Simmons coached 120+ students to placed finishes in the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair between 2016 and 2023. Of those 26 went to the Florida State Science and engineering fair where half placed, and 2 were state champions and 2 were Grand champions. Simmons' Wolfpack students have presented over 110 technical papers at conferences in 8 countries since 2018.
Aerospace /Employment Events School/
Employer
Conference Presentations/Awards/ Notes
2001 Left industry -began teaching - Orange Park Christian Academy OPCA
2002 Started TEKNA-THEOS, Inc. with students OPCA 1st trip w students to KSC
2003
Developed Bioreactor with company in MSFC in Huntsville; Rec'd 1st
Research grant from Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC) OPCA Participated in the FSGC/UNF Biological Crystals in Space-
Advanced Student Workshops
2004
TTI received awards from ACSI / Coached VB District Champs /Rec'd
Florida Aerospace and Education Grant from FSGC OPCA Participated in the FSGC/UNF Biological Crystals in Space-
Advanced Student Workshops
2005
Completed ERAU's TeachSpace Program / Created multicounty SPACEDAY
event / Rec'd 2nd Florida Aerospace & Education Grant from FSGC OPCA
Developed middeck locker hardware for osteoblast
experiment
2006
Flew Zero-G 1st time (NG Weightless Flights of Discovery) from KSC -
flew TTI Bioreactor components, SPACE-DAY event
OPCA /Eagle's
View Created 1st Aeospace summer camp at FCCJ
2007
Flew Zero-G 2nd time - selected 1st HS students in US to fly experiments
/ Selected as a Space Foundation Teacher Liaison Eagle's View FCCJ Aerospace summer camps
2008
Flew Zero-G 3rd time - taught Aerospace / Received 2nd Research Grant
from the Florida Space Grant Consortium Eagle's View
Alan Shepherd Technology in Education Award; joined
AIAA
2009
Selected as Einstein Fellow assigned to the Engineering Directorate's
Industrial Innovations and Partnerships Division at the National Science
Foundation; 1st time seeing CubeSats at UF
Eagle's View /
NSF Albet Einstein Distinguished Educator Award
2010
Einstein Fellow at National Science Foundation - selected for 2nd
fellowship year NSF AIAA CV Advocacy - Congress Wash, D.C.
2011
Founded BLUECUBE-Aerospace, Inc./ Completed 2nd yr as Fellow /
Selected in same NSF office to be a Senior Policy Analyst; Created the
Research Expereinces for Veterans supplement
NSF traveled to 20 I/UCRC sites (2011-2012)
2012
Began grad school classes (AMU); Authored 3 additional NSF
Supplements for veterans NSF 12-063, 12-073, and 12-074 NSF
Created I/UCRC Technology Showcases and IIP’s
Distinguished Lecture Series
2013
AMU classes and travelled to Industru University Cooperative Research
Centers throughout US; Authored NSF Supplement “Veterans Research
Supplement” [NSF 13-074]
NSF
2014
Paused grad school classes (finished 1st 6) ; First CubeSat emulator
hardware flown on Captive Carry flight bu Generation Orbit (Cecil Field) NSF
2015
Completed 4th year as Senior Policy Analyst / Left NSF/ Began as
Science teacher at the Weiss School - Started CubeSat Team
NSF / Weiss
School Prototype HW flight Cartersville, GA
2016
1st middle school students to advocate in D.C; High Altitude Balloon
flightss begin; Started school's VB team Weiss
Nat'l Coalition of Aviation and Space Education Crown
Circle Recipient ('18)
2017
1st middle school students to SmallSat Conf in Utah; 1st team selected
by NASA's CSLI; (have gone with students since) VB District Champs Weiss AIAA Educator Achievement Award
2018
1st middle school CubeSat launched to Space (WeissSat-1, Dec 3rd,
Vandenberg) Worked with FIT's D. Platt and vibe testing inside KSC;
travel to Indiana (NSL)
Weiss
Vandenberg SFB; received National Engineering Council's
STEM Educator Award
2019
Selected by NASA-2nd CubeSat; 1st student lead paper selected at IAC;
selected as team to represent the U.S. in Int'l Aerospace Hackathaon Weiss
Washington, DC; Beijing, China; William T Dwyer Award
for STEM Excellence
2020
Conducted PDR at KSC (not selected by NASA) / Created the Aerospace
and Innovation Academy, Inc.; HAB flight Weiss Selected for Space Worker Hall of Fame for Education
2021
Started Harvey School / Conducted PDR at KSC (not selected by NASA)
Created Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team, Inc. Weiss / Harvey IAC in Dubai
2022
2nd CubeSat - CapSat-1 Launched from KSC to ISS (deployed); began 2
yr term as president of the Florida Association for the Gifted; Co-created
the SmallSat Education Conference, Inc. (SSEC) at KSC
Harvey /Greene
Thomas A. Edison National Invention Award for Education -
Experiential Learning; Conf in Paris and Athens; AIAA
Education Technical Committee
2023
WolfSat-1 selected by Firefly Aerospace for launch DREAM 2.0 contest;
developing FlipSat-1; hosted SSEC at KSC Greene
Presented Scotland - PocketQube; recei ved $350K
Appropriation from the Florida Legislature for Aero Ed;
AIAA SmalSat Technical Committee
2024
Keynote at FLAG Conf; 3rd v successful SSEC; building WolfSat-1; FlipSat-
1 launched from Vandenberg; completing M.S. Degree Space Studies -
Aerospace Science in Dec. started as NSE Project Manager
Greene /
NearSpace
Educ.
Presented in Korea, starting team in Tokyo, working with
schools in Switzerland, England, and Peru; IAC in Milan;
AIAA Deputy Director - Public Policy Reg II
2025
WolfSat-1 to launch late'25, Wolfpack working on 2 new satellites;
WCDT developing 5th and 6th satellites (WolfSat-2 and WolfCube-1)
NearSpace
Educ, Inc. Start Ph.D.?
Created and delivered multiple VRS presentations at request
of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,
the Office of Secretary of Defense – Director of Basic Research,
and the Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
(2013-4)
COMPANY BACKGROUND / SHORT BIO (Kevin L Simmons)
As the flagship program of the Aerospace and Innova5on Academy (AIA), the Wolfpack CubeSat
Development Team (WCDT) engages and prepares 10-18 year old students to design, build, test, and fly
CubeSats in small teams before gradua5ng high school. This is accomplished by not only providing
authen5c, real-world experiences, but preparing students to immediately and posi5vely interact with
aerospace and public policy professionals. Through collabora5on BLUECUBE Aerospace, AIA/Wolfpack
students conduct satellite-networked high al5tude balloon launches. WCDT's lead, Kevin L. Simmons, is a
twice-selected principal inves5gator for NASA's CubeSat Launch Ini5a5ve and led the first middle school
team in the country to space in 2018. In 2023 the WCDT were selected through the na5onwide Firefly
DREAM 2.0 program to build and launch their third CubeSat, the WolfSat-1, in 2025. To date his student
team has launched two spacecraY and a hosted payload: WeissSat-1 in 2018, CapSat-1 in 2022, and the
hosted payload FlipSat-1, launched in August 2024 as part of the TROOP hardware from Vandenberg Space
Force Base.
