Dr. Kerri Cahoy

Professor

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Biography

Kerri Cahoy is the Sheila Evans Widnall Professor and Director of the Small Satellite Collaborative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, she has a research focus that includes atmospheric sensing and exoplanet detection and characterization. Her technological interests encompass laser communications, adaptive optics, and autonomy, particularly in utilizing nanosatellites for science and technology demonstrations. Cahoy has held numerous positions within MIT, including Associate Department Head, Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics since her appointment in 2011. She has previously worked as research staff at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and as a Fellow at NASA Ames Research Center, where she focused on Exoplanets. Active in the academic community, she holds memberships in several professional societies, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Cahoy has received various awards, such as the Committed Caring Award from MIT in 2020 and recognition as an Associate Fellow by AIAA in 2018.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2023-07-01 — Present

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, focusing on small satellite technology and research.

Associate Professor

2016-07-01 — 2023-06-30

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Taught and researched in the areas of Aerospace Engineering.

Assistant Professor

2011-07-01 — 2016-06-30

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Focused on research and teaching in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Research Staff

2010-06-01 — 2011-07-01

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center •

Conducted research in Earth and planetary sciences.

NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow

2008-10-01 — 2010-06-01

NASA Ames Research Center •

Worked on Exoplanet research.

Senior RF Payload Engineer

2006-08-01 — 2008-10-01

Space Systems Loral •

Developed communication systems.

NASA Educational Associate

2006-01-01 — 2006-08-01

NASA Ames Research Center •

Engaged in educational outreach and research.

Graduate Student Researcher

2002-06-01 — 2006-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Conducted research in Electrical Engineering.

Awards

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Committed Caring

2020-01-01
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Associate Fellow

2018-01-01
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Outstanding UROP Mentor

2013-01-01
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Co-Op Mentor of the Year

2008-01-01