Professor Regina Lee, PhD (U of Toronto), P.Eng
Professor Regina Lee, PEng, is Professor of Space Engineering at the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering (ESSE), Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. Her current research involves developing nanosatellite technologies. Professor Lee has a passion for engaging youth to discover their potential through scientific problem solving and in turn enrich the diversity of ideas and perspectives within the engineering field.
PhD Candidates
Akash Chauhan (Physics)
Akash is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Physics and Astronomy at York University. His thesis revolves around the application of microphotonics technology in a space setting, specifically in microsatellites. Photonics allows one to create miniaturized optical circuits that have a variety of applications ranging from remote sensing, inertial sensing, quantum computing, optical communication, biophotonics, and telecommunication. He is currently focusing on two technologies, the first being the interferometric fiber optic gyroscope, since it has the potential of being a solution to reliable, long term inertial sensing for microsatellites using no moving parts, unlike commonly used MEMS gyroscopes. The second is an optical phased array for inter-satellite optical communication. The optical phased array is a solution for beam steering with no moving parts, which increases reliability while reducing the size and cost relative to traditional mechanical solutions. In addition to his research interests, his academic interests include cosmology, quantum mechanics, and general relativity. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cooking and listening to D&D podcasts. Find Akash on Linkedin.
Vidushi Jain (Space Engineering)
Vidushi completed her undergraduate degree in Space Engineering from York University. In 2017, she started her master’s studies with professor Franz Newland where her objectives were working on a small satellite mission named DESCENT, as well as her thesis which focused on developing a standard for small satellite operations. She successfully defended her masters in 2019 and joined the Nanosatellite laboratory as a PhD candidate under Dr. Regina lee. Based on her previous knowledge of satellite operations, satellite telemetry analysis, and ground operations she wants to explore anomaly detection in the domain of small satellites using machine learning techniques. When Vidushi is not in the lab she likes to explore different cuisines, travel and relish social gatherings.
Warren Soh (Earth and Space Science)
A seasoned space project manager, mission and systems engineer leading multi-disciplinary teams for over two decades. Cognizant of balancing cost, schedule and technical performance for successful technical task execution. Experienced in complete space system life cycle from capture management, requirements and verification development, mission and systems engineering analysis, systems budgets and design, planning, procedure development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, launch support, early operations and commissioning. Specializing in spacecraft missions, systems, Attitude Orbit Determination and Control systems (AODCS), Guidance and navigation, Kalman filtering. Programs: Quantum mission, WildFiresat mission, optical intersatellite link point and acquisition, Radarsat Constellation Mission flagship platform, exoplanet instrument and microsatellite, lunar rover subsystems, small Mars landed instrument, International Space Station micro-isolation vibration system, Space Situational Awareness, highly elliptical orbit onboard navigation algorithms, Earth observation smallsat and Gossamer Spacecraft. A licensed Professional Engineer (PEO), senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), university student cubesat subsystem advisor and community sports volunteer. Continuously exploring new ideas to realize visions.
Randa Qashoa
Randa has completed her BEng in Space Engineering at York University. She joined the nanosatellite research team in the summer of 2021 in pursuit of her Msc in Earth and Space Science degree and transferred to a PhD in summer of 2023. Her research mainly involves combining simulation and real data to generate images that can acquire RSO attitude and optical properties as well as to analyze light curves
MSc Candidates
Andrea Vallecillo Baires
Andrea completed her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Ryerson University. She is currently pursuing a MSc of Science in Earth and Space Science at York University. She will be joining the RSO Detection team in the Nanosatellite Lab. Her focus will involve the application of Image Processing and Machine Learning algorithms to track resident space objects.
Michael Stewart
Michael completed his Bachelors of Engineering with a Specialization in Space Engineering in early 2021. He aims to support the Resident Space Object team with his background in Image Processing, working previously as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the field, and as a hobbyist photographer.