The WCDT writes, presents, and publishes technical papers and children's books. Since 2018 WCDT
students have wri_en and presented more than 110 papers in 8 countries at interna5onal conferences
such as the IAC, COSPAR, SmallSat, HICE, ISDC, and the SmallSat Educa5on Conference. Several recent
Wolfpack student presenta5ons may be viewed on their AIA YouTube channel or listened to on the
AIA's "Let's Go To Space: BLUE-SKY Learning" podcast. Young WCDT members authored and illustrated 2
published children's books, "Let's go to Space: the ISS and Ver4cal Landings" and "Let's go to Space:
Artemis and the SLS". Simmons and co-author Shawna Christenson published "Let's go to Space: Building a
CubeSat Team Through BLUE-SKY Learning".
Wolfpack students ac5vely par5cipate and lead teams in the annual Florida Space Day in Tallahassee and
AIAA Congressional Visits Days in Washington, D.C. The 501(c)(3) WCDT meets weekly via Zoom or in
person and offers an introductory SPACE Club course for younger students. The WCDT employs a "BLUE-SKY
Learning" philosophy and embraces a "Techies and Talkies" approach for engagement. Wolfpack students
work well in teams, mentor younger students, and are confident and prac5ced communicators. The
AIA/Wolfpack best posi5ons students to remain in the STEM pipeline through their college years. In 2023
Wolfpack teams successfully advocated and received $350K from the Florida Legislature for the
development of aerospace technician training for at-risk youth at the Palm Beach State College (PBSC).
Wolfpack students supported that training at PBSC with NearSpace Educa5on, Inc. in June 2024.
Working with BLUECUBE Aerospace in 2022 WCDT students were responsible for an Edison Inven5on
Award in the category of Educa5on - Experien5al Learning, and an Honorable Men5on in the ISS Na5onal
Lab Sustainability Challenge. Wolfpack students were finalists for the Global Space Sustainability Challenge,
and were selected via BLUECUBE as one of 7 companies for the NASA iTech Focus Event. Older Wolfpack
university students are developing AMARIS, a CubeSat-based lunar rover. To be_er reach educators and
students, the AIA and Wolfpack, along with the AIAA, created the annual SmallSat Educa5on
Conference (SSEC) in 2022. Hosted at the Center for Space Educa5on Building at the Kennedy Space Center,
the SSEC aims to increase engagement with educators and pre-college students. In its third year, the SEEC
had 540+ a_endees from eight countries with 36 presenta5ons, 25+ exhibitors (corporate, NASA programs,
and universi5es), and 6 workshops.
--- --- --- Bio --- --- ---
Kevin L. Simmons is a professional educator, principal inves5gator and Congressional advocate with a
professional focus at the intersec5on of authen5c aerospace and equity in educa5on. He
founded BLUECUBE Aerospace, Inc., and the Wolfpack CubeSat Development team (WCDT), and co-created
the Aerospace and Innova5on Academy, Inc. (AIA) and successful SmallSat Educa5on Conference. Simmons
and his 11-21 year old Wolfpack students have launched 3 spacecraY to date, and was the first middle
school aged team selected by NASA's CubeSat Launch Ini5a5ve in 2017, and again in 2019. He is Principal
Inves5gator for the WeissSat-1 (2018), CapSat-1 (2022), and WolfSat-1 (2025) missions. WolfSat-1 was
selected by Firefly Aerospace's DREAM 2.0 program for flight in 2025, Simmons is Co-I for the WCDT's first
hosted payload, FlipSat-1 (2024). He is trained as a biochemist, and has worked in industry, military and
academia. Simmons completed two years as an Albert Einstein Dis5nguished Educator Fellow and four
years as a senior policy analyst in the Na5onal Science Founda5on’s Engineering Directorate. He serves in
the American Ins5tute of Aeronau5cs and Astronau5cs (AIAA) as the Region II Deputy Director for Public
Policy and a member of both the AIAA SmallSat and Educa5on Technical Commi_ees. Simmons is the past
president of the Florida Associa5on for the GiYed, a current Area Director for the Florida Associa5on of
Science Teachers, a member of the inaugural Limitless Space Ins5tute Educator Fellowship, a 2023 NASA
HEAT Physics Ambassador, a Space Founda5on Teacher Liaison, and an ISS Educator Ambassador. His recent
na5onal awards include the Na5onal Space Council Space Worker Hall of Fame, AIAA Founda5on Educator
Achievement Award, and the Alan Shepard Technology in Educa5on Award. He is a graduate of North
Carolina State University with Biochemistry and Chemistry degrees and will graduate in December with a
Master's degree in Aerospace Science. A recipient of the Dwyer Award for Excellence in STEM Educa5on,
he is a professional educator with a giYed endorsement and licensed to teach Chemistry, Biology, Physics,
Earth/Space Science and 6th-12th Mathema5cs.
Dear students and parents,
I hope this email finds you well. It has been almost 25 years since I le; industry, thanks to a downsizing
event, and began teaching. I have not once regre@ed that choice, and sAll believe it has been my
calling. This note to you is to ask for your le1er of recommenda5on, and to invite you to a party.
Next Oct. 25-26 we will host our 4th annual SmallSat EducaAon Conference at the KSC Astronaut
Memorial FoundaAon’s Center for Space ExploraAon building. This will mark the 10th anniversary of
starAng our middle school CubeSat team. It also marks 15 years since starAng BLUECUBE Aerospace,
and 24 years since starAng TEKNA-THEOS. Whether you write a le@er of support or not, you are invited
to join us at KSC during the Conference.
As some of my earlier students may not know, I created a CubeSat Team that is composed of some very
remarkable students, who are doing good work and helping other students have opportuniAes for
STEM careers. I am applying for some of the final personal awards in my teaching career. If selected the
exposure and money will further the work of our team. My email is to ask for a le@er of
recommendaAon from you. Your le@er may be mailed to me. A le@er in either a .pdf or .docx or Google
doc will be fine. To guide your responses, the award criteria include recognizing:
- Long-term work mentoring students in space-related STEM projects and experimenta;on
- Dedica;on and passion for space explora;on and space science educa;on
- Advising and helping to guide students toward space careers through par;cipa;on in space-related
compe;;ons and professional ac;vi;es.
- Evidence of the teacher improving their own academic competence and show how this has enhanced
aerospace educa;on.
- Admira;on by students and parents for the nominee’s exemplary teaching
- Crea;vity in developing and u;lizing materials to enhance the teaching of aerospace.
