Leanne Su, PhD
Postdoc at the Naval Research Laboratory. Graduate from the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory.
Author of Peri Peri Paprika.
About Me
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Naval Research Laboratory in Spacecraft Engineering, focusing on adapting electric propulsion systems for molecular propellants. Outside of research, I enjoy writing, crafting, swimming, and taking cursed pictures of my cat Pudge.
Latest News
I recently published my first novel, Peri Peri Paprika, a little sci-fi romp about a space janitor and her janitor spaceship's janitor!! You can now get Peri Peri Paprika as a signed copy from me or as an ebook. Check out my writing page for more information. So excited to have this out in the world!
For a succinct summary of my PhD research work, check out my Bill Wurtz-inspired pitch video below.
Education
University of Michigan: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, 2023
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, 2018 - 2021
William W. Willmarth Research Prize in Aerospace Engineering for Outstanding Experimental Ph.D., 2023
Rackham Graduate School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Recipient, 2022
Michigan Institute for Plasma Science and Engineering Fellow, 2020
University of Washington: Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 2018
Minor in Diversity
Experience
Naval Research Laboratory: Spacecraft Engineering Division Postdoctoral Researcher
National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Fellow
2024 - Present
Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory: Graduate Student Research Assistant
2018 - 2023
Jet Propulsion Laboratories: Electric Propulsion Group Intern
Summer 2022
Caltech Space Challenge 2022: Titan Sample Return Mission
Member of the winning Team Voyager, 2022
Fusion Z-Pinch Experiment: Undergraduate Research Assistant
2015 - 2018
Aerojet Rocketdyne: Electric Propulsion Project Engineering Intern
Summer 2017
Eagle Harbor Technologies: Plasma Research Intern
Summer 2016