Gabriel Chianelli
Gabriel joined the Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in 2020 under the Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA) and the Technologies for Exo-Planetary Science (TEPS) CREATE program. His focus is on the star tracker-based detection and tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSO). This includes using machine learning to verify and improve current systems being developed in the laboratory. His academic interests include digital signal processing, satellite communication systems, and information theory. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar and chess, going camping and bike riding, as well as spending time with his family and friends. Find Gabriel on LinkedIn.
Perushan Kunalakantha
Perushan completed his BEng in Space Engineering at York University in 2022, and joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in the same year to pursue his MSc in Space Science. His previous undergraduate research experience under Dr. Lee serves as a foundation to his endeavours. His interests lie in space object detections and the utilization of space for natural resources. His hobbies include fitness, nutrition, and cars.
Michael Fairbrother
Michael completed his BSc in Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto in 2021. He joined the nanosatellite research team in the summer of 2022 in order to pursue an MSc in Physics and Astronomy at York University. His research involves exploring the application of AI for satellite sensor tasking. His hobbies include working out and playing video games.
Vithurshan Suthakar
Vithurshan, a recent BSc graduate in space science, is conducting research at York University under Dr. Lee's supervision to develop a ground systems server for optical data processing for SSA. He is also working on post-processing data acquired from RSOnar 2022 using a new star tracker for space-based surveillance. Passionate about nanosatellite design and space exploration. Connect with Vithurshan on Linkedin.
Constantine Papakonstantinou
Prior to joining the Nanosatellite Laboratory, Constantine worked and trained at the Space Flight Laboratory specializing in payloads and communication subsystems for microsatellites. While at the nanosatellite laboratory, he will specialize in micro-photonics design. He looks forward to growing professionally and advancing technology for space flight through the opportunity. Constantine is avid about spending time exploring the natural world. When the laboratory instruments fall, the wanderlust rises. For Constantine, there is always a mountain to hike, a rock to climb and a river to cross.
Yan Fu
June Bond
Yazan Armoush
Yazan Armoush is an accomplished individual who earned his Honours degree in Computer Security from York University in 2023. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Computer Science and Space Engineering under the guidance of Professor Regina Lee, having commenced his studies in the fall of 2023. His research focuses on image processing, data visualization, AI models, and data encryption.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Timothy Barrett
Tim is a fourth-year space engineering student at York University. He joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in May of 2022 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. He is assisting the RSO detection team by developing a method for pre-sorting and categorizing RSO observation images using AI.
Hashir Jamil is a highly driven fourth-year software engineering student at York University, with a strong focus on big data and artificial intelligence. Recently joining the Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in May 2023, he has embarked on an exciting journey to help revolutionize space situational awareness. Hashir's current undertaking involves the implementation of an open source neural network on an FPGA, aimed at achieving resident space object detection. His unwavering passion lies in leveraging computational methods to solve complex problems, driven by a deep understanding of the underlying mathematical principles that govern these transformative techniques. Find Hashir on LinkedIn.Andrew Lombardi
Andrew is a fourth-year space engineering student in the Lassonde School of Engineering at
York University. He joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in Fall 2022 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. He is currently working with the team on the RSONAR2 Mission. Aside from space engineering, he is also interested and passionate about space exploration and planetary science. Find Andrew on LinkedIn.
Hyunbin Yim
Hyunbin Yim is a third-year electrical engineering student at York University. He joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in January 2023 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. He is currently working with the team on the RSONAR2 Mission. Aside from a research project, he is also working in York University Robotic Society(YURS) as an electrical team member and interested and passionate about finance and space fields, including robotics and satellites with AI.
