Meet the Team
Our team is composed of undergraduate and graduate students at McMaster University, spanning from Levels I to V (and beyond!). The students have very broad areas of study ranging from Medical Physics, to Electrical Engineering to Mechatronics and many more! Each student brings their own unique skillset to the team. All members of MIST are a part of one of the eight integral teams that all contribute to the satellite in a vital way. Interested in joining the team?
Advisors and Mission Managers
Team Leads
Operations Team
Sarah Pembroke
Position: HR Manager
Area of Study: Honours Biology- Physiology Research Specialization
Member Since: August 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I am most interested in integrative physiology, particularly how organisms adapt to environmental stressors such as hypoxia. My current work in the Scott lab focuses on distinguishing plastic versus adaptive traits in deer mice, examining how mechanisms like non-shivering thermogenesis and uncoupling proteins contribute to survival in low-oxygen environments. More broadly, I am passionate about understanding how cellular and molecular processes scale up to whole-organism physiology. I am also interested in translational applications, especially how physiological research can inform human health, metabolic disease, and resilience to environmental change.
Motivation: “I joined MIST because I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to a large, interdisciplinary engineering project. As an HR Manager, I’m especially motivated by recruitment and team development. My role allows me to bring in new members, help build a strong and diverse team, and support a collaborative culture that enables the technical subteams to succeed.”
Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)
Shajeeven Nadarajah
Position: Simulation Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: June 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I have a strong interest in hardware design, especially PCB design, along with integrating software to achieve the desired hardware functionality.
Motivation: “My enthusiasm for control systems, combined with a lifelong passion for space, inspired me to apply for this position.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shajeevenN
Ryan Farekh
Position: Software Specialist
Area of Study: Computer Engineering Co-op
Member Since: September 2024
Science/Engineering Interests: VLSI design, circuit-level systems, and software engineering. Especially motivated by applying these skills to space exploration, where robust hardware–software integration is critical.
Motivation: “I was motivated to join MSTRI because it offers hands-on experience building real satellite systems rather than purely theoretical projects. I chose the ADCS software role because it sits at the intersection of control theory, embedded software, and hardware interaction, allowing me to work on mission-critical logic that directly determines how the satellite behaves in space.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-farekh/
Hannah Fabik
Position: ADCS Specialist
Area of Study: Engineering Physics & Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: June 2024
Science/Engineering Interests: Plasma physics, fusion technologies, engineering for particle physics, and software engineering.
Motivation: “MSTRI offers a unique opportunity to work on real space-bound satellites and form connections in industry. I was motivated to join the ADCS subteam specifically as the work is very multidisciplinary, allowing me to get experience with multiple domains of engineering.”
Radio Communications Team
James Shakespeare
Position: RF Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: November 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Communication technology
Motivation: "I saw that MIST would be a great learning opportunity that can also make a real impact on the world.”
Ayesha Dogar
Position: Position: RF Communications Ground Segment Lead
Area of Study: Computer Engineering and Society
Member Since: April 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Space exploration, communications, signal processing, high-performance computing
Motivation: “Being able to transform my child-like wonder for the universe into a tangible opportunity to contribute to real space research is a true gift from MSTRI. Working alongside this inspiring, brilliant team has been a very meaningful way to contribute to something far greater than myself. I was drawn to RF Communications in particular knowing that the ground station is our window to the spacecraft and, consequently, the stars! Given that mission success depends on a carefully engineered communication link, the challenge of maintaining its integrity is one I find deeply compelling.”
Taejin Eom
Position: Position: RF Comms Space Segment Lead
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering III
Member Since: April 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Analog and Mixed-Signal (AMS) Design, Semiconductor Devices
Motivation: “I joined MSTRI because of my interest in space systems and the opportunity to work on real aerospace projects. I chose the Communications subteam to work with RF signals and gain hands-on experience applying signal theory to space communication systems.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taejin-eom
Command and Data Handling Team
Yazan Khatib
Position: Flight Software Specialist
Area of Study: Computer Engineering
Member Since: April 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about embedded systems and digital logic design.