- A one-;me project or program of such significance that it had a major impact on the teaching of
aerospace educa;on.
Any use of this language with your recollecAons would be greatly appreciated. I included a pdf that has
a Ameline of the past 25 years and some of the major events. In short by the numbers, we had a lot of
firsts. 4 Zero-G flights, 3 satellites launched (to date), 26 students to the State Science Fair, and 5
wonderful companies, staffed by my students: TEKNA-THEOS, BLUECUBE Aerospace, Aerospace and
InnovaAon Academy, Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team, and the SmallSat EducaAon Conference.
We are building our 4th satellite presently (its paid for already), assisAng students build the first precollege
CubeSat from Switzerland, and designing our 5th and 6th satellites. Wolfpack students have
published 2 children’s books, and they’ve advocated for years at the Florida Legislature and Congress.
We’re starAng new Wolfpack CubeSat Team pods, with the support of my current Florida students in
Orlando, Tokyo, and hopefully England. Wolfpack students have presented over 110 technical papers in
8 countries since 2018. The Wolfpack helped to send 16 CubeSat emulators to teams in Peru and
hosted 543 people at our recent and 3rd annual SmallSat EducaAon Conference at KSC.
In summary, your le@er would mean a lot to me, and it will help us further the mission to provide
aerospace and entrepreneurial opportuniAes for moAvated students, regardless of their current
financial status. Thank you in advance and please send your le@er to me no later than 28 November.
Thank you for your consideraAon and responses.
Simmons, Kevin L.
Kevin L. Simmons
1303 Vision Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418
(904) 626-3512
www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-simmons/12/a67/537
Principal Investigator, Professional Aerospace Educator, Congressional Advocate
PROFESSIONAL HONORS and CURRENT LEADERSHIP ROLES
• Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National
Science Foundation, 2009-2011
• Space Worker Hall of Fame, National Space Club, Florida
Committee, 2020
• Extraordinary Educator Award, Economic Council of Palm
Beach County Foundation, 2021
• William T. Dwyer Award-Excellence in STEM Education, 2019
• The Engineers’ Council STEM Educator Award - National
Engineers Week Banquet, 2018
• National Coalition of Aviation and Space Education Crown
Circle Recipient, 2018
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Educator
Achievement Award, 2017
• Certificate of Special Recognition U.S. Senate, 2017
• Alan Shepard Aerospace Technology Education Award, 2008
• Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, 2007-present
• ERAU TeachSpace Program Graduate, 2005
• Principal Investigator for 3 satellites (2 already on orbit)
• President, Florida Association of the Gifted
• Professional Member, Public Policy and K-12 STEM
Outreach Co-Chair, AIAA Palm Beach Section
• AIAA SmallSat Technical Committee member
• AIAA K-12 STEM Outreach Technical Committee member
• AIAA Region II Deputy Director, Public Policy
• Area 10 Director, Florida Association of Science Teachers
• Space Ambassador, National Space Society
• Palm Beach County STEM Education Ecosystem member
• Engineering Task Force, PBC Business Development Board
• Lifetime Member, Missileers, Space, and Range Pioneers
• NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) -
Space Physics Ambassador
• Limitless Space Institute Ambassador
• International Space Station Educator Ambassador
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Founder, CEO, Lead Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team (WCDT) wolfpacksat.org, and the
Aerospace and Innovation Academy (AIA), aerospacehigh.org, 2019 - Present
Principal Investigator of the WessSat-1, CapSat-1, and WolfSat-1 satellites. Co-I of the FlipSat-1 hosted payload.
Applying BLUE-SKY Learning principles to educate middle and high school students. Curator/provider of extraordinary
learning experiences related to Aerospace and Entrepreneurship. Founded first middle school-based CubeSat team which
evolved to become the Wolfpack. Selected in 2024 via Firefly Aerospace’s national DREAM 2.0 opportunity to build and
fly fourth spacecraft, the WolfSat-1. The WCDT obtained 501(c)3 status in 2020. Responsible for mentoring ~110 precollege
student papers/presentations in 8 countries at international/national conferences (GLEX, IAC, SmallSat, AIAA
SciTech, COSPAR, AbSciCon, Humans2Mars, PocketQube). Student conference presentations and podcast “Let’s Go To
Space: BLUE-SKY Learning” may be found on the AIA YouTube channel. Co-created the annual SmallSat Education
Conference at Kennedy Space Center for students and educators. Mentor middle school students weekly at the Pleasant
City Community Center, WPB. Conducted high altitude balloon missions and 1st middle school team to launch 2 NASAselected
CubeSats. COSPAR/Int’l Astronautical Congress presenter 2019-2024: D.C., Dubai, Paris, Athens, and Busan (S.
Korea). Recipient of 2024 Engineering Council/PBC Business Development Board Future Leaders Project National Award.
Founder/CEO BLUECUBE Aerospace LLC, www.bluecubesat.com, 2012 - Present
Developed CubeSat emulator kit. Selected twice by NASA as Principal Investigator for WeissSat-1 (2017) and CapSat-1
(2019) through the CubeSat Launch Initiative..
• Awarded a 2021 Thomas A. Edison Invention Award for Education-Experiential Learning
• NASA iTech Focus Event Finalist (Recycling for Optimum Space-Age Logistics)
• Author, “Let's Go To Space: Building a CubeSat Team through BLUE-SKY Learning" at https://www.amazon.com/Lets-
Go-Space-Building-Learning/dp/B08P3Y9G68/ref=sr_1_3 , 2020
• Mentor of NSS Space Settlement Contest First Place Team. World-wide competition with 2,646 entries.
• Mentor of US champ/international runner up team for the 2019 Future Space Scholars Meet in Beijing, China, 2019
Simmons, Kevin L.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Science Educator, The Greene School, West Palm Beach, FL 2022-2024
Teaching 9th grade Biology and 6th-8th Sciences: Earth/Space, Life Science, and Physical Science
Created Greene Aerospace Team; mentored student presenters at 4 International Conferences (2022-2024)
Science Educator/Center Lead, Weiss School, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 2015-2021
Lead - Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Center of Excellence. Taught Aerospace, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to
gifted Middle School students. Created school’s first sports team, Volleyball Head Coach, Conference Champions (11-2)
and runner up in 1st and 2nd full seasons.
National Science Foundation – Engineering Directorate–Industrial Innovation and Partnerships Division (2009-15)
Educator Fellow Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship 2009-2011
Senior Policy Analyst EDJ Associates, Inc. / WTEC, Inc. 2011-2015
Research incubators and conduct outreach activities. Spearheaded creation of, and strong advocate for the Veterans
Research Supplement (VRS), and supported IIP academic programs. Authored NSF Supplement “Veterans Research
Supplement” [NSF 13-074], “Research Experience for Veterans” [12-063],” Research Experiences for Veterans/Teachers
[12-073], Engineering Research Experiences for Veterans [12-074], and “Research Experience for Veterans” [11-054].
