Pat Patterson
Conference Chairman
Having earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering at USU, Pat has over 20 years of experience in space systems engineering and project management in upper atmospheric research, small satellites, and mission operations planning and direction. Pat is Director of the Strategic and Military Space Division at USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL). Other roles include serving on the Issues and Programs Committee for the Universities Space Research Association, Technical Committee member for the ESA 4S Symposium, and Scientific Program Committee for the IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation.
Charles Swenson
Associate Chairman
Charles is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at USU and earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University. His research activities are divided between space science, instrumentation for measuring the space environment, space systems engineering and small satellites, and he is the PI and academic adviser for USU’s Student Small Satellite Program. Charles also serves as Director of the Space Instrumentation Laboratory and the Center for Space Engineering at USU. In addition, he has served sabbaticals as a Geospace Discipline Scientist, NASA Science Mission Directorate/Heliophysics, and as a Senior Scientist at The Aerospace Corporation.
Aaron Rogers
Technical Chair
Aaron has nearly fifteen years of experience in the analysis, design, manufacture, test, and flight operations of space and launch systems for numerous DoD, NASA, and commercial programs. Aaron holds a B.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT and is completing an M.S. in Applied Physics from The Johns Hopkins University. Presently, Aaron serves as a Mission System Engineer, Project Manager, and Section Supervisor at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Prior to joining APL, Aaron held technical and management positions with AeroAstro and Lockheed Martin. He has authored multiple publications relating to small spacecraft systems and enabling technologies and lectured for several courses in space systems engineering.
Sonya Warner
Conference Administrator
As Conference Administrator, Sonya oversees the design, development, and execution of the Small Satellite Conference, including management of the technical program and student competition. She has over ten years of event management experience; the majority of those working with Small Sat. Sonya has a degree in Parks and Recreation from USU and an Event Management Certificate from George Washington University. Sonya served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador from 2009 to 2011.
Blair-Elizabeth Moore
Exhibit Manager
As Exhibit Manager, Blair is responsible for exhibit, sponsorship, facility, and catering logistics and assists with the planning and execution of all Conference events. She joined the Small Sat team in March of 2010 after graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Restaurant, Hotel, and Meetings Management. Prior to this position, Blair worked at Portofino Island Resort and Spa in the Special Events and Recreation departments.
