Meet the 2023 KISS Affiliates
Michael Stramenga
Grad student in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Date of this Interview: January 20, 2023
What do you research?
My field of study is experimental hypersonics. For my research, I primarily study shock wave boundary layer interactions and their effects on aerothermal loading for hypersonic vehicles. A large portion of my work involves running experiments in the T5 reflected shock tunnel which can produce freestream velocities above 5km/s.
Why does space inspire you?
What inspires me about space is how it brings out the best in humanity. It is amazing to me the amount of international cooperation that has occurred furthering humankinds’ knowledge of the cosmos and our place within them. The harshness of space unites and motivates us to collectively push our scientific and technical limits as a species.
If you could instantly travel to any point in the universe, where would you choose to go?
Enceladus. Can’t beat ice skating with spectacular views of Saturn.
Where can you be found when you’re not conducting research?
Taking flying lessons for my private pilot’s license, scuba diving, skiing, playing guitar, and exploring SoCal.
What book do you wish you could read for the first time again?
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, DON’T PANIC! by Douglas Adams.
Michael Stramenga adjusting a laser diode used in high speed Schlieren imaging.