Panelist at Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies Center on Capitol Hill panel series “Targeting Top Teachers
For Superior STEM Education” http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ event/targeting-top-teachers-for-superior-stem-education
President: TEKNA-THEOS Inc. (TTI) [teknatheos.org] Orange Park, Florida June 2002- 2015
Created and managed a student run, non-profit education corporation. Serve as Chairman, Board of Directors. TTI
collaborated with Moseley Technical Services Inc. to develop a prototype spaceflight bioreactor. Principal Investigator for
three Florida Space Research and Education Grants and 2 Aerospace and Education Grants (2003-9) Coached numerous
NSS Space settlement teams with US/international student members: Team An Terra Nua (2012), Helios (2011), and JICU
(2010). These teams presented at annual International Space Development Conferences. Selected to fly Zero-G 4 times
(2006-2009). Chosen as educator with 1st high school Zero-G team (2007). Numerous after-school and summer
programs:
• Taught DESTINATION SPACE Camp at FCCJ’s Aviation Center of Excellence (2009)
• Coached Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation National Winners (2009)
• Created 120-hour curriculum for Governor’s gifted ‘DESTINATION SPACE 2009 space camp, FCCJ Aviation Center (2008)
• Flew bioreactor hardware on ZERO-G as one of 240 teachers selected nationwide to participate in Northrop Grumman’s
Weightless Flights of Discovery (2006)
• Created and taught FCCJ-Aviation Center of Excellence’s first Math/Science Summer SPACE CAMP (2006)
• Participated in the FSGC/UNF Biological Crystals in Space- Advanced Student Workshops for two years (2003, 2004)
Program Facilitator: Aviation Center of Excellence, FCCJ, Jacksonville June-August 2009
Teacher: Eagles View Academy, Jacksonville, Florida 2006-2009
Teacher: Orange Park Christian Academy, Orange Park, Florida 2001-2006
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
American Military University: M.S., Space Studies – Aerospace Science [Expected Dec 2024]
North Carolina State University Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, 1992. Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry, 1992
Passed Fundamentals of Engineering Exam 1997
Professional Teaching Certificate Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space, Physics, and Math endorsements (2024-2029)
Military: U.S. Army Airborne School, 1989, Infantry Officer Basic Course, 1991, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, 1992,
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, US Army Reserve; 1990, Platoon Leader and Detachment Commander, NCARNG 1990-94
Attached to Comp. A, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne); FLNG; 1995; IRR, Honorable Discharge, 1999
Publications: authored/coauthored 110+ technical papers w/ students for Aerospace & Education Conferences
Invited panelist, The Future of Space, Edison Awards, https://youtu.be/x61jo7vtq9k, Babcock Ranch, Florida, 2021
“BLUE-SKY Learning: Disruptive Education” K. Simmons. TEDxTheWeissSchool,
www.ted.com/talks/kevin_l_simmons_blue_sky_learning_disruptive_education, May, 2019.
1 Simmons, Kevin L.
Kevin L. Simmons
1303 Vision Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418
1 (904) 626-3512
LinkedIn: kevin-l-simmons-537a6712
Principal Investigator, Professional Educator, Team Builder
CURRENT LEADERSHIP ROLES and PROFESSIONAL HONORS
• Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at National
Science Foundation, 2009-2011
• Space Worker Hall of Fame, National Space Club, Florida
Committee, 2020
• Extraordinary Educator Award, Economic Council of Palm
Beach County Foundation, 2021
• William T. Dwyer Excellence in STEM Education Award, 2019
• The Engineers’ Council STEM Educator Award - National
Engineers Week Banquet, 2018
• National Coalition of Aviation and Space Education Crown
Circle Recipient, 2018
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Educator Achievement Award, 2017
• Certificate of Special Recognition U.S. Senate, 2017
• Alan Shepard Aerospace Technology in Education Award, 2008
• Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, 2007-present
• Northrop Grumman Weightless Discovery Flight, 2006
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s TeachSpace Program
Graduate, 2005
• P.I. - WeissSat-1, CaptSat-1, and WolfSat-1 CubeSats
• AIAA SmallSat Technical Committee member
• AIAA STEM K-12 Committee member
• AIAA Professional Member and Public Policy and K-12
STEM Outreach Co-Chair, Palm Beach Section
• Limitless Space Institute Inaugural Educator Cohort
• NASA AAPT Space Physics Ambassador
• Co-founder, SmallSat Education Conference at KSC-VC
• President, Florida Association for the Gifted
• Area Director, Florida Association of Science Teachers
• Space Ambassador, National Space Society
• Engineering Task Force member, Business
Development Board - Palm Beach County, FL
• Palm Beach County STEM Ecosystem member
• Lifetime Member, Missile, Space, and Range Pioneers
• ISS Educator Ambassador, Member of Space Education
Association
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Founder/CEO, Aerospace and Innovation Academy (AIA), aerospacehigh.org, 2021- Present
Founder/CEO, BLUECUBE Aerospace LLC, www.bluecubesat.com, 2012 - Present
Applying BLUE-SKY Learning principles to the education of middle and high school students. Curator and provider
of extraordinary learning experiences related to Aerospace, Entrepreneurship, and Communications. CEO and
Board Chairman for the 501(c)3 Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team, WCDT (http://www.wolfpacksat.org/).
Responsible for ~100 student papers/presentations at international/national conferences (COSPAR, GLEX, IAC,
SmallSat, AIAA SciTech, etc.). Session Chair for the 2023 SmallSat Conference, 2024 AIAA SciTech Conference.
Member of the AIAA SmallSat Technical Committee and AIAA Education Committee.
• Team received the Future Leaders Project Award through the National Engineering Week Banquet (2024)
• P.I. for the Firefly Aerospace DREAM 2.0-selected mission: WolfSat-1 (2023)
• P.I. for NASA-selected WeissSat-1 (2017, flew in 2018) and CapSat-1 (2019, flew in 2022)
• Secured $350K from the Florida Legislature for Aerospace Training at PBSC for at-risk youth (2023)
• NASA iTech Focus Event Finalist (Recycling for Optimum Space-Age Logistics)
• Semifinalist, ISS National Labs Sustainability Challenge w Estée Lauder (honorable mention)
• Led Wolfpack/BLUECUBE to a 2022 Edison Invention Award – Education/Experiential Learning (2022)
• Author, “Let's Go To Space: Building a CubeSat Team through BLUE-SKY Learning" at
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Space-Building-Learning/dp/B08P3Y9G68/ref=sr_1_3 ,2020
• Formed Wolfpack CubeSat Team while working with student teams in North Carolina and Nebraska, 2020
• Mentor of NSS Space Settlement Contest First Place Team (8th grade large group). Competition with 2,646
entries representing 14,359 students worldwide.
