ANNIE DMITRIEFF

Major: Astrophysics 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nandana Weliweriya

Graduation: May 2027

Improving Accessibility in STEM Education through Implementing Low-Cost Telescopes in Astronomy Lab Curriculum 

Experiential learning in astronomy is often hindered by the high cost of equipment, limited access to observational opportunities, and logistical challenges such as late-night safety concerns and weather dependencies. To address these barriers, Annie Dmitrieff is evaluating the Celestron FirstScope, a 76mm Dobsonian telescope priced from $50–$75, paired with an ESP32 microcontroller camera, which, while offering lower image quality than smartphones, is cost-effective and accessible. This setup has been successfully integrated into upper-level undergraduate classes and will be piloted in introductory courses during the spring semester. Her project includes assessing the telescope’s ease of use, portability, and viewing quality, with applications such as observing the brightness variations of variable stars to reproduce textbook examples. Ultimately, she aims to enhance astronomy curricula by providing affordable, hands-on learning opportunities and to expand outreach efforts for middle and high school students, inspiring interest in astronomy and related fields.

Annie's current research is in computational astrophysics under the mentorship of  Dr. Cassandra Hall.  They are working to identify formation characteristics of protostellar discs on observed and synthetic datasets using Machine Learning. Annie is interested in bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world astronomical observations, creating intuitive and integrable open-source astrophysical analysis tools.

ASHWATH RAJKUMAR

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deepak Mishra

Graduation: May 2026

Optimizing CubeSat Bus Design for Versatile Payload Integration: Standardization through Additive Manufacturing

Ashwath Rajkumar is the mission lead for the UGA Small Satellite Research Lab's (SSRL) LEARNSat, or Low-Entry Accessible Research Network  Satellite. LEARNSat is a new venture, where the UGA SSRL produces satellite kits to be used by K-12 students to give them an opportunity to work with state-of-the-art space technology cost-effectively. This research will provide the basis for the LEARNSat’s structural frame. His findings from this research have contributed to the creation of a modular, cost-effective CubeSat bus that simplifies payload integration that will be used in LEARNSat.

What is a CubeSat? CubeSats are a class of small satellites composed of modular units 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size, but the entire satellite cannot be larger than 1.33kg. CubeSats are a new standard that give students access to space like never before allowing them to design, build, and control their own miniature spacecraft. 

The rapid growth of space technology has opened new frontiers, yet many K-12 institutions lack access to the resources that inspire innovation in this field. LEARNSat is changing that. Designed specifically for high school students, LEARNSat provides affordable CubeSat kits and a comprehensive curriculum, allowing students to build and launch their own satellites through suborbital missions using weather balloons.

With a fully integrated e-learning platform that offers step-by-step courses and instructional videos, LEARNSat ensures that students not only build satellites but also gain a deep understanding of the technology that powers them.

Two of 30 CUR Summer Research Fellows Annie Dmitrieff (left) and Ashwath Rajkumar (right) share their research posters at the CURO Summer Fellowship Final Forum held on July 26, 2024. The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities awards $3,000 Summer Research Fellowships to support UGA undergraduates interested in pursuing intensive, immersive, faculty-mentored research during the summer. In addition to financial support, Summer Fellows enjoy collaborative workshops, lectures, and other events with their cohort. 

The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities allows and encourages ALL undergraduate students to pursue faculty-mentored research, including students in their first year at the University of Georgia.