Rushil Kukreja

Astrophysics-Aerospace Researcher @ NASA, Brown, & UVA
Light Pollution Speaker @ United Nations

I'm a Founder

Projects

  • StarLaunch

    Independently launched iOS and Android app that utilizes physics-informed machine learning to simplify and enhance model rocketry, making it more accessible and engaging for students.

    Secured provisional utility patent on Neural Intelligence Application for Precision Rocket Launch Optimization, Predictive Flight Guidance, and Adaptive Environmental Calibration.

    See website

  • Project TITAN

    Developed an autonomous space-based laser system leveraging physics-informed machine learning and ablation techniques to efficiently track and remove space debris, enhancing orbital sustainability.

    Awarded 1st place in Space Station Technology Challenge. Presented at AIAA conference at Johns Hopkins University and awarded 2nd Place.

    See presentation

  • Caelus Rocketry

    Developing a liquid-fuel rocket engine with the goal of becoming the first high school team to reach space. Co-organized GMU Space Day, attracting over 1,000 attendees to celebrate and advance interest in space exploration.

    See website

Research Experience

NASA Wallops Flight Facility

Designated as Virginia Space Coast Scholar and invited to attend all-expenses-paid residential summer research academy. Designed advanced instrumentation and space missions, collaborated with NASA officials and scientists, and presented findings to a panel of NASA experts.

Brown University

Developed computer vision models leveraging images from the CaSSIS orbiter to perform diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, analyzing the Martian surface’s composition and morphological features to gain insights into its potential habitability.

University of Virginia

Developed multilayer physics-informed machine learning models to optimize the production of laser-induced graphene-metal composites. First author for research paper pending publication in Journal of Computational Design and Engineering.

Non-Trivial Fellowship

Selected in the Top 100 among over 20,000 students to pursue selective research. Developed and published policy recommendations on establishing a risk-based licensing system to mitigate malicious use of frontier AI models. Recognized with 3rd place in fellowship and 2nd place in AI Governance Grand Challenge, earning a $2,500 scholarship for research excellence.

George Mason University

Selected for the competitive Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP). Conducted advanced modeling of the environmental impact of Low Earth Orbit satellite mega-constellations. First-author working paper.

University of Liverpool

Conducted research on energy demand forecasting, developing advanced CNN, LSTM, and GRU machine learning models to predict consumption patterns using weather data. Improved forecasting accuracy to support sustainable energy management strategies.

Volunteering

  • Princia

    Founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to combating light pollution and promoting sustainability. Consisting of over 150 advocates across 6 continents, Princia raises awareness about the environmental, health, and astronomical impacts of artificial lighting through education, policy advocacy, and innovative research.

    Invited to present at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Secured a grant from Cornell University to support ongoing efforts. Published research recognized as Top 10 in a reputable journal. Collaborating with Delegate Rip Sullivan to develop and advocate for groundbreaking light pollution legislation.

    See website

  • Haycock Rocketry Club

    Founded a rocketry club at my former elementary school to inspire a passion for STEM and aerospace engineering among young students in my community. Designed and implemented a comprehensive program that combines interactive lectures with hands-on activities, guiding over 60 students through the process of designing, building, and launching model rockets while fostering curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills in science and engineering.

    Received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Silver Medal Congressional Award.

  • STEM Outreach

    Actively engaged 850+ K-12 students in interactive STEM activities designed to make science and engineering concepts accessible, exciting, and relatable. Provided students with opportunities to explore foundational concepts in aerospace engineering, including rocketry, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Inspired curiosity and a passion for innovation by creating environments where students can experiment, problem-solve, and build confidence in their STEM abilities.

    Awarded 3rd place NASA STEM Engagement Award.

  • Civil Air Patrol

    Excelled as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, by demonstrating proficiency in aerospace knowledge, emergency services, physical fitness, leadership, and character development. Participated in advanced training programs and hands-on activities, including search and rescue operations and aerospace education initiatives, while cultivating teamwork, discipline, and a commitment to service. Achieved the distinguished Cadet with Honor Credit, recognizing exceptional performance and dedication to the core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Through these experiences, contributed to community safety efforts and inspired a deeper understanding of aviation and leadership principles.

Test Scores

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ACT (Perfect Score)

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SAT (Perfect Math at Age 13)

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PSAT (Perfect Score)

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AP Exams with all 5s

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AMC 12 (AIME with Distinction)

Honors & Awards

  • United Nations – Invited to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to raise awareness about light pollution
  • Provisional Utility Patent – Neural Intelligence Application for Precision Rocket Launch Optimization, Predictive Flight Guidance, and Adaptive Environmental Calibration (#63727018)
  • NASA SLI – 3rd Place STEM Engagement Award (hands-on lessons for 850+ students); 2x Qualifier & Launcher in Huntsville, Alabama
  • American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) – Achieved Top 20 in National Finals among 3,000+ students nationwide
  • Non-Trivial Fellowship – 3rd Place in Fellowship of 20,000+ Applicants; 2nd Place in AI Grand Challenge; Awarded $2,500 scholarship
  • Space Station Technology Challenge –1st Place for developing physics-informed ML system for laser-based space debris removal
  • Cornell University – Received grant funding through the National Contribution Project to support Princia’s initiatives
  • President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) – Gold Award presented by the US President for efforts to help the community
  • Congressional Award – Silver Medal presented by House and Senate leaders for outstanding contributions to the community
  • AIME Qualifier with Distinction – Ranked in top 5% nationally among over 20,000 students on the AMC 12
  • USACO Gold – Advanced to the prestigious Gold division, placing among the top competitive programmers worldwide
  • AIAA Research Conference – Invited at Johns Hopkins University to present groundbreaking aerospace research on laser ablation
  • Blue Ocean Entrepreneur Competition –Top 30 Finalist out of 9,800+ students for developing app utilizing computer vision
  • NASA Wallops Flight Facility – Selected as a Virginia Space Coast Scholar to attend an all-expenses-paid residential research program
  • Virginia Space Grant Consortium – Awarded full scholarship funded by NASA for Private Pilot training
  • Virginia Invitational Model UN Conference (VIMUNC) – Honorable Mention 2024, Verbal Commendation 2023
  • William and Mary High School Model UN (WMHSMUN) – Honorable Mention
  • Civics Unplugged Fellow – Selected for all-expenses-paid fellowship to develop strategies for addressing societal challenges