Motivation: “I was motivated to join MSTRI because of the opportunity to contribute to a real space mission. The idea that something I helped design or implement could eventually operate in space is incredibly exciting. Unlike academic work, where you are primarily meeting requirements in controlled environments, this work emphasizes reliability and correctness in real-world systems. I was particularly drawn to the software subteam because I have always wanted to gain experience working on low-level systems and operating close to the hardware.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yazan-khatib-2472342ab/
Yash Panchal
Position: Embedded Software Developer
Area of Study: Computer Engineering
Member Since: November 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about astronomy, biology, and computer systems. I am especially interested in understanding how systems function across different scales, from cosmic phenomena to living organisms, as well as building computer systems that interact with the physical world.
Motivation: “I was drawn to MSTRI because I wanted to work on something real that goes beyond coursework and pushes engineering into the space domain. As an embedded software developer, I enjoy working close to the hardware and writing software that directly interacts with sensors and physical systems. Being able to contribute to technology that could operate in space is an exciting challenge and a strong motivator for me.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yash-panchal-aba8b12a6/
Mechanical Team
Dermot Shuze Zhang
Position: Sr. Mechanical Specialist
Area of Study: Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: January 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about sensors and the principles behind how they work, including electrical, force-based, and motion-based sensors. I am also interested in biosensors such as optical, chemical, and fluidic systems, as well as their integration into space systems.
Motivation: “I developed a strong interest in CAD and mechanical design during my first-year design courses, which motivated me to continue pursuing this area within space systems. I find it especially exciting to integrate sensing technologies with mechanical design, combining electronics with structural components to create functional systems.”
Jaden Elie Chow
Position: Jr. Mechanical Specialist
Area of Study: Engineering Physics and Management Co-op / Space Systems Engineering
Member Since: May 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Space systems engineering, aerospace, and engine dynamics are my biggest passions! For me, the draw of these fields always comes back to how Earth observation satellites directly benefit people's lives. MIST was an incredible gateway into this industry, providing the hands-on foundation that led to my current internship at the Canadian Space Agency, where I work in engineering project management for new satellite missions. Ultimately, I'm excited to keep contributing to Canada's growing space sector!
Motivation: "In Grade 12, I coincidentally met the team at their satellite launch in Florida. That insane coincidence sold me on Mac Engineering, and joining MSTRI became my ultimate goal! I chose the Junior Mechanical Engineering Specialist role because I wanted to be totally hands-on with 3D modeling, machining, and assembly. Designing and building the mechanical systems destined for space with the team that first inspired me has been the absolute highlight of my degree!”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwh30
Emily Luu
Position: Thermal Specialist
Area of Study: Mechatronics Engineering
Member Since: August 2024
Science/Engineering Interests: The perfect expresso shot (PIDs, thermodynamics, caffeine)
Motivation: “Weather balloons! I was fascinated by them in high school and poured hours into figuring out how to launch my own. However, airspace laws exists and my dreams were crushed. MSTRI gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion and work in the same realm. Additionally, being a thermal specialist opened my eyes to new perspectives regarding material selection, heat flow in a vacuum, and patience with new software.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emily-luu-295878228
Payload Team
Chaza Elfizy
Position: Payload Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Computer Engineering
Member Since: January 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: Satellite and spacecraft design, astronomy (especially exoplanets and stars), hardware for spacesystems, digital systems.
Motivation: “Seeing everything that the team has accomplished since I was in high school really pushed me to consider space, something I was passionate about at the time, as a long-term career goal. To me, being on this team is a great way to contribute to an impactful project and gain experience directly related to my degree and goals.”
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chaza-elfizy
Johnny Malcolm
Position: Scientific Payload Co-Lead
Area of Study: Engineering Physics & Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: August 2024
Science/Engineering Interests: Precision metrology, fundamental physics, single photon applications, and radiation detection.
