Gabriel Johnson
Masters Student at University of Vermont
- Role
- Graduate Research Assistant at Benchmark Space Systems
- Location
- Asheville, NC, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Gabriel Johnson
I am at my core, a learner. I constantly question, dismantle, and rebuild the world around me. This innate curiosity has evolved into a lifelong learning journey centered at the convergence of mechanical engineering and computer science. My academic path at the University of Vermont reflects this unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I’m pursuing dual bachelor\'s degrees while simultaneously advancing toward my Master\'s. I\'m drawn to projects that challenge conventional boundaries: right now I’m focused on designing autonomous drones for use on the moon and Mars with AIRLab and developing sustainable composting processes that leave no environmental footprint. What fascinates me most are the questions that live between established disciplines. How might we apply fluid dynamics principles to optimize algorithm efficiency? What can biomimicry teach us about spacecraft design? These intersections fuel my creativity and drive my technical development across CAD systems, computational modeling, and programming languages.
Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Aug 2025 — Present · Burlington, VT, US
As a Vermont Space Grant Graduate Research Fellow, I am working on characterizing priming transients in spacecraft propulsion systems to mitigate the risk of water hammer-induced failures. My research integrates two primary approaches:Computational Modeling: I am developing a hybrid, multi-scale CFD framework combining particle-based methods with traditional VOF approaches in OpenFOAM and ANSYS. To enable real-time prediction, I am also creating a reduced-order model using physics-informed neural networks (PINNs).Experimental Validation: At the state-of-the-art facilities at Benchmark Space Systems, I am constructing a test apparatus to capture 3D flow structures using high-speed imaging and to measure void fraction with ultrasonic transducers.The primary deliverable will be a validated, open-source toolkit to guide the design of safer, more reliable propulsion systems for missions ranging from CubeSats to lunar landers.
Education
School of Inquiry and Life Sciences Asheville
High School Diploma
University of Vermont
Master of Science - MS, Mechanical Engineering- Thermofluids
University of Vermont
Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science
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