• Mentor of US champion and international runner up team for the 2019 Future Space Scholars Meet in
Beijing, China, 2019
2 Simmons, Kevin L.
• Presenter, International Astronautical Congress, Washington, D.C., 2019, Dubai, 2021, and Paris, 2022.
• Panelist, Rising Stars at the Michigan Space Forum, 2019
• Lead for AMARIS, a student lunar rover development team 2018-present
• Certificate of Special Recognition from the United States Senate "in honor of your valuable contribution to
the State of Florida for the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative”, 2017
• Elected and serving as AIAA Palm Beach Section Public Policy Chair, 2017-Present
• Multiple tethered balloonsat flights with BLUECUBE 1U emulators, 2016-
• 2nd Captive Carry flight with BLUECUBE 1U emulator, Cartersville, GA, 2015
• Attended the 2016-2022 SmallSat Conferences in Logan, Utah. With students 2017-2022.
• AIAA Congressional Visits Day [FL team captain 2010, 2012-2016, 2018], 2009-present
• 1st 1U captive carry flight by Generation Orbit Launch Services, Cecil Field, FL, 2014
• Co-Chaired Education Track for the NSS International Space Development Conf. (2012)
• Elected Public Policy Chair, Cape Canaveral Section, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Cape Canaveral Section (2010-2012); Member-at-Large (2009, 2012, 2015)
• eCybermission Judge/pre-screener (2013, 2015), New Jersey PAEMST judge (2013)
• Panelist for the Philly WeatherFest at the Franklin Center [Philadelphia] (2012)
Science Educator/ Aerospace Team Lead, The Greene School, West Palm Beach, FL 2022-Present
Lead science educator for 6th-8th grades and 6th-10th aerospace educator. Created Greene Aerospace Team
and School Science Fair coordinator. Member, DEIB Committee and PBC STEM Ecosystem.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Science Educator/Center Lead, The Weiss School, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 2015-2021
Lead - Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Center of Excellence (SME-COE). Formed Wolverine CubeSat
Development Team (WCDT). Conducted tethered and high altitude balloonsat flights with emulator.
Professional Florida Teaching Certificate, Chemistry 2019-2024
• Principal Investigator for CapSat-1 selected in 10th round of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative 2019-
present (only K-12 entity chosen in the 10th round) https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-tenthround-
of-candidates-for-cubesat-space-missions
• Principal Investigator for WeissSat-1 selected in 8th round of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative Manifested
to ELaNa XXIV mission; launched 3 Dec 2018 on Falcon-9 from Vandenberg AFB to a 575km sunsynchronous
orbit, 2017-2020
• Taught Aerospace, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to gifted Middle School students
• Lead annual student advocacy teams to Washington, D.C. to participate in Space Exploration Alliance
Legislative Blitz. Students call annually on all 29 Florida offices
• Coordinated Weiss’ Distinguished Speaker Series with astronauts Dr. Story Musgrave and Apollo 16’s
moonwalker Charles Duke, 2016, 2017
• Exhibited and presented at multiple Humans to Mars Summits, 2017-present
• Exhibited with Weiss students at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, 2018, 2020
• Volleyball Head Coach, Conference Champions (11-2) and runner up in 1st and 2nd full seasons, 2017-8
Senior Policy EDJ Associates, Inc. July 2012-July 2015
Analyst: World Technology Evaluation Corporation, Inc. July 2011-June 2012
National Science Foundation, Engineering Directorate (NSF-ENG)
Industrial Innovation and Partnerships Division (IIP), Arlington, VA
Research incubators and conduct outreach activities. Spearheaded creation of, and strong advocate for the
Veterans Research Supplement (VRS), and supported IIP academic programs (GOALI, I/UCRC). Wrote review
analyses and processed proposals for the Small Business Innovation Program.
• Created and delivered multiple VRS presentations at request of the White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy, the Office of Secretary of Defense – Director of Basic Research, and the Director of the
Air Force Office of Scientific Research (2013)
3 Simmons, Kevin L.
• Authored accepted presentation proposal for Int’l Society for Technology in Education (2014)
• Presented to Washington Internship for Students and Engineering at NSF (2012, 2013)
• Authored NSF Supplement “Veterans Research Supplement” [NSF 13-074]
• Designed and co-created divisional outreach and resource management database
• Presented as panelist at the 2013 I/UCRC Annual Director’s Meeting
• Supported NSF participation in the 2013-2015 International Consumer Electronics Showcases
• Created/Organized I/UCRC Technology Showcases and IIP’s Distinguished Lecture Series
• Prepared presentations and edited remarks for Division Director, Senior IIP Academic Advisor, and others;
tracked GOALI funding for Program Director
• Division representative to NSF’s Engineering Distinguished Lecture Committee (2009-2012).
• Attended ~20 Industrial Advisory Board Meetings on behalf of NSF at I/UCRCs (2011-2012)
• Authored NSF Supplements “Research Experience for Veterans” [NSF 12-063],” Research Experiences for
Veterans/Teachers [NSF 12-073], and Engineering Research Experiences for Veterans [NSF-12-074] (2012)
• Coordinated NSF4Vets working group and presentation for NSF’s Assistant Director (2012)
• Tracked GOALI funding; maintained budget spreadsheet for Program Director (2011-2012)
• Created/Organized bimonthly I/UCRC Technology Showcases and IIP’s Distinguished Lecture Series (2011-
2012)
• Prepared presentations and edited remarks for Division Director, Senior IIP Academic Advisor, and others
(2011-2012)
• Presented at the 2011-2013 National Veterans Small Business Conferences
• Completed various analyses as directed by I/UCRC, GOALI, and IIP Directors
Fellow: Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship 2009-2011
National Science Foundation, Engineering Directorate (NSF-ENG)
Industrial Innovation and Partnerships Division (IIP), Washington, D.C.
Selected from a nationwide pool as one of twenty-four fellows. Completed all assigned tasks in IIP’s
academic areas: GOALI, PFI and I/UCRC programs. Supported creation of portfolio assessment tool, and
completed projects at discretion of Division Director (DD), Dr. Kesh Narayanan. Selected to serve in IIP as a
second year Einstein Fellow (2010).