Marissa Myhre
Marissa Myhre is a third-year space engineering student in the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. She joined Dr. Lee’s lab in the winter of 2023 as an undergraduate research assistant. She is currently working on attitude determination through the use of startrackers for nano-satellite applications. Aside from space engineering, Marissa is an active skydiving coach with the Canadian Spot Parachute Association (CSPA). You can find Marissa on LinkedIn
Ian Porto
Ian is a Third Year Space Engineering student. He joined the Nanosatellite Research Lab in February 2023. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, his current research involves improving the accuracy of an Inital orbit determination using an Unscented Kalman Filter. He hopes to write a research paper on his summer research. He has a strong passion for everything within the space field. Outside of his research he enjoys reading Fantasy books and live-action role play. You can find Ian on LinkedIn
Sabrina Porrovecchio
Sabrina is a fourth-year space engineering student at Lassonde School of Engineering, at York University. She joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Laboratory in Fall 2023 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Her work in the lab is to help research RSO tracking and apply it to a program to simulate space based satellite tracking. Aside from space Engineering, she is passionate about planetary science and Mars exploration. She looks forward to continuing her education post grad. You can find her on LinkedIn.
Connor Humphries
Connor is a third-year Space Engineering student that joined Dr. Regina Lee’s Nanosatellite Research Lab in the Summer of 2023 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. He is assisting the lab with gathering information for prospective RSO tracking and identification projects via simulation developments. Outside of the lab, he is pursuing a personal trainer certification. Find Connor on LinkedIn.
Also working with us
Rosmi Abraham
Rosmi Abraham is a post-doctoral research visitor working at the Nanosatellite Research Laboratory at York in collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC)-Nano Edmonton. She earned her PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Alberta, building upon her MSc in Physics from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India, and her BSc in Physics from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. With a strong foundation in fundamental physics, microfluidics, and data analysis, Rosmi has consistently demonstrated her expertise in Materials Engineering. She is an expert in physics and connects it to engineering applications. Her proficiency in project management is underscored by her involvement in over 20 projects with research and development companies and NRC collaborators. She has received several awards and honors, including the INSPIRE scholarship from the Government of India, the Prathibha Scholarship from the Kerala State Council for Science and Technology, and the University of Alberta Research Experience Award, among others. She is passionate about teaching and has 4 years of experience in teaching undergraduate courses at the University of Alberta.
Recently Completed
Jack Wawrow
Jack is a fifth year Space Engineering student. He joined the Nanosatellite Research Lab in the summer of 2020 before completing a year-long co-op at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Ottawa in 2021. He returned to the Nanosatellite Research Lab in the summer of 2022 under the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), where he is continuing to collaborate with DRDC Ottawa to develop an open-source photometric image processor for Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Outside of his work at the lab, he is the project manager and systems team lead for YorkU’s ESSENCE CubeSat mission, and enjoys watching F1 on the weekends. Connect with Jack on Linkedin.
Romain is a 23-year-old officer at the French Air and Space Force Academy. He completed his end of studies internship in Dr. Regina Lee’s laboratory, and worked on objects detection and identification with YOLO algorithm. With that he is able to detect RSO on RSONAR images for example, but the end goal is to detect RSO on real FAI images. Back to France, Romain is now starting his training to become a transport pilot.Ryan Clark
Ryan successfully defended his thesis in January 2022. He graduated in June 2018 with a BSc in Space Science and has been researching with the lab since his undergrad. His work is looking at space based optical detections of Resident Space Objects (RSO) to increase Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Ryan focus on the characterization of RSO’s using optical detections from space based star trackers. A simulation environment set up in MATLAB is used to replicate an RSO’s light curve’s to estimate shape, attitude and optical properties of the RSO. The end goal of this research is developing the technology to enable a passive space based SSA network using current and future in-situ star tracker cameras. When he is not spending his time in the lab working he loves exploring nature, watching football on Sundays and spending Saturdays with the boyz
Shamil Samigulin
Shamil is a student in the BEng Electrical Engineering at York University. He had the privilege of joining the Nanosatellite Laboratory as an research assistant in Sept. 2018. Since then, he has contributed to the development of flight-ready firmware for a on-chip spectrometer research project and to the development of ADCS flight software for the ManitobaSat cubesat mission. His interests primarily lie in embedded systems design and embedded systems development. He is currently working on a FPGA based GNSS-R receiver which would be able to identify soil-moisture from GPS signal reflectometry. Find Shamil on Linkedin.