Motivation: “MSTRI provides a unique opportunity at McMaster to be directly involved in building real satellites. By being the Scientific Payload Co-Lead, I am able to be more involved in all things related to the science and engineering developments.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-malcolm
Avrick Gibson
Position: Payload Electrical Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: January 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: I am particularly interested in signal processing, autonomous embedded systems, renewable/nuclear energy, electronics recycling/repair/design, and audio hardware.
Motivation: “I have always loved learning about the solar system and space exploration engineering (as well as science fiction), which is why MSTRI seemed like the perfect team for me. I chose the payload subteam as an electrical specialist because of my interest in signal processing and embedded systems, I also wanted to learn more about professional electronics design.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/avrickgibson
Eric Fu
Position: Payload Hardware Specialist
Area of Study: Health Sciences
Member Since: January 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: I love anything engineering that has broad implications on how we view our world: whether it has an international impact, a global one, or even an interplanetary one. I specifically enjoy working with hardware and mechanics, because I get to see what I make physically. It excites me to see something I create in action right in front of me!
Motivation: “Having done the CANSAT competition in high school, I naturally gravitated towards the CubeSat team here at McMaster. My favourite part was always planning the missions for the CANSAT, so I continued to pursue that interest here through the payload team!”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav
Teghveer Singh Ateliey
Position: Payload Firmware Specialist
Area of Study: Mechatronics Engineering & Society
Member Since: September 2023
Science/Engineering Interests: Space, embedded systems, robotics, AI/ML, FPGA, software development, software hardware co-design, systems engineering
Motivation: “I chose MIST and the payload subteam because it sits at the intersection of space systems and embedded engineering, which aligns closely with my interests. As a firmware developer, I’m excited by the challenge of building reliable systems that manage real hardware under strict constraints. The opportunity to work on flight-critical payload software and contribute to a system operating in space is both technically demanding and deeply motivating for me.”
Mission Operation and Control Team
Richard Han
Position: Software Developer
Area of Study: Software Engineering
Member Since: June 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering
Motivation: "I've been incredibly fascinated about space ever since I was a kid, and since I'm in Software Engineering I thought it would be perfect to join MSTRI. The MOC team felt like the right place for me because it balances complex technical challenges with real-world impact. I'm motivated by building reliable systems that truly matter and support something bigger than myself."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwh30
Jeffery Liu
Position: Software Specialist
Area of Study: Software Engineering
Member Since: May 2023
Science/Engineering Interests: Machine Learning, Backend Development, Algorithms, CI/CD, Automation
Motivation: “I joined MSTRI to gain experience with software development in a team based setting. Working on the payload team entailed valuable experience with embedded systems and low-level code, both of which I wanted to gain experience in as well.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-liu/
Nithika Karunamoorthy
Position: Position: Software Developer
Area of Study: Software Engineering & Management
Member Since: April 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Software development, machine learning, business & management.
Motivation: “One of my main motivations for joining MSTRI was to apply my software knowledge to something tangible and technically interesting. I didn’t just want to build traditional applications. I wanted to work on systems where code has a direct impact on real hardware and mission outcomes. The Mission Operators & Controls subteam stood out to me because it sits at the intersection of software, systems engineering, and real-time operations, and it strongly aligned with my programming background at the time. Over the past several months, it’s genuinely been a blast working with this team!”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nithika-karunamoorthy/
Makarios Samwail
Position: Position: Software Team Co-Lead
Area of Study: Computer Engineering
Member Since: May 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Digital and Embedded Systems
Motivation: “I wanted to develop my firmware skills in a more professional setting with knowledgeable collaborators rather than continuing to build projects on my own.”
Dylan Vaughn Villanueva
Position: Position: Payload Firmware Specialist
Area of Study: Integrated Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: January 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: Systems, biomedical, automation.