• Authored NSF FY-11 Supplement 11-054 “Research Experience for Veterans” (2011)
• Panelist at Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies Center on Capitol Hill panel series “Targeting
Top Teachers For Superior STEM Education” http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ event/targeting-top-teachersfor-
superior-stem-education
• Lead interface to I/UCRC personnel regarding Data Information Management System Pilot Program (2011)
• Solicited Research Experience for Teachers (RET) funding for CubeSat program
• Served as Team Lead for NSTA / NASA Microgravity Flight Opportunity. Chosen nation-wide as one
of eleven educator teams. Flew a 1U CubeSat on Zero G aircraft – (2010)
• Supported the NSF Gulf Oil Spill RAPID Response in the ENG-IIP Division (2010)
• Participated in National Lab Day by using bridge building software to coach a D.C. teacher. (2010)
• Chosen as IIP representative to Haitian Disaster RAPID Relief Working Group
• Identified exemplars for Artificial Intelligence tool seeding, (Content Analyst)
• Conducted site visits to I/UCRC, PFI, and SBIR awardees; selected GOALI Highlight ‘STARS’
• Tracked GOALI funding; maintained GOALI budgets, edited/uploaded ~250 IIP awardee Highlights (2009)
• Organized event as member of Engineering Directorate Distinguished Lecturer Committee
President: TEKNA-THEOS Inc. (TTI) [http://www.teknatheos.org/]
Orange Park, Florida 2002- 2015
Created and managed a student run, non-profit education corporation. Serves as Chairman, Board of
Directors. TTI has collaborated with Moseley Technical Services Inc. to develop a prototype spaceflight
4 Simmons, Kevin L.
bioreactor. See http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/feature-unlimited-space/ and
www.myspace.com/davidgwaters/video/floating-classroom-in-the-sky/7450851
Grants/Awards (TTI)
• Principal Investigator for three Florida Space Research and Education Grants (2003-9)
• Awarded Florida Space Research and Education Grant for $12,400 (2009)
• Honored / recognized with resolution 2008-743 by the Jacksonville City Council (2008)
• Received Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award by Space Foundation, NASA,
and Astronauts Memorial Foundation (2008)
• Selected as Space Foundation Teacher Liaison cohort 03-07 (2007)
• Chosen to select, train and fly 1st High School team to conduct weightless flight
experiment aboard Zero G Corporation aircraft w/ national press coverage (2007)
• Awarded Florida Space Grant Research and Education Grant (in 2004-05 for $15,000)
• Awarded 2003-4 and 2004-5 FSGC Aerospace and Education Grants
• First high school entity to receive the Florida Space Grant Consortium Research and Education Grant (in
2003-04 for $18,640)
Aerospace Advocacy/Education/Outreach Activities (TTI)
• AIAA Congressional Visits Day Activities 2009-2013 (Florida Team Captain 2010, 2012-2014)
• Authored AD ASTRA magazine article, “Observations from the 2012 Legislative Blitz (2012)
• Recognized on floor of Florida Senate and worked to pass Aerospace Resolution
[Senate Resolution #1446] (2008)
• Coached Team An Terra Nua (Second Place) for NASA/NSS competition. International team of students
(Japan, India, Ireland, US) presented at ISDC, Washington D.C. (2012)
• Coached Team HELIOS (Honorable Mention) for NASA/NSS competition. International Team of students
(Ireland, Japan, US) presented at ISDC, Huntsville, AL (2011)
• Selected through NASA/NSTA opportunity to fly Zero G freefall CubeSat experiment (2010)
• Organized Team JICU for NASA/NSS International Space Development Contest (3rd place finish) JICU was
first ISDC international student team from Japan, Ireland, and the U.S. (2010)
• Taught DESTINATION SPACE Camp at FCCJ’s Aviation Center of Excellence (2009)
• Coached Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation National Winners - Aerospace Division (2009)
• Selected to fly Zero G fourth time; 3rd time with students (February, 2009)
• Selected to fly Zero G third time; 2nd time with students (December, 2008)
• Created 120 hour curriculum and alternative learning task list for Governor’s gifted
‘DESTINATION SPACE 2009 space camp for FCCJ Aviation Center (2008)
• Coached 1st and 2nd place Junior high teams, 2nd place High School team in Ansari
Foundation WHAT IF science competition. (2008)
• Appointed to create and facilitate monthly Florida Community of College- Aviation
Center of Excellence- Aerospace Club (2008-2009)
• Created and oversaw Nat’l Space Day event “Aerospace Day” with FCCJ’s ACE (2007)
• Taught 4 two-week Space Camps through FCCJ- summer (2007)
• Flew bioreactor hardware on ZERO-G as one of 240 teachers selected nationwide to
participate in Northrop Grumman’s Weightless Flights of Discovery (2006)
• Created and taught FCCJ-Aviation Center of Excellence’s first Math/Science Summer
SPACE CAMP (2006)
• Organized six county regional AEROSPACE DAYS event for northeast Florida (2006)
• Participated in the FSGC/UNF Biological Crystals in Space- Advanced Student Workshops for two years
(2003, 2004)
5 Simmons, Kevin L.
Program Facilitator: Aviation Center of Excellence, FCCJ, Jacksonville June-August 2009
Teacher: Eagles View Academy, Jacksonville, Florida 2006-2009
Teacher: Orange Park Christian Academy, Orange Park, Florida 2001-2006
Territory Manager: Vinings Industries, Inc./Lion Industries - Atlanta, Georgia 1996-2001
Technical Sales/Chemist: Paper Chemicals Div., Nottingham Company - Atlanta, GA 1994-6
Research Technician: Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Ctr, UNC-CH Sch of Med 1992-4
Biological Aid: Laboratory of Molecular and Integrated Neurosciences, National Institutes of Environmental
Health Science, Research Triangle Park, N. Carolina, June-December 1992
Chemist: Geochem Incorporated - Morrisville, North Carolina 1992
Lab Technician: Sphinx Biotechnologies - Durham, North Carolina 1991
Lab Assistant, Genetics, Plant Pathology and Biochemistry Departments: North Carolina State University -
Raleigh, North Carolina 1987-1988
Lab Assistant: Department of Oncology/Hematology - Bowman-Gray School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 1985-1986
EDUCATION
American Military University Masters of Science, Space Studies–Aerospace Science, Expected 2024
North Carolina State University Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry 1992
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry 1992
CERTIFICATIONS
Passed Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (EIT) 1997
Assoc. of Christian Teachers and Schools Teaching Certificate 2001-2005
Florida Department of Education Teaching Certificate 2006-2008
Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Teaching Certificate (Chemistry Endorsement) 2006-2009; 2015-2018
Professional Teaching Certificate (Chemistry Endorsement) 2019-2024
Professional Teaching Certificate (Gifted Endorsement) 2020-2024
Professional Teaching Certificate (Math Endorsement) 2020-2024
Professional Teaching Certificate (Biology Endorsement) 2021-2024
Professional Teaching Certificate (Earth/Space Endorsement) 2021-2024
MILITARY
-United States Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia; 1989
-Commissioned Second Lieutenant, United States Army Reserve; 1990
-First Platoon Leader, Company C 2-120th Infantry, N.C. National Guard; 1990-1993
-On Active Duty at Infantry Officers Basic Course, Fort Benning, Georgia; 1991
-Earned Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Fort Carson, Colorado; 1992
-Detachment Commander, Det.1, Company D/1-120th Infantry, NC Nat’l Guard;1993-1994
-Attached to Comp. A, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne); FLNG; 1995
-Inactive Ready Reserve; 1995; Honorable Discharge from the Army; 1999
RECENT PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, and MEDIA LINKS
"Let's Go To Space: Building a CubeSat Team through BLUE-SKY Learning". Lead author. Paperback for
Educators at www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Space-Building-Learning/dp/B08P3Y9G68/ref=sr_1_3 (2020)
"Let's Go To Space: ISS and Vertical Landings”. Editor for children’s book at www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-
Space-Vertical-Landings/dp/B09M4TM8D7/ref=sr_1_6 (2021)
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“Let’s Go To Space: Artemis and the SLS”. Editor for children’s book at www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Space-
Artemis-SLS/dp/B0CQK2JXST/ref=sr_1_5r=8-5 (2023)
“WeissSat-1 Final Report to NASA”, Simmons, Christenson, Evrard-Vescio, et al. Submitted to NASA
Headquarters in response to completion of the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative program, 2020
Invited panelist, The Future of Space, The Edison Awards, https://youtu.be/x61jo7vtq9k, Babcock Ranch,
Florida, 2021
“BLUE-SKY Learning: Disruptive Education” K. Simmons. TEDxTheWeissSchool,
www.ted.com/talks/kevin_l_simmons_blue_sky_learning_disruptive_education, May, 2019.