Siddarth Dave (Computer Engineering)
Siddharth completed his undergraduate degree in Computer & Electrical Engineering at Ryerson University in Toronto. In 2015 Siddharth joined the nanosatellite laboratory at the Lassonde School of Engineering with research focus on phased-array antenna for nanosatellite implementation in the context of space-situational awareness in LEO and successfully defended his Master’s thesis in 2018. Siddharth is currently pursuing his PhD leading the development of a star tracker-based deep learning implementation on FPGA for the detection and tracking of space-debris from a nanosatellite platform. Siddharth's research interests are in machine learning and deep learning, FPGA parallel processing for satellite applications, in-orbit on-board communications and interfaces like software defined radio, PCB design and layout and antennas. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, coding, reading, riding his motorbike, and discussions around geopolitics, human behaviour and the future of human civilization. Contact Siddharth at sgbdave@gmail.com.
Lawrence Prophete
Lawrence Prophete is a third year Lassonde student. He is working with the nanosatelite lab as part of a collaborative project with the Air Quality lab at York University. Lawrence is currently working on the development of an Autonomous Pibal Tracking Device(APTD). Apart from his work with APTD, he is also interested in Photography, videography and industrial design.
Nick Zonta
Nicholas completed his MSc specializing in Earth and Space Science as well as his BEng in Space Engineering at York University. His thesis research focused on chip level thermal control providing experimental and simulated values for the minimized settling of the current and future versions of a novel optical photonics array (OPA) design in collaboration with Honeywell Aerospace. He has been a part of the lab as both an undergraduate and graduate reseach assistant since 2018. Since then, he has collaborated on payload designs for both the DESCENT and IRIS cubesat missions. His strengths and interests lie in PCB and hardware design, CAD modelling and microelectronics. He most recently led the mechanical design and structural simulations for the current Resident Space Object Detection and Tracking (RSONAR2023) mission. Find Nick on LinkedIn.
Diane Dubuisson (2022)
Diane is a 22-year-old officer at the French Air and Space Force Academy. Diane completed her end of studies internship in Dr. Regina Lee’s laboratory, and worked on streaks detection and identification. Diane created a simple algorithm that can characterize the position of these streaks. Back to France, Diane is now starting my training to become a fighter pilot.
Peter Keum
Peter is a BEng graduate in Aerospace Engineering from Carleton University. While his background focused on aircraft structures, his interest in nanosatellites was sparked with his capstone project, which involved building a Cubesat in a multi-disciplinary team. Peter’s current research focuses the simulation of a control moment gyroscope (CMG) attitude control for small satellites. The simulation will compare the performance of reaction wheel and CMG in given orbits and situations of the satellites. Outside research, Peter enjoys playing volleyball and badminton.
Alexander Frias, PhD (Ryerson)
Dr. Alexander Frias is a KASI-York Research Fellow working with Dr. Regina Lee and Dr. Jaejin Lee. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. Currently, Dr. Frias is working as an Attitude Control System Engineer for the SNIPE Mission at Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). The SNIPE Mission aims to study the small scale magnetospheric and ionospheric plasma structures using four 6U-sized cubesat flying in multi-formation in low-Earth orbit. His work on the KASISat includes: testing of FM sensors, systems engineering, developing time-optimal detumbling control, and underactuated control. Prior to KASI, he worked at Microsat Systems Canada, Inc. as a Research Engineer to develop a lightweight CMG-based ACS and at Messier-Dowty as Lead Design Engineer to develop a data-acquisition system for landing gear studies. His expertise includes spacecraft dynamics and control, systems engineering, mechanical design, and commercial research and development. He enjoys practicing and teaching martial arts, hiking, traveling, and playing RPG boardgames.
