Nicholas Kruczek

Orchard Park, New York (“Go Bills!”)

B.A. in Physics, Drexel University; Ph.D. in Astrophysical and Planetary Science, University of Colorado, Boulder

Ultraviolet (UV) instrumentation and sounding rockets, with a focus on diffraction grating development.

At LASP, we’ve assembled a team that’s knowledgeable and passionate about sounding rockets and developing novel UV technologies. Having this environment provides a strong platform for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. This fellowship provides much needed support to keep that team together and maintain our mission of the training the next generation of UV principal investigators and Roman fellows.

I’ve always been fascinated by the physics of light and its interaction with optics. Astrophysical instrumentation provided an outlet to channel that passion into a career. It gives me the opportunity to study optical phenomena in detail, but in the context of gaining a deeper understanding of the physical processes governing our universe.