"Blue-Sky Learning" with STEAM Tentacles by Kevin L Simmons. January 2018 STEAM Magazine
https://www.aerospace-policy.org/communicate, 2018
“Let’s Go to Space”: The Weiss CubeSat Development Team by Kevin L Simmons. January 2018 STEAM
Magazine https://www.aerospace-policy.org/communicate, 2018
Acute repeated nicotine injections increase enkephalin but not AP-1 DNA binding in rat adrenal. M
McMillian, P Hudson, K Simmons, D Dreyer, J Hone, K Pennypacker. Molecular Brain Research 1995 Vol.31,
pg. 210-214
Dexamethasone and forskolin synergistically increase [Met5]enkephalin accumulation in mixed brain cell
cultures. Brain Research 1996 Aug 19; 730(1-2):67-74
Characterization of breast cancer for treatment and prognosis of the disease. (Abstract) K. Simmons,
NAAS/AJAS Directory and Proceedings, 1987. Poster presented at AJAS National Conference, Chicago,
Illinois, January 1987.
Estrogen and antiestrogen effects on breast cancer under “in vitro” and “in vivo” conditions. (Abstract) TE
Kute, R Long, K Simmons, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 1986.
Technical Papers and Conference Presentations
“Educational Benefits of PocketQubes in a Pre-College Setting” Kenan Sato Hua, Zayan Khan, Winston
Neville, and Kevin Simmons. AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando Florida Jan 2024.
“A Twenty-Year Retrospective of the Research Impact of the International Space Station” Chase Badia, Lukas
Rector, Kevin Simmons. AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando Florida Jan 2024.
“An Evaluation of Power Sources for Picosatellites” Gabriel Mikati, Shawna Chistenson, Kevin L. Simmons.
AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando Florida Jan 2024.
“An In-Depth Analysis of Psychological Factors Related to the Success of CubeSat Teams” Jasmin Schauer,
Jordan Mills, Shawna Christenson, Kevin L. Simmons. AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando Florida Jan 2024.
“CubeSatVR-Studio: A Virtual Reality Application for Small Satellite Education” Dylan Kiesling and Kevin L.
Simmons. AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando Florida jan 2024.
“Disruptive Education: Use of Emulators and High Altitude Balloons as Precursors to CubeSats in a Middle-
High School Setting” Shawna Christenson, Pradeep Shinde, John D. Moore, Kevin L. Simmons. AIAA SciTech
Conference. Orlando Florida 2024.
“Legislating for the Florida Aerospace Workforce of the Future” Michael Mikati, Shawna Christenson, Kevin
Simmons. AIAA SciTech Conference. Orlando, Florida Jan 2024.
“The Triadic Approach to The Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team” Elliott Evrard-Vescio, Tyler Evrard-
Vescio, Gabriel Mikati, Zayan Khan, Kevin Simmons, and Shawna Christenson. The Hawaii International
Conference on Education. Jan 2024.
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“Educational Benefits of PocketQubes in a Pre-College Setting” Kenan Sato Hua, Zayan Khan, Winston
Neville, and Kevin Simmons. 10th Annual PocketQube Conference, Glasgow, Scotland. December 2023.
“Let’s Go To Space: BLUE-SKY Learning” K. Simmons and J. Schauer. UCF Faculty Advocates for Advanced and
Gifted Education – Gifted Education Professional Development Conference. February 2023
“Understanding Orbital Transfer Types with Secondary Student Created Python Code” Alexander Castronovo
and Kevin Simmons, et al. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“An In Vitro Analysis of Osteoblast Transcription Factors in Low Earth Orbit via ISS Internal Payload and
CubeSat Form Factor” Jasmin Schauer, Celine Schauer, Kevin Simmons. 73rd International Astronautical
Congress. September 2022.
“WolfSat-1: 1U LEO Demonstration of Biological Degradation of PET” Paul Kiesling, Jasmin Schauer, and
Kevin Simmons. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“From Concept to Launch: Significance and Challenges of Digital Engineering in Student CubeSat Projects”
Dylan Kiesling and Kevin Simmons. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Wolfpack Orbital Launch Funding and Competition (WOLF-C)” William Mayville and Kevin Simmons. 73rd
International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Paraglider-GPS-HAB Applications w Tie ins to CubeSat Missions” Charlie Wells, Sebastian Timbal, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Xenobot Applications for Spaceflight” Dylan Kiesling and Kevin Simmons. 73rd International Astronautical
Congress. September 2022.
“Viability and Advantages of Graphene Production in Deep Space Environment” Paul Kiesling and Kevin
Simmons. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Zentih-1: Theoretical Design of a Mining Mission to 511 Davida” Michael Mikati, Kevin Simmons, et al. 73rd
International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Application of High Altitude Balloon Telemetry for Successful Secondary Student CubeSat Missions” Deanie
Vaitsos, Kevin Simmons, et al. Poster Session, 2022 SmallSat Conference, August 2022
“Preventing Single Event Upsets In Microbit Chips In A LEO Hosted Payload” Theodore Ouyang, Kevin
Simmons, et al. Poster Session, 2022 SmallSat Conference, August 2022
“NASA CSLI: Making Space Accessible Starting in Middle School and Beyond” Celine Schauer, Kevin Simmons,
et al. Poster Session, 2022 SmallSat Conference, August 2022
“SmallSat Form Factor Applications for Mammalian Osteoblast Research” Jasmin Schauer, Kevin Simmons, et
al. Poster Session, 2022 SmallSat Conference, August 2022
“Disruptive Education: Use of Emulators and High Altitude Balloons as Precursors to CubeSats” Elliotte
Evrard-Vescio, Tyler Evrard-Vescio, Kevin Simmons, et al. Poster Session, 2022 SmallSat Conference, August
2022
“Techies and Talkies, Educators and Entrepreneurs. The Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team and ‘BLUESKY
Learning’” Kevin Simmons and Shawna Christenson. SPACERUSH 360 Conference, Center for Space
Education, Kennedy Space Center - Visitor Center. July 2022.