Leadership, Skills, & Courses

Leadership Positions at TJ

Rocketry | Vice President

Lead a team of 60+ members in designing, developing, and launching low-power and high-power rockets equipped with aerial reconnaissance glider payloads for the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) and NASA Student Launch Initiative (SLI). Delivered technical presentations on rocket designs and calculations to panels of NASA engineers.
Achieved Top 20 in the National Finals of ARC. Qualified for and launched twice for NASA SLI in Huntsville, Alabama.

Computational Physics | President

Lead a club focused on exploring advanced physics concepts through simulations, hands-on experiments, and collaborative research projects. Spearheaded a field trip to Micron Technology’s semiconductor facility to enhance members’ understanding of real-world applications of computational physics.

Model UN | National Team & Webmaster

Represent the school at national Model UN conferences, demonstrating leadership and diplomacy. Helped organize TECHMUN, a flagship Model UN conference hosting 1,000+ students. Designed and developed the official TJMUN website, enhancing the club's online presence.
Awarded Honorable Mention in Virginia Invitational Model UN Conference (VIMUNC) and William & Mary High School Model UN (WMHSMUN).

Quantum Computing | Officer

Coordinate presentations and lead interactive activities to guide peers in exploring quantum algorithms, programming, and emerging technologies, fostering interest and engagement in this advanced field.

BigSibs | Family Captain

Lead a group of upperclassmen mentors (BigSibs) who support underclassmen in their academic and extracurricular growth. Foster a supportive and collaborative environment, provide guidance to BigSibs, and oversee their efforts to support the personal and academic growth of their mentees.

National Honor Society

Participate in community service projects while upholding the pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, fostering a culture of academic excellence and civic engagement.

Skills

Programming & Markup Languages

Python, Java, C++, C, R, JavaScript, SQL, Swift, CSS, HTML, Solidity, LaTeX

Analysis Packages & Environments

TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn, OpenCV, Pandas, NumPy, caret, dplyr, ggplot2, Jupyter Notebook, Firebase, Anaconda, RStudio

Engineering & Design Software

Ansys Fluent, Autodesk CFD, MATLAB, Fusion 360, Mathematica, KiCad, Onshape, RockSim, OpenRocket

Courses

AP Courses

  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP US History
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Psychology

    • Post-AP/Dual Enrollment Courses

  • Quantum Mechanics and Electrodynamics AV
  • Multivariable Calculus DE
  • Linear Algebra DE
  • Advanced Astronomy HN
  • Mobile Application Development AV
  • Web Development AV
  • Computer Vision AV
  • Research Statistics AV

    • Featured in the News

    Eyes to the skies: American Rocketry Challenge brings nation's best and brightest to Fauquier County

    Read full article

    Photos

    Johns Hopkins University | AIAA Conference Presentation

    Rushil presenting Project TITAN at the AIAA Conference hosted by Johns Hopkins University.

    GMU Space Day | Caelus Rocketry’s Mission

    Rushil presenting Caelus Rocketry’s mission to reach space and its key achievements during GMU Space Day.

    NASA Student Launch | Huntsville, Alabama

    Rushil with the TJ Rocketry team at the NASA Student Launch Initiative, showcasing their high-powered rocket and aerial reconnaissance glider.

    Advocating for Change | Delegate Rip Sullivan

    Rushil meeting with Delegate Rip Sullivan and Tom Reinert (President of DarkSky International) among others, to discuss light pollution legislation and advocacy.

    NASA Student Launch Initiative | High-Powered Rocket Design

    Rushil presenting TJ Rocketry’s high-powered rocket and aerial reconnaissance glider to a panel of NASA engineers and scientists.

    NASA Wallops Flight Facility | Research Presentation

    Rushil presenting findings from his research on space systems at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

    National Book Festival | Light Pollution Advocacy

    Rushil speaking about the impacts of light pollution and its solutions at the Library of Congress during the National Book Festival.

    Model UN Excellence | VIMUNC Award

    Rushil receiving recognition for outstanding contributions at the Virginia Invitational Model United Nations Conference.

    Inspiring Moments | Astronaut Dr. Kjell N. Lindgren

    Rushil with NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell N. Lindgren, discussing the future of space exploration at GMU Space Day.

    Collaborative Research | University of Virginia

    Rushil working with Prof. Stephen Baek (UVA) and Prof. Pilgyu Kang (GMU) on innovative physics-informed machine learning research.

    NASA Wallops Flight Facility | Hands-On Research

    Rushil engaging in advanced space exploration research at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

    ASSIP Research Presentation | George Mason University

    Rushil showcasing his analysis on the sustainability of LEO satellite constellations during the ASSIP program at George Mason University.

    Contact Me