Further action is required to make this featured image accessible
The below criteria must be satisfied:
- Add featured-image alt tag (in page properties OR on image metadata in the dam)
The image will not display until the issue above is resolved.
CEAS Professor Works With NASA to Solve Complex Issues
From ensuring the safety of unmanned aerial systems for NASA to working on the air traffic control system, University of Cincinnati researcher Kristin Yvonne Rozier solves the some of the nations most complex mathematical puzzles.
Rozier is an assistant professor of aerospace engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. UC landed the superstar researcher in January, following her 14-year career at NASA. While Rozier will continue her work with NASA, she said shes already feeling at home during her first semester at the university.
The Office of the Provost assisted in more than 15 new minority, STEM faculty hires in eight months. Under the leadership of Provost Beverly Davenport, more than $800,000 will be invested in the next three years.
I love the strength and vision of the research program here, Rozier said. Its a very cutting-edge place to be, and so many people here are looking forward and setting the agenda. All the way up the administration from the provost to the deans, they all have a real commitment to the same philosophy a strong commitment to research and excellence.
Forward thinking research defines the way Rozier works. She solves the nations most complex mathematical problems to ensure safety for U.S. citizens.
As a research scientist at NASA, Rozier held civil service positions at NASA Ames Research Center and NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia. Rozier earned her PhD in computer science from Rice University and MS and BS degrees from the College of William and Mary.
During her tenure at NASA, she contributed research to the Aeroacoustics, and Safety-Critial Avionics groups at NASA Langley and to the Robust Software Engineering, and Discovery and Systems Health groups in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames.
I finished my PhD while I was a NASA employee, she said. I looked at all sorts of different protocols and tools for NASA.
Rozier is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Inaugural Initiative-Inspiration-Impact Award from Women in Aerospace, the 2014 NASA Group Achievement Award, the Howard Hughes Award from the American Helicopter Society, and the Lockheed Martin Space Operations Lightning Award.
Though mathematical equations and formal methods may seem complex to the average person, Rozier thrives on the impact of her work.
Her research includes looking at what NASA calls the functional allocation question, or how the U.S. air traffic control system could be updated to accommodate more flights but still ensure safety.
Under the current design, the air space is actually full, she said. We cant add any more planes. Were relying on human air traffic controllers, and theres a limit to what humans can keep track of at the same time. Theyre smart people, but even they have limits.
Rozier and UC students are attempting to prove mathematically that an automated air traffic control system can be just as safe as the system used now.
The way we increase our air space is to automate parts of air traffic control, she explained. How do we do that in a way that is just as safe as it is right now? Its adding a much more crowded air space with a complex system that still keeps all the planes at a safe distance apart.
Shes also researching the safety of autonomous unmanned aerial systems, which are powered aerial vehicles with no human operator.
Her research explores the question, How do we give unmanned aerial systems enough reason to be aware of their own mechanical and system health while accomplishing a mission?
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have the capability of helping mankind, Rozier said. The missions of a UAS include surveying natural disasters, like earthquakes and wildfires. Rozier and her team want to make sure unmanned aerial systems dont end up doing more harm than good.
If a UAS ends up with an issue of some kind, it has the potential of damaging something or hurting someone, she said. My lab is looking at how they can operate while also maintaining a sense of awareness about their own system health. This makes sure they don't create more harm wherever they go.
In addition to her cutting-edge research, Rozier designed a one-of-a-kind course for formal methods in her first semester at UC. Shes also built up her lab and hired graduate students as research assistants.
Rozier is interested in potential collaborations with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Department of Defense. She was recently invited to give the keynote speech at the 2015 Air Force Research Laboratory sponsored Safe and Secure Systems and Software Symposium in Dayton, Ohio.
Im so passionate about this job. I get to solve incredibly awesome puzzles, she said. Its not just the thrill of it. It helps make peoples lives better. This is one of the best way I can think of to contribute to the world.
Related Stories
UC expands popular STEM program across Ohio
March 28, 2024
UC's popular Biology Meets Engineering program introduces high school students to STEM. Now, the National Science Foundation is paying UC to bring the program to three other Ohio universities.
WLWT: Could a bridge collapse like Baltimore's happen here?
March 27, 2024
WLWT spoke to a University of Cincinnati engineering professor to get context about how local Ohio River bridges and bridge traffic compare to the Baltimore span that collapsed after being struck by a container ship.
Tips for time management in college
March 27, 2024
One challenge many students face when transitioning to a college schedule and course load is how to manage their time. This is especially important in engineering since students, aside from their first year, do not get summers off due to the co-op schedule. University of Cincinnati civil engineering student Julie Holkovic provides helpful time management tips that she has learned through her five years in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.