Fraser Stuart Thomson

Graduate Student, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
Ph.D. Advisor: Dr. Len Tyler.

Education

• Ph.D. (expected 2008, Electrical Engineering), Stanford University
• M.S. (Aeronautics and Astronautics), Stanford University
• M.S. (Electrical Engineering), Stanford University
• M.Eng., McMaster University (Canada)
• B.Sc.E., Queen's University (Canada)

Professional/Research Interests

• Solar system exploration
• Applied electromagnetics and remote sensing
• Space mission design
• Origins of life in the solar system
• Technology and National Security Policy

Active Research

• Cassini Mission to Saturn Radio Science Team Member. Using NASA's Cassini spacecraft and radio occultation methods, our team will be investigating the physical properties Saturn's rings, and of planetary ring systems in general. Research Advisors: Dr. Essam Marouf, Department of Electrical Engineering, San Jose State University; Dr. Len Tyler, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University.

• New Horizons Mission to Pluto Radio Science Team Member. I am assisting in the planning of Radio and Radiometry Experiment (REX) sequences during the Pluto flyby of the New Horizons spacecraft. In addition, I am responsible for writing the REX User's Guide, which defines the operating modes, commands, and theory behind the REX experiment(s). Research Advisor: Dr. Len Tyler, Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University.

• Investigation and simulation of the modes of electric current induction in the ice and ocean of the Jovian moon Europa. Research Advisor: Dr. Christopher Chyba, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences and International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and the Dept. of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University. Formerly of the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University.

Publications, Reports, and Talks

Other Activities

• Aviation
• Cycling
• Music
• Windsurfing/Sailing
• Alpine Mountaineering
• Rowing
• Ice Hockey
• Scuba
• Motorcycling

Photos

• Cambridge, London, Prague, and Barcelona (September 2005)
• Oahu, Hawaii (April 2007)
• Iceland (July 2007)
• Paris (July/August 2007)
• Zurich, Switzerland (August 2007)
• Pisa, Italy (August 2007)
• England/Scotland, UK (August 2007)
• Perth, Ontario (August/September 2007)
• Los Angeles/Catalina Island (September 2007)
• Sailing Southport, North Carolina to Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas (November 2007)
• Treasure Cay, Bahamas (November 2007)
• Oregon and Washington (Dec. 2007 - Jan. 2008)

Contact Info

Address:

Fraser Thomson

David Packard Electrical Engineering Building

350 Serra Mall Street

Room 325

Stanford, California 94305

Work Phone:

(650) 723-3669

Email:

fthomson@stanford.edu