Our research aims to understand the carrying capacity of LEO and the probability of debris runaway, or Kessler syndrome, using geometric random graph and epidemiological models.

We model the LEO environment as a network, with objects in close proximity forming potential collision connections. By leveraging network science, we seek to rigorously understand the Kessler threshold, the point at which increasing orbital density leads to cascading collisions.

Ideal Candidates: Strong background in applied probability, stochastic processes, and network science.

Apply Now: https://engineering.purdue.edu/IE/academics/graduate/phd