We bring a treasure trove of diverse expertise to the rocket lab! Our team combines experience across a variety of industries, including tech startups, rocketry, consulting, medical device design, finance, astronomy, and intelligence.
Our mission is simple: to share our knowledge and excitement about the universe with you in a fun, authentic, and engaging way. Whether you are a curious learner or a seasoned pro, we are here to make the journey to stars as straight forward as physics allows!
The Main Team
Gary Charles Fussell
Team Lead
With experience or education in astronomy, biology, engineering, and business, he brings a wide range curiosity and knowledge.
Industry:
General Business
Education:
– Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University (2020)
Bachelor of Science – Global Business & Supply Chain Management with a Minor in Wildlife Science
– Arizona State University (2023)
Bachelor of Science – Astronomical & Planetary Science
Research/Projects:
– Exploratory Rover for Experimental Based insitu Utilization Science: Read More Here
– 14 New Light Curves and an Updated Ephemeris for the Hot Jupiter HAT-P-54 b: Read More Here
Volunteer/Outreach:
Solar System Ambassador Volunteer – NASA/JPL
Sarah E. Wattenberg
Engineer
An engineer by trade, she brings meticulous insights and a detail-oriented mind to the research team.
Industry:
Medical Devices
Education:
– California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (2019)
Bachelor’s Degree – Materials Engineering
Research/Projects:
– Investigation of NARloy-Z Yield Strength in Response to Changes in Ingot Processing and Heat Treatment (2017-2028): Read More Here
Volunteer/Outreach:
Treasure – Flagstaff Community Band: A volunteer educator.
Thomas P.
Scientist
With a passion for education and a background in information systems, he brings scientific expertise to enhance learning and research.
Industry:
Global Information Science
Education:
– Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University (2019)
Bachelor of Science – Global Security and Intelligence Studies
– Northern Arizona University (2023)
Master of Science – Geographic Information Science with Remote Sensing
Thomas M. Rapp
Engineer
As a software engineer, he combines technical expertise with innovative problem-solving skills to drive impactful solutions for the team.
Industry:
Consulting
Education:
– Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University (2020)
Bachelor of Science – Computer Software Engineering
Monica Choiniere
Engineer
As a aerospace engineer, she is jack of all trades, master of none, she has a natural unbounded curiosity to learn all things.
Industry:
Education
Education:
– Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University (2020)
Bachelor of Science – Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)
Support Team
Marvin Fussell
Photographer
A personality unbounded with truly no end to his curiosity for all things, especially photography.
Industry:
Technology Sales
Website:
Want to see more of Marvin’s work? Check out his extensive collection of films at The Talkative Photographer.
Education:
– University of San Francisco (2023)
Bachelor of Science – Business Administration, Finance
Dark Works Space Labs 