Brandon Fallon

In 2007, a game called “Mass Effect” was released. It was heavily geared towards space exploration in the Milky Way Galaxy. The sheer beauty of space depicted by this game influenced me to pursue a career in rocket engineering, with the hope of turning this game’s virtual imagery into reality.

During my undergraduate studies, I cofounded the UNLV chapter of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), where I began engaging in many rocket-oriented projects. As Vice President of the organization, I was able to help develop a structured organization that granted UNLV students access to the aerospace industry and provide meaningful project experience via competitions.

Upon finishing my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, I started an internship at NASA Langley where I studied viscoelastic properties of polymer composites for use in deployable structures. Currently, I am working on my Master’s degree at Penn State where I am researching novel combustor wall cooling designs with an emphasis on dirt mitigation.

In the future, I plan to work in the realm of propulsion, working on liquid, solid, and experimental propulsion systems for use in rockets and landers. By applying my design and analysis skills, I intend to help innovate these existing propulsion systems, increasing their efficiency and expediting space travel.

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