Abstract: Spectral Energies, a Dayton, OH-based small business, spearheads diverse technology and product development initiatives, encompassing alternative navigation, hypersonic technologies, directed energy, rotating detonation engines, and STEM education. Among its STEM education endeavors, Spectral Energies is currently developing SHARK (Student-focused Holistic Aquatic Robotics Kit) to introduce K-12 students to the intricacies of underwater robotics. Utilizing bio-inspiration and mimicry, SHARK aims to ignite student creativity and capture the interest of those not traditionally drawn to robotics. The educational kit offers three age-appropriate guided builds tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students, with plans for an annual design competition as part of its comprehensive STEM education portfolio.
Biography: Dr. Christopher Ruscher has spent the last decade at Spectral Energies, where he has been involved in a diverse range of projects, including AI for alternative navigation, high-throughput store release, jet noise, high-temperature electronics, and STEM education. Before joining Spectral Energies, Dr. Ruscher earned his Ph.D. from Syracuse University under the guidance of Dr. John Dannenhoffer and Dr. Mark Glauser. His doctoral research focused on data fusion for fluid dynamic data.