Scholar Spotlight: Astronaut Scholar Cameron McMillan

Posted in ASF Blog | December 14, 2016

Cameron McMillan, a fourth-year aerospace engineering student, was chosen to receive this year’s Astronaut Scholarship for Georgia Tech. Announcement of the prestigious award came from Georgia Tech alumna and three-mission astronaut Jan Davis.

Ultimately, McMillan hopes to enter the private sector as a researcher — after earning a master’s degree in advanced vehicle design and optimization. Right now, however, he is immersed in three different research projects.

Cameron is a member of the NASA Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) project in the ASDL. He is researching an engine certification protocol for a commercial carrier that is increasingly partnering with NASA.

McMillan is also working with Professor Brian German on designing an electric engine to meet the growing demand for thin haul air transport. ‘Thin haul’ markets are defined as relatively short air traffic routes that have sporadic demand but which could, if taken together, create a significant pressure on the system.

And, finally, Cameron is working with ASDL research engineer Dr. Daniel Cooksey on developing a robust and portable UAV for the military’s Special Forces Command.

Cameron was also joined by three Georgia Tech Astronaut Scholar Alum at his award
ceremony on campus. Jillian Yuricich, Sarah Cannon and Matthew Fahrbach all came to support Cameron on this accomplishment.

Read more from the Georgia Tech Article