“Wolfpack Orbital Launch Funding and Competition (WOLF-C)” William Mayville and Kevin Simmons. 44th
Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“Preventing Single Event Upsets in Micro:bit Chips in a LEO Hosted Payload” Theodore Ouyang, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“NASA CSLI: Making Space Accessible Starting in Middle School and Beyond” Rachel Nussbaum, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“Disruptive Education: Use of Emulators and High Altitude Balloons as Precursors to CubeSats in a Middle-
High School Setting” Shawna Christenson, Pradeep Shinde, and Kevin Simmons. 44th Scientific Assembly of
the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“Applications of Artificial Intelligence as a Disruptive Tool in Space Education” Daniel Portas-Levy, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“A Sustainable Satellite Propulsion System” Benjamin Purvis, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of
the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“From Concept to Launch: Significance and Challenges of Digital Engineering in Student CubeSat Projects”
Dylan Kiesling, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research, Athens,
Greece. July 2022
“Xenobots Applications for Spaceflight” Dylan Kiesling, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the
Committee on Space Research, Athens, Greece. July 2022
“Applications of Paraglider-High Altitude Balloon Telemetry for Successful Secondary Student CubeSat
Missions” Argyrios Vaitsos, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space
Research, Athens, Greece. July 2022
“Viability and Advantages of Graphene Production in Deep Space Environment” Paul Kiesling, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“An In Vitro Analysis of Osteoblast Transcription Factors in Low Earth Orbit via ISS Internal Payload and
CubeSat Form Factor” Jasmin Schauer, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on
Space Research. July 2022
“Investigating the Effects of Light Wavelength and Exolith Highlands Lunar Regolith on the Germination and
Growth Rates of Various Edible Foods” Arnav Joseph, Kevin Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the
Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“Understanding Orbital Transfer Types with Secondary Student Created Python Code” Alex Castronovo, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“The Recycling Potential for Methylococcus Capsulatus During Long-Term Spaceflight”. Arnav Joseph, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 44th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. July 2022
“Let's Go To Space: The Aerospace and Innovation Academy's Wolfpack” Kevin Simmons. International Space
Development Conference, National Space Society – Space Ambassador Session, May 2022.
“STEM in a Post-COVID World: Using Distance Learning to Enhance Equitable Student Engagement” C. Purvis
and K. Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, proceedings at https://hiceducation.org/wpcontent/
uploads/2022/03/EDU2022.pdf, Jan. 2022.
“Maximizing Education through Collaborative Learning with a Cross-Curricular Approach” D. Kiesling, P.
Maitland, S. Christenson, K. Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, proceedings at
https://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EDU2022.pdf, Jan. 2022.
“Primarily Igniting the Passion: STEM In Early Education” S. Christenson, A. Vaitsos, K. Simmons. 20th Annual
Hawaii International Conference, proceedings at https://hiceducation.org/wpcontent/
uploads/2022/03/EDU2022.pdf, Jan. 2022.
“Integrating Artificial Intelligence in the K-12 Classroom” L. Strauss, A. Vaitsos, D. Levy, A. Joseph, S.
Christenson, K. Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, proceedings at
https://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EDU2022.pdf, Jan. 2022.
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“Using Learning Styles to Engage Gifted Learners in Real-World STEAM Applications” R. Nussbaum, C.
Schauer, A. Grodman, S. Christenson, K. Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, proceedings
at https://hiceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EDU2022.pdf, Jan. 2022.
“SolarSat-1: Demonstration of a Revolutionary Propulsion System.” Mohanty, Purvis, and Simmons.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2021 SciTech Conference, Small Satellites – Education
and Outreach, Jan 2021.
“CapSat-1: The Lessons Learned in Developing a Satellite Mission with Middle and High School Students”,
Elhoushy and Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAF Space Power Symposium Session, Oct
2021.
“WolfSat-3: A Revolutionary Aspect of Sustaining Life in the Space Environment”, Mohanty and Simmons.
72nd International Astronautical Congress, 28th IAA Symposium in Small Satellites Missions Session, Oct 2021.
“Collaborating With CubeSats: The Formation of the Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team”, F Strauss, A
Patterson, M Mohanty, S Christenson, G. Mikati, K. Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAF
Space Education and Outreach Symposium Session, Oct 2021.
“Mitigating Lunar Dust on Spacecraft Surfaces Using Electromagnetic Fields”, Dooner, Welch, Mikati, and
Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAF Materials and Structures Symposium Session, Oct
2021.
“A CubeSat Platform for Monitoring Space Weather”, B Purvis, C Purvis, A Castronovo, Elhoushy, and
Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, Educational Pico and Nano Satellites Session, Oct 2021.
“FlipSat-1: Optimizing Radiation Hardening for a Space Environment”, Ouyang, Kimler, A Zhang, Ant Zhang,
and Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, Educational Pico and Nano Satellites Session, Oct
2021.
“Achieving Planetary Sustainability Through Student-built Satellite Missions”, 72nd International
Astronautical Congress, P Kiesling, D Kiesling, and Simmons. 72nd International Astronautical Congress, Small
Satellite Missions Global Technical Session, Oct 2021.
“Mitigating Lunar Dust on Spacecraft Surfaces Using Electromagnetic Fields”, Dooner Simmons et al.
SmallSat Conference Poster Session, Aug 2021.
“Inflight Resource Recycling and Pollution Mitigation Impacts Through the WolfSat-1 CubeSat Mission”,
Mohanty, Simmons, et al. SmallSat Conference Poster Session, Aug 2021.
“CapSat-1: The Lessons Learned in Developing a Satellite Mission with Middle and High School Students”,
Elhoushy, Simmons, et al. SmallSat Conference, SmallSat Swifties Session, Aug 2021.
“WolfSat-1: A CubeSat Mission to Investigate the Metabolism in Microgravity of the Polyethylene Digesting
Ideonella Saikaiensis” M. Mohanty, M. Mikati, P. Kiesling, and K. Simmons. Accepted Abstract for
Presentation at the 2021 American Institute for Chemical Engineering Annual Meeting, Nov. 2021.
“The Aerospace and Innovation Academy: Employing BLUE-SKY Learning as a Disruptive Educational Model”,
Christenson and Simmons. Global Space Exploration Conference, Transcending Societal Issues for Space
Exploration Session, June 2021.
“Evaluating the Efficacy of Electric Fields in Mitigating Lunar Dust Buildup on Spacecraft Surfaces”, Dooner,
Welch, and Simmons. Global Space Exploration