to contribute to the bigger picture of Humanity settling among the stars.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkosierb
Phillip Krivor
Position: Software Specialist (Flight Computer)
Area of Study: Level III Electric Engineering
Member Since: November 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Space, physics, electronics, programming
Motivation: I wanted to join the team because I felt like it would be a great way to apply what I learn in a real environment. Further - I find the idea of being a part of a team that will eventually send a CubeSat into orbit amazing.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-krivor/
Christopher Andrade
Position: Software Specialist
Area of Study: Level V Software Engineering
Member Since: March 2022
Science/Engineering Interests: Robotics, Data Science, Astrophysics, Biophysics
Motivation: Since reading Buzz Aldrin's "Magnificent Desolation" when I was 13, recounting his involvement in the Apollo 11 mission, I've been fascinated by space exploration and how humans can survive outside of the very planet they evolved for. Combining this passion with my love for robotics, data science, and software as a whole, I sought out to join a mission that would involve gaining important scientific knowledge and using engineering to make it happen. To work on launching a CubeSat into orbit is this dream opportunity for me, to contribute to humanity.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfandrade16/
Communications Team
AARON PITCHER
Position: Senior Systems Lead, Communications Hardware Lead, Responsible Amateur
Area of Study: Ph.D. Student - RF/Microwave Engineering
Member Since: September 2016
Science/Engineering Interests: Microwave and millimeter-wave hardware design for detection radar and imaging. Primarily interested in pulse radar systems and frequency sweep radar systems used in concealed weapons detection, non-destructive testing and human tissue imaging. Also interested in RF Antenna design and communication systems.
Motivation: Science, engineering and the desire to do the unthinkable have been the driving factors behind my studies. The hope is that one day I will contribute to the frontier of deep space exploration and better humanity in the process. The NEUDOSE mission at McMaster provides a great opportunity to apply my technical expertise and contribute to the development of the next generation of highly qualified personnel (HQPs).
LinkedIn: www.aaronpitcher.com, www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpitcher
Call Sign: VA3DFT, Advanced & Basic Qualifications, Sponsor of RAC VA3MCM & VE3NEU Club Call Sign
DANIEL TAJIK
Position: Communications Team Leader
Area of Study: Ph.D. Student - RF/Microwave Engineering
Member Since: February 2017
Science/Engineering Interests: Antenna Design, Microwave imaging
Motivation: Trying to communicate with a small metal box 1000 km up in the sky with a shoestring budget is a challenge that interests me.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danieltajik
Call Sign: VA3DKT, Basic Qualifications
Mark Knez
Position: Communications Team Lead
Area of Study: Level IV Electrical Engineering and Management
Member Since: December 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: FSO satellite communications, error control coding, software development, computer networking
Motivation: NEUDOSE has given me the incredible opportunity to contribute to a satellite that will soon be launched into space! Joining the team has also allowed me to gain valuable engineering experience while working on an interesting project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knezm/
Jimmy Nguyen
Position: Communications Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical & Biomedical Engineering Graduate
Member Since: January 2015
Science/Engineering Interests: Sheaf/motivic cohomologies to develop a canonical product of categories over Turing machines, dependently typed Lisp on ARM microcontrollers
Motivation: The NEUDOSE project offers an amazing opportunity to contribute to space exploration and space research. The team also offers engineering perspective and design experience for a future career.
