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Michelle Nadeau

Title: Aerospace Engineer

Technical Focus Area: Systems Analysis, Decision Analysis

Missions/Projects: Supports Moon to Mars technology assessments and stakeholder coordination; Analyzes technical feasibility of proposed science satellite missions

Study Topics/Expertise: Systems Analysis, In-space propulsion, DEIA in recruiting and retention

Michelle Nadeau is an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley’s Space Mission Analysis Branch. Prior to NASA, Michelle served over eight years in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, at sea on USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and ashore at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where her work informed senior Navy officials’ risk decisions on weapon security. Michelle’s other work has included solar sail trajectories to the moon, alternative fuels in radioisotope thermoelectric generators, low-cost platforms for microgravity experiments, quantum photon sensor calibration, and high security communications networks. She actively supports DEIA initiatives and develops early career employees.

Education/Professional Experience

  • M.S. in Engineering Physics (With Distinction), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (08/2019-05/2021)
  • Graduate Pathways Intern, NASA Langley Research Center
  • Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy
  • B.S. in Physics (Magna Cum Laude), American University (08/2008-05/2012)
  • Space Academy Intern, NASA Glenn Research Center
  • Undergraduate Research Fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • Undergraduate Research Intern, Boston University Photonics Department

Publications
Investigation of Trajectory and Control Designs for a Solar Sail to the Moon

Hobbies/Interests
Weightlifting, Dungeons & Dragons, and live theater performances