BRIAN M. KRAFT BRKRAFT@CALPOLY.EDU (619) 865-9728

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (pending

graduation in June 2016)

Current California Polytechnic GPA of 3.40, Junior year GPA of 3.58 (2014-2015 academic year)

Ranked within the top 20 Aerospace Engineering Students for the 2016 graduating class

Proficient with Matlab, Simulink, EMPro, C, Arduino, CREO, Solidworks, LabVIEW, and Microsoft Office

products

Hands-on experience with microwave engineering and in-depth classroom experience with space systems,

orbital mechanics, spacecraft environments and advanced control theory

Please find me on Linkedin for more information: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kraft-00a363b7

Research Background

Investigation of Anomalous Thrust from a Partially Loaded Resonant Cavity (Summer 2015)

Independent student research project based on EM Drive experimentation. This project was not associated with

any clubs or organizations on campus and was formulated solely by a colleague and myself.

The experiment attempted to verify the claim that microwave power can be used in resonant cavities to

produce small amounts of thrust for spacecraft propulsion.

All microwave engineering knowledge and programming experience required for this experiment was obtained

through independent study and research. Some results have been obtained but further refinements must be

made to the system to isolate sources of error.

Accomplishments of the experiment thus far:

o Over $4300 has been obtained through competitive, campus-wide funding opportunities at California

Polytechnic. Two separate proposals were submitted and approved for the full amounts requested for the

experiment.

o A low thrust pendulum apparatus was designed and manufactured with milliNewton accuracy. A laser

optic system was used to measure small deflections in a pendulum mounted on a vibrationally isolated

optics table.

o Designs made using EMPro electromagnetic simulation software matched closely with experimental

results from a Vector Network Analyzer. The S11 plots and Smith Charts are consistent with models

formulated using FDTD in EMPro.

Work Experience

California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, CA Jan. 2015–Present

Payload Subsystem Lead for the 2016 Spacecraft Senior Design Project

Leader of a four person team tasked with designing the payload for a lunar sample mission. The project

required a core drill, seismometer, heat flux plate, camera, and lighting. Calculations and research was

performed to determine how design considerations flowed down to other subsystems and vehicle architecture.

California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, CA Sept. 2015–Oct. 2015

Project Leader for the 2015 Spacecraft Senior Design Project

Leader for an 11-man team designing a spacecraft for imaging near and far earth objects. Determined the hard

numbers used by the rest of the group for the link budget, pointing budget and power budget. Provided

guidance and helped to focus the different individuals involved in the project over a five week period.

Coordinating meetings and effectively delegating work was a major duty throughout the project.

Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation, Suffolk, VA July 2012

Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Intern

Performed various tasks aiding in the daily operations at the Center for Innovation. This opportunity provided

a valuable education in the typical work environment and attitude surrounding a major, defense-oriented

organization. Additionally, a greater knowledge of the design process was obtained through participation in

innovation meetings.

Mickey’s Hot Dog Stand, Coronado, CA July 2013-Sept. 2013

Cook and Cashier

Single handedly operated a hot dog stand at a busy ferry landing. This experience helped to foster people skills

and provided an education in project management. Furthermore it improved my multitasking capabilities.