Sepehr Zarif Mansour, PhD (UBC)
Post-doctoral Fellow (- 2021)
Find Sepehr on LinkedIn
Junchan Lee, PhD (KAIST)
Post-doctoral Fellow (- 2021)
Find Junchan on LinkedIn.
Dr. Guy Benari, PhD, Technical Staff at MDA (System Design)
Post-doctoral Fellow (- 2021)
Find Guy on LinkedIn.
Dukhang Lee, PhD (UST, Korea) - Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute
Post-doctoral Fellow (2019)
Find Dukhang on LinkedIn.
Dr. Guy Benari, PhD, Technical Staff at MDA (System Design)
Post-doctoral Fellow (- 2021)
Find Guy on LinkedIn
Konstantin Bolshakov (MSc, 2020)
Konstantin is a BEng graduate from York University, specializing in Computer Engineering. He had joined the group when he was an undergraduate student, and has been working on different projects since October 2014. His main interest is electronics: board and chip level hardware design. Konstantin is currently working on a solar cell power production monitoring board as well as a low-cost Sun sensor for a nanosatellite technology demonstration payload. The payload is meant to demonstrate a moth-eye anti-reflective (MEAR) coating for solar cells and how it impacts solar power production on orbit. In his spare time Konstantin plays guitar and practices archery. Find Konstantin on LinkedIn.
Breannon Lewis (MSc, 2021)
Under graduate research assistant (-2020)
Hugh Podmore, PhD (2019) - Senior Optical Systems Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace
Post-doctoral Fellow (2019)
Find Dukhang on LinkedIn.
Punit Saini
Punit is a fourth-year space engineering student at York University. He is a Certified Solidworks Expert, CSWE, and has experience working with companies in the manufacturing sector. He joined the Resident Space Objects (RSO) Detection and Tracking project in November 2021, as the main 3D CAD designer. His interests lie towards innovations in space exploration and space mining. He is an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, with the rest of his hobbies consisting of watching sports (rugby and basketball) and reading about the latest technological advancements. You can find Punit on LinkedIn
Jacob Samson
Jacob Samson is in his final year of Space Engineering in Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. He joined the RSO Detection project as an undergraduate research assistant December 2020. His focus revolves around using specialized cameras and standard telescopes to image nanosatellites from the ground. His experience with astrophotography as a hobby is a great asset to his role.Surabhi Guruprasad (Electronics Engineering)
Surabhi completed her undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering at University of Pune, India. In 2012, she joined the GNSS research group at York University as a Master’s candidate under Professor Sunil Bisnath. In association with Professor Regina Lee, Surabhi has been responsible for the development of software GNSS receivers for satellite applications. On completion of her master’s degree, she decided to continue research and pursue a doctoral degree. Currently in her 4th year of PhD, Surabhi’s research focus is implementation of software GNSS receiver on reconfigurable hardware. She uses Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to demonstrate the ease of reconfigurability of GNSS receiver design resulting in low development costs and time. Her skills and research interests are in the field of signal processing techniques, hardware design, Verilog/VHDL development, embedded systems and integration of hardware and software systems. In her spare time, she likes to travel and explore different cultures from around the world. Find Surabhi on LinkedIn or visit her website.
Thomas Young (Computer Science/Electrical Engineering)
Thomas holds a BEng in Electrical Engineering and a BSc and MSc in Computer Science. His research, based on the neoPascal project, currently focuses on developing scientific instrumentation packages to measure weather and climate variables on Mars utilizing commercial off the shelf technology (COTS). Aspects of this research include sensor network design, low temperature design, orbital communications links, power generation and storage, and more. Thomas's research interests include robotics, computational complexity, and interactive systems. His hobbies include cosmology, astronomy, amateur radio, and electronics.
Chiti Ran (MSc, 2019), Engineer at at Skygauge
