Name:  Austen Thomas

Education: PhD Candidate Western Michigan University

Skillset: Plasma diagnostic fabrication and operation. Vacuum systems operation, repair and trouble shooting. PCB design. Novice machining skills. Operation of pneumatic and fluid systems. Operation of radio and microwave assemblies.

Honors/Awards: Kenneth Knight scholarship 2019, 2021-22 Department-Level Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Award

Role in JANUS: Graduate Student Researcher

Description of Project: As a part of JANUS I have been developing novel plasma diagnostics tools, including a high-speed retarding potential analyzer (HSRPA) and an electrical coupling confinement cage (EC3). These tools will be used for investigating the impact of electrical facility effects on Hall effect thruster (HET) time-resolved behavior. Providing insight into how the electrical configuration of a HET couples to the facility.

Outside interests/hobbies: Reading, weightlifting, hiking, boating.