Experience

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD

Lead Analyst, NASA Dragonfly Mission, 2023-present

• Led and supervised teams of ~15 analysts across four successful wind tunnel test campaigns.

• Developed a MATLAB software package to automate data processing and reporting, enabling informed on-the-fly test matrix adjustments and monitoring of test progression and rotor health.

• Primary technical interface to NASA and external partners; translated test data into actionable recommendations to guide test execution decisions.

Dynamicist, 2016-present

• Developed analytical MATLAB software from first principles, for applications including aeroelastic flutter, airframe loads derivation, lethality analysis, Kalman filter-based telemetry reconstruction, missile egress, and multi-body dynamics. 

• Integrated models within multidisciplinary design optimization routines and in the loop with flight software to drive design and assess system-level performance.

• Carried out Monte Carlo analysis and trade studies to inform component- and system-level design, determine flight environments, and set requirements. 

• Validated simulation outputs against flight test data. Documented assumptions, limitations, and uncertainty drivers for stakeholder acceptance.

• Derived reduced-order models from high-fidelity simulation outputs, dramatically accelerating performance assessment across 12+ platform alternatives.

• Collaborated with external organizations to deliver independent technical direction to government sponsors for missile programs. Communicated findings in briefings and reports to senior leadership.

Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Graduate Researcher, 2014-2015

• Modeled, designed, and experimentally demonstrated a lightweight vibration absorber using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite tubes on a helicopter tailboom.

Awards

• Space Exploration Sector Team Excellence Honor Award, NASA Dragonfly Mission, "For critical contributions to the Dragonfly TDT-2A wind tunnel test,” 2025

• NASA Ames Honor Award, “For enabling crucial aerodynamic measurements for the Dragonfly lander and entry aeroshell',“ 2024

• Multiple APL Special Achievement Awards, “For critical contributions to reduce the likelihood of one of Dragonfly’s top ten risks; for exceptional accomplishments in developing data analysis software for Dragonfly; for providing critical support to execute a successful wind tunnel test,” 2023-2025

• Recognition of Outstanding Team Achievement, APL, “For contributions to the Hypersonic Glide Phase Interceptor Team,” 2022

• Air and Missile Defense Sector Team Recognition Award, APL, “For developing a computationally efficient missile egress model,” 2021

• Lump Sum Merit Award, APL, “For exceptional impact, expertise, and performance on a missile test program,” 2019

• First Place, Graduate level category at the Army Research Laboratory 8th Annual Summer Student Symposium, 2014

• Best Paper Award, System, Control & Communication session of the annual Pennsylvania State University College of Engineering Research Symposium, 2013

• Third Place, Graduate level category of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Region I Student Conference, 2013

Publications

• 20+ technical memoranda and briefs to internal leadership and external government sponsors (2016-present)

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Demonstration of a Vibration Absorber Using Braid-Sheathed Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” Journal of the American Helicopter Society, Vol. 64 (3), 2019.

• Miura, K, Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., “Modeling and Design of a Tailboom Vibration Absorber Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” Journal of the American Helicopter Society, Vol. 62 (4), 2017.

• Krott, M.J., Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., “Finite Element Modeling of Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Treatments for Bending and Torsional Vibration Control,” 57th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, San Diego, CA, 2016.

• Miura, K, Zhu, B, Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., Bakis, C.E., “Vibration Isolation of a Cantilever Beam with Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” ASME IDETC – 27th Conference on Mechanical Vibration and Noise, Boston, MA, 2015.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Validation of Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” AHS International 71st Annual Forum Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA, 2015.

• Krott, M.J., Miura, K, LaBarge, S.M., Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., and Romano, P.Q., “Tube Compliance Effects on Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Devices for Rotorcraft Vibration Control,” 56th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Kissimmee, FL, 2015.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., and Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Demonstration of Tailboom Vibration Reduction Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” AHS International 70th Annual Forum Proceedings, Montreal, QC, 2014.

• Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., and Smith, E.C., “Passive Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” 55th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, National Harbor, MD, 2014.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., LaBarge, S.M., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Kang, H., Romano, P.Q., “Benchtop and Full-Scale Testing of Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” 4th International Technical Specialists’ Meeting on Vertical Lift Aircraft RDT&E, 2014.

Education

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 2016

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 2011

Activities

• Admissions Ambassador, Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network, 2016-2024

• Volunteer Tutor (APL) for the Boys and Girls Club of Baltimore, 2017-2020

• Technical Reviewer, ASME and AIAA conferences, 2012-present

Personal Interests

• (Poorly) playing sports: Ultimate Frisbee, badminton, Dragon Boat, running

• Scale modeling, photography, chess, hiking, baseball (of the watching variety)