Thomas Miller
Fort Collins
Summary
Honors student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Colorado State University, concentrating in aerospace with a minor in physics. Demonstrates hands-on experience in aerospace systems, research, and multidisciplinary project leadership, exemplified as Project Coordinator for the NASA Student Launch Initiative, overseeing full lifecycle development from concept to flight readiness while adhering to stringent technical and safety standards. Engaged in experimental research at CSU’s Center for Laser Sensing & Diagnostics, specializing in tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) for high-speed flow diagnostics and rocket plume characterization. Recognized for strong leadership abilities through roles such as Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) student chapter and Operations Manager of Ram Rocketry, effectively combining technical proficiency with communication and project management skills to deliver impactful engineering solutions.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Design Project
NASA USLI Project Coordinator
Fort Collins, CO
01.2025 - Current
- Coordinated a multidisciplinary engineering team for the NASA Student Launch Initiative (USLI), managing integration of rocket vehicle, payload, avionics, and recovery subsystems.
- Managed project schedule, milestones, and technical deliverables, including Proposal, Preliminary Design Review, Comprehensive Design Review, and Flight Readiness Review in accordance with NASA requirements.
- Served as the primary liaison between the team and NASA program officials, ensuring compliance with safety, documentation, and technical standards.
- Oversaw system-level planning, testing coordination, and budget tracking to support design verification and launch readiness.
Store Lead/Manager
Men's Warehouse
Fort Collins, CO
01.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily store operations and coordinated a team of sales associates to ensure excellent customer service and efficient workflow.
- Trained and mentored new employees on sales techniques, product knowledge, and improved onboarding efficiency.
- Managed inventory and coordinated merchandise displays to align with company promotions.
- Handled customer concerns and special orders with professionalism, maintaining a high customer satisfaction rate.
- Contributed to meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals through personalized service and product recommendations.
CSU DemoSat Group
NASA Colorado Space Grant Intern
Fort Collins, CO
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with a 4-person engineering team to design and launch a self-orienting payload for a high-altitude weather balloon.
- Developed and integrated a PID control system with a reaction wheel, improving payload stability and orientation accuracy in dynamic atmospheric conditions.
- Led the reaction wheel design and mechanical integration, ensuring reliable in-flight performance.
- The payload was successfully launched on August 2, 2024, enabling the collection of accurate atmospheric data for post-flight analysis.
Undergraduate Research
CSU’s Center for Laser Sensing & Diagnostics
Fort Collins, CO
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducting research, design, and testing under the guidance of Dr. Azer Yalin.
- Developed methods of measuring velocity, temperature, and water concentration of rocket plumes using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) for plume characterization.
- Worked in a lab environment, ensuring the safety of others and following federal and state guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering and Concentration in Aerospace
Colorado State University - Walter Scott School of Engineering
Fort Collins, CO05-2026
Minor - Physics
Colorado State University - Warner College of Natural Resources
Fort Collins, CO05-2026
Skills
- Skills: SolidWorks, Machining, Matlab, LabVIEW, Arduino IDE (C), STK, ANSYS, ABAQUS
- Licenses: L1 High Powered Rocketry Certification, HAAS basic Mill Operator Certification
- Involvement: Honors Program, Concentration in Aerospace, Ram Rocketry Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Chapter
- Leadership: CSU NASA USLI Rocket Team (Project Coordinator), ASME (Vice President), Ram Rocketry (Operations Manager)
Websites
Timeline
Senior Design Project
NASA USLI Project Coordinator
01.2025 - Current
Store Lead/Manager
Men's Warehouse
01.2024 - Current
CSU DemoSat Group
NASA Colorado Space Grant Intern
01.2024 - 01.2025
Undergraduate Research
CSU’s Center for Laser Sensing & Diagnostics
01.2024 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering and Concentration in Aerospace
Colorado State University - Walter Scott School of Engineering
Minor - Physics
Colorado State University - Warner College of Natural Resources