Call Sign: VE3EIP, Advanced & Basic Qualifications
Moein Roghani
Position: Firmware Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Computer Science
Member Since: June 2023
Science/Engineering Interests: Astrophysics, Relativity, Radio Communications
Motivation: In the world of physics, it's all about pursuing answers to life's greatest questions... or maybe just building some ridiculously expensive metals to spy around and watch Earth from orbit. But hey, in the end, whether we're unraveling the secret of the universe or launching satellites to put it our resume, at least we're doing something.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/moeinroghani/
Milena Thibault
Position: Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Level II Electrical Engineering
Member Since: June 2021
Science/Engineering Interests: Communications, Space & Space Technologies, Electrical and Aerospace Engineering, Clean Energy
Motivation: I wanted to join the team because I would love to contribute to space exploration. As someone who is passionate about space and engineering, I was thrilled by the prospects of working on a project that will study the unknown environments of space! I also wanted a chance to apply my textbook knowledge to a real-life engineering project, and NEUDOSE was the perfect opportunity.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/milenathibault
Ben Torres-Kulik
Position: Firmware Specialist
Area of Study: Level V Engineering Physics and Management
Member Since: June 2021
Science/Engineering Interests: Aerospace, Telecommunications, Control Systems/Robotics, Photonics, Optical Systems
Motivation: Being able to utilize my experiences and interests in the pursuit of research that will impact future human space travel was a huge inspiration to get involved with MIST. This was also an incredible opportunity to expand my technical knowledge while working in a highly interdisciplinary team.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjtk/
Jack tipper
Position: Firmware Developer
Area of Study: Level II Computer Engineering
Member Since: April 2022
Science/Engineering Interests: Spaceflight, coding projects, aerospace
Motivation: I wanted to be a part of a team that does something meaningful and that I'll be able to reflect on later in life with great pride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-tipper-a34b711b6/
Electrical Power System Team
HANNAH BAROVIER
Position: EPS Co-Team Leader
Area of Study: Level II Electrical Engineering
Member Since: November 2020
Science/Engineering Interests: Electronics, Electromagnetism, Space Exploration
Motivation: I have always been interested in space, electronics, and circuitry. NEUDOSE is a great opportunity to explore those passions and have an impact on the future of space exploration!
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hannahbarovier
Anoop Dhillon
Position: Electrical Power Systems Team Leader
Area of Study: Level V Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: March 2019
Science/Engineering Interests: Photonics, Quantum Optoelectronics
Motivation: To work with a team of students who all share the common passion of research, innovative design, and the exploration of space, while learning both technical and interpersonal skills. The ambitious goal that NEUDOSE is on the verge of completing is an exemplar of the impressive feats that curious and motivated students are able to accomplish.
Julian Morrone
Position: Electrical Power Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Electrical Engineering and Management
Member Since: October 2018
Science/Engineering Interests: Autonomous & electric vehicles, control systems, embedded systems, robotics, machine learning, and renewable energies.
Motivation: I've always had a deep interest in space since I was a child, so once I found out the McMaster had a team that would be launching a satellite, I knew that I had to apply. The fact that I can work on the satellite, then see my work go into production and eventually be part of what launches and makes the satellite function is something that entices me to work hard on this project. Another thing that drew me to NEUDOSE was seeing the talented team in the general lectures. I knew that I would be surrounded by an intelligent group of people who I could learn a lot of practical skills from.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julianmorrone
Felix Yuan
Position: Junior Solar Panel Specialist
Area of Study: Level II Engineering
Member Since: August 2021
Science/Engineering Interests: Energy Systems, Nuclear Engineering, Solar Panels, Physics
Motivation: I wanted to join NEUDOSE mainly because I am interested in space exploration, and the opportunity to work on something that will be launched into space was really captivating. I also saw it as an opportunity to learn many new things and meet motivated people. Specifically, I wanted to work with the EPS team because it aligns with my interests in energy systems.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-yuan-150b191b0/
Kosta Gianicos
Position: Hardware Test Specialist
Area of Study: Level III Engineering Physics
Member Since: March 2022
Science/Engineering Interests: Electrical/Computer Systems, and Semiconductor Physics/Devices
Motivation: Engineering is unique in the sense that you can do (almost) nothing alone, and (almost) anything as a team. I joined NEUDOSE because I wanted to contribute my conceptual and technical skills I have learned in the classroom to a large scale engineering mission.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kostagianicos/
Connor Morrison
Position: Solar Panel Specialist
Area of Study: Level IV Engineering Physics and Management
Member Since: August 2021
Science/Engineering Interests: Photonics, Electronics, Scripting & Automation, Image Processing, Engineering & Physics Simulation
Motivation: I joined the team because I wanted to develop my career skills and to support the NEUDOSE mission. This is important to me because I believe that projects in the space industry will bring many positive contributions to society as the industry grows, and I want to be a part of those changes!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrison-connor/