Experience

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD

Dynamicist, 2016-present

• Developed analytical MATLAB software to solve technical problems related to aeroelastic flutter, flight loads, lethality analysis, state estimation, and vehicle dynamics, delivering decision-focused analyses to sponsors.

• Carried out Monte Carlo analysis and trade studies to inform component- and system-level design, determine flight environments, and set requirements.

• Validated simulation outputs against test data across multiple programs, establishing a sustained track record of producing reliable, predictive models.

• Derived reduced-order models from high-fidelity simulation outputs, dramatically accelerating performance assessment across 12+ platform alternatives.

• Collaborated across external organizations to deliver independent reports and senior-level briefings to support missile program decisions.

Lead Analyst, NASA Dragonfly Mission, 2023-2025

• Supervised teams of ~15 analysts across four wind tunnel test campaigns, ensuring successful execution and delivering high-quality data and analysis to customers.

• Developed a MATLAB software package to automate data processing and reporting, enabling informed on-the-fly test matrix adjustments and monitoring of test progression and rotor health.

• Served as the primary data analysis interface to NASA and external partners, translating test data into actionable recommendations to guide test execution decisions.

Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Graduate Researcher, 2014-2015

• Modeled, designed, and experimentally demonstrated a lightweight vibration absorber using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite tubes on a helicopter tailboom.

Awards

• Special Achievement Award, APL, in recognition of critical contributions to the Dragonfly TDT-2A wind tunnel test, Feb 2026

• Space Exploration Sector Team Excellence Honor Award, NASA Dragonfly Mission, "For critical contributions to the Dragonfly TDT-2A wind tunnel test,” Dec 2025

• NASA Ames Honor Award, “For enabling crucial aerodynamic measurements for the Dragonfly lander and entry aeroshell',“ Nov 2024

• Special Achievement Award, APL, in recognition of critical contributions to the Dragonfly NFAC wind tunnel test, Jun 2024

• Special Achievement Award, APL, for providing critical support to execute a successful wind tunnel test for Dragonfly, Nov 2023

• Special Achievement Award, APL, for delivering rapid data analysis software for Dragonfly, Jun 2023

• Recognition of Outstanding Team Achievement, APL, “For contributions to the Hypersonic Glide Phase Interceptor Team,” Mar 2022

• Air and Missile Defense Sector Team Recognition Award, APL, “For developing a computationally efficient missile egress model,” Jun 2021

• Lump Sum Merit Award, APL, “For exceptional impact, expertise, and performance on a missile test program,” Jun 2019

• First Place, Graduate level category at the Army Research Laboratory 8th Annual Summer Student Symposium, Aug 2014

• Best Paper Award, System, Control & Communication session of the annual Pennsylvania State University College of Engineering Research Symposium, Apr 2013

• Third Place, Graduate level category of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Region I Student Conference, Apr 2013

Publications

• 20+ technical memoranda and briefs to internal leadership and external government sponsors (2016-present)

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Demonstration of a Vibration Absorber Using Braid-Sheathed Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” Journal of the American Helicopter Society, Vol. 64 (3), 2019.

• Miura, K, Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., “Modeling and Design of a Tailboom Vibration Absorber Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” Journal of the American Helicopter Society, Vol. 62 (4), 2017.

• Krott, M.J., Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., “Finite Element Modeling of Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Treatments for Bending and Torsional Vibration Control,” 57th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, San Diego, CA, 2016.

• Miura, K, Zhu, B, Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., Bakis, C.E., “Vibration Isolation of a Cantilever Beam with Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” ASME IDETC – 27th Conference on Mechanical Vibration and Noise, Boston, MA, 2015.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Validation of Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” AHS International 71st Annual Forum Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA, 2015.

• Krott, M.J., Miura, K, LaBarge, S.M., Rahn, C.D., Smith, E.C., and Romano, P.Q., “Tube Compliance Effects on Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Devices for Rotorcraft Vibration Control,” 56th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Kissimmee, FL, 2015.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., and Romano, P.Q., “Experimental Demonstration of Tailboom Vibration Reduction Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” AHS International 70th Annual Forum Proceedings, Montreal, QC, 2014.

• Miura, K, Rahn, C.D., and Smith, E.C., “Passive Tailboom Vibration Control Using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” 55th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, National Harbor, MD, 2014.

• Miura, K, Krott, M.J., LaBarge, S.M., Smith, E.C., Rahn, C.D., Kang, H., Romano, P.Q., “Benchtop and Full-Scale Testing of Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite Tubes,” 4th International Technical Specialists’ Meeting on Vertical Lift Aircraft RDT&E, 2014.

Education

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 2016

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, Cornell University, 2011

Activities

• Admissions Ambassador, Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network, 2016-2024

• Volunteer Tutor (APL) for the Boys and Girls Club of Baltimore, 2017-2020

• Technical Reviewer, ASME and AIAA conferences, 2012-present

Personal Interests

• (Poorly) playing sports: Ultimate Frisbee, badminton, Dragon Boat, running

• Scale modeling, photography, chess, hiking, baseball (of the watching variety)