The Sensing, Controls, and Probabilistic Estimation (SCOPE) Group at Purdue University is advancing research in state estimation and tracking, information-driven autonomy, and space applications. Our goal is to enable the next generation of intelligent sensors and vehicles through a combination of estimation, control, and information theory.
The SCOPE Group is always looking for talented and driven students from a diverse set of backgrounds. Interested students should email Prof. LeGrand at klegrand@purdue.edu and include a CV and short summary of why they want to join the group.
Ph.D. Students
Simone Semeraro graduated from the Politecnico di Milano with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 2021. He then obtained a M.S. from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Space Systems, whilst pursuing the Certificate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During his master’s he worked as a Graduate Student Research Assistant under Dr. Ilya Kolmanovsky on studies that focused on developing and applying new reference governor strategies for control problems. Simone is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Astrodynamics and Space Applications in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University.
Disip Chaturvedi is a Ph.D. student from Indore, India. He holds an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder focusing on astrodynamics and satellite navigation. Prior to that, in 2020, he graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India with a bachelor’s in Material Science and a master’s in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in dynamics and control. For his doctoral studies, he is investigating information-driven control with applications to multi-sensor and multi-object tracking. He is primarily interested in developing smarter guidance, navigation, and control algorithms with applications to space debris assessment and avoidance.
M.S. Students
Tim Goulet is an AAE master’s student and 2nd Lieutenant in the US Space Force. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in Spring 2023 with a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. As an undergraduate, Tim published research with NASA Johnson Space Center on applications of linear covariance analysis in trajectory optimization for the Artemis missions. He will work with Draper Labs for his graduate research, and after completion of his master’s Tim will return to normal military duty.
Eric Mesina is a Master’s student majoring in Aeronautics and Astronautics and specializing in Astrodynamics and Space Applications. Before graduating from Purdue University in Fall 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Eric completed Guidance, Navigation, and Control internships at Reliable Robotics and The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Eric enjoys running, tennis, and playing bass. After completing his degree, he hopes to enter the aerospace industry.
Aditya Desai is a Master’s student at Purdue University’s dept of Aeronautics and Astronautics, specializing in Astrodynamics and Space Applications. He completed his bachelor’s degree and certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Spring 2024, and has previously worked at MIT’s Lincoln Labs and with Prof. Alexey Shashurin’s research group. Outside of school, Aditya enjoys ice hockey, basketball, and (trying to learn) guitar.
Drew Siciliano graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 2024. As an undergraduate, he completed an internship as a Modeling & Simulation Analyst at Booz Allen Hamilton. Drew’s degree objective is a Ph.D., and his studies are currently focused on the field of multi-target tracking with an emphasis on applications to space debris.
Mikayla Goulet is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force and an AAE Master’s student. She completed her undergraduate studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2023, earning a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering. Her current research focuses on applications of inverse optimal control to determine the intent of a maneuvering spacecraft. After completing her Master’s degree, Mikayla will return to normal military duty.
Undergraduate Students
Lucea Larest is an undergraduate senior majoring in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University with a specialization in Astrodynamics and Space Applications. Over the past year, she has participated in research on satellite navigation and tracking under the guidance of Professor LeGrand. After completing her bachelor’s degree this fall semester, Lucea plans to pursue a graduate degree in Astronautics.
Sponsors and Partners
