Drew Miles

Marshalltown, Iowa

B.B.A in Accounting and B.S. in Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa; M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Penn State University

My research is focused on developing and demonstrating technologies for space-based grating spectrographs. In this work we develop the full life cycle of the technology: conceiving new spectrograph designs and applications, using nanofabrication techniques to manufacture next-generation diffraction gratings, implementing the gratings into astronomy instruments, and verifying their performance in applications representative of their applicability to large NASA missions.

This fellowship will help allow me to further develop my research program and implement the lab support and characterization capabilities needed to advance our technologies. Further, the Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship program continues to be an excellent investment in the careers of early-career researchers, and I am appreciative at being awarded a fellowship and having the opportunity to advance impactful instrumentation for the future.

After not having exposure to physics and astronomy prior to college, I became interested in further exploring astronomy while taking a few elective physics and astronomy courses during my business degree. The idea of working to better understand the nature and evolution of our universe is extremely compelling. Later, I was fortunate to become involved in a research lab for experimental astrophysics and was hooked by the hands-on nature of the research and the need to maintain a long-term vision for the technology while ensuring the smallest details are well understood. Throughout my time as a student and postdoctoral researcher, the positive mentorship from my dissertation advisor (and former Roman Technology Fellow), Dr. Randall McEntaffer, and other members of the field have been critical in teaching me and allowing me to grow into the field.