Joseph Hora - Astronomy

42

36

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Srihari Balaji

Mr

03/04/2001

T4281

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+15186304306

Apt 5, 188 Claremont Avenue
New York City
United States

I am excited about the opportunity to participate in The Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 and immerse myself in an intellectually vibrant environment where ideas transcend disciplines and spark bold innovation. The Forum’s mission—to connect current and future scientific leaders and foster interest across diverse scientific fields—aligns closely with my commitment to research excellence and my aspiration to contribute to breakthrough advancements.

Interacting with Shaw Laureates would provide me with insight into the mindset, rigor, and perseverance required to push the frontiers of science. Their experiences tackling both fundamental and global challenges would profoundly influence how I approach my own research in developing sustainable materials for deep-space missions and astronomical exploration.

I am particularly drawn to the Forum’s emphasis on interdisciplinary dialogue, ethical inquiry, and cross-cultural collaboration. These values are vital to nurturing a globally connected scientific community capable of addressing the world’s most pressing problems. HKLF also presents a unique space to build lasting connections with fellow young scientists who are equally passionate about pushing boundaries. Through the exchange of ideas, shared challenges, and potential collaborations, I hope to grow not only as a researcher but also as a global citizen dedicated to advancing inclusive and impactful science.

Postgraduate (Master)

Mechanical Engineering

Columbia University

New York City

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Best Poster Presentation Award in Graduate Engineering

Interdisciplinary Research Award for Design, Construction, and Manufacturing

Bronze Honor at International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 2020

Professional Development and Leadership Fellow

2-time Professional Development Scholarship Awardee

Stanford Exposure to Research and Graduate Education Scholar 2024, 2022, and 2021

NASA $10K Space Technology Mission Directorate Award

Scholars Program, Presidential Scholar, and Next Genius Scholar (top 10% of 6700 applicants) at Union College

Davenport Summer Research Fellowship 2021

Union College Summer Research Fellowship 2020

Most Go-Getter Engineer Award

Aviation Week Network’s 20 Twenties Class of 2025 Winner

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers on-demand production and novel design opportunities for spacecraft components, enabling reductions in weight, power, and cost. However, traditional surface finishing techniques for titanium AM aerospace parts—especially those with intricate internal geometries—often fall short, limiting fatigue performance and design optimization. To address these challenges, my 10-member team at NASA collaborated with Keronite Inc. to develop an innovative Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) technique—Plasma Rapid Oxidation Technique for Extending Component Tenability (PROTECT)—that enhances surface quality and durability of titanium AM parts through advanced post-processing.

In our study, titanium specimens were 3D printed using an EOS M290 3D printer and validated via computed tomography scans at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Following PROTECT PEO treatment, samples underwent a 90-day weathering test at Kennedy Space Center’s Atmospheric Corrosion Test Site, while control samples remained in laboratory conditions. Surface roughness measurements with Mahr Perthometer revealed a 0.5 µm reduction. Corrosion potential testing in a 3.5% NaCl solution using a Gamry potentiostat showed a 92.2% improvement, while adhesion tests indicated 0% area removal.

In conclusion, PROTECT treatment significantly enhanced corrosion resistance and surface finish, offering a promising solution to extend longevity of 3D-printed aerospace components and enhance safety of future space missions.