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Maria Sakovsky’s work focuses on shape adaptation to realize space structures through reconfigurable geometry, stiffness, and non-mechanical performance (e.g., electromagnetic, optical). She places particular emphasis on the mechanics of thin fiber-reinforced composite structures and the interplay between composite material properties, structural geometry, and embedded functionality for actuation in lightweight structures. Her research has led to applications in deployable space structures, reconfigurable antennas, and soft robotics. She received a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto and completed both her Master's and PhD in Space Engineering at Caltech, where she developed a deployable satellite antenna based on origami concepts utilizing elastomer composites. Concurrently, she worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the development of cryogenically rated thin-ply composite antennas for deep space missions. She has been awarded the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship, the DARPA Young Faculty Award, and recognized as a Rising Star in Mechanical Engineering by ASME.
Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Teaching and research in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.