Motivation: “I have worked on some space related projects and have attended many conferences that got me interested into the space sector. My specific position really got my interests as it reflected a lot of what I did in my classes.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dylanvaughnvillanueva\
Elijah Cosby
Position: Position: Embedded Software Developer
Area of Study: Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering
Member Since: June 2024
Science/Engineering Interests: Aerospace, efficient computing & distributed systems, robotics & machine learning applications in autonomous systems, and cybersecurity.
Motivation: “I was motivated to choose an embedded developer position within the MSTRI because I knew it would provide hands on experience working on embedded software in a large team environment. With so many subteams, how information is handled and transferred between them is critical. I knew this position would present many unique learning opportunities on data handling within such a complex system, and it certainly has not disappointed!”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elijahcosby
Electrical Power System Team
Maheen Nadeem
Position: Senior Power Distribution Specialist
Area of Study: Mechatronics Engineering
Member Since: September 2023
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about space exploration, power systems, and embedded systems.
Motivation: “I was motivated to join MSTRI because it provides a rare opportunity to work on a real spacecraft mission while still being a student. I was especially interested in the EPS subteam because of the key role it plays in supporting the spacecraft and its systems. Being able to contribute to such a critical subsystem while gaining hands-on engineering experience has been incredibly rewarding.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheen-nadeem-98b96427b
Muhammad Haseeb Aslam
Position: Position: Jr. Solar Power Specialist
Area of Study: Computer Engineering
Member Since: July 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: Solar Panel Physics, Space Communications, Brain-Computer Interfaces.
Motivation: “As a space-tech enthusiast in High School, I was fascinated after seeing how a group of students at MSTRI worked towards the successful launch of NEUDOSE. I chose the EPS sub-team, as it's closest to my interests in solar panel physics, while providing strong practical expertise.”
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/haseebaslam1
Adam Jasinski
Position: Jr. Power Electronics Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: March 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about embedded systems, robotics, and space systems. I enjoy working with microcontrollers, sensors, and control systems, particularly where hardware and software interact. I am also interested in power electronics and energy systems, including solar power and electrical system design for space applications.
Motivation: “I joined MSTRI because I wanted the opportunity to work on real space-related engineering projects with a team of students who share similar interests. I had heard many positive things about the team and consistently checked for opportunities to get involved. The EPS subteam stood out to me because it involves hands-on work with electronics and embedded systems, which strongly aligns with my interests and the type of projects I enjoy working on.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasiadam/
Daniel D'Costa
Position: Jr. Power Electronics Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: March 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about power systems engineering as well as embedded systems engineering. When it comes to science, I am most interested in space exploration as well as environmental science.
Motivation: “I have always wanted to work in a team-environment on a large-scale project, and MSTRI is the perfect chance to do both of these things, alongside people who share a similar goal. I chose Power Electronics as I want to learn more about power systems and how systems like this satellite function”
Andrew Chai
Position: Jr. Solar Power Specialist
Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Member Since: January 2025
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about power engineering and hardware design, including PCB design and power electronics. I have also developed an interest in control systems and how they interact with electrical hardware and energy systems.
Motivation: “I joined MSTRI to gain hands-on engineering experience and work on a real technical project outside of coursework. As an electrical engineering student interested in power and control systems, the solar power subteam offered a great opportunity to work on energy generation and power management within a larger electrical system while learning from other members of the team.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-chai/
Harmanpreet Singh Sagar
Position: Firmware Specialist
Area of Study: Software Engineering
Member Since: September 2024
Sahithya Sivagirinathan
Position: Jr. Solar Power Specialist
Area of Study: Engineering Physics
Member Since: March 2026
Science/Engineering Interests: I am passionate about clean energy and space systems engineering. I am particularly interested in troubleshooting and testing, circuit design, and theoretical physics.
Motivation: “Joining MSTRI as part of the EPS subteam gives me the incredible opportunity to work on real space systems. My role as a Jr. Solar Power Specialist combines several of my interests as an Engineering Physics student, including power generation, electrical design, and space systems. As someone who enjoys project-oriented work, being able to contribute to a tangible system within a cross-functional team is especially exciting.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahithya-sivagirinathan-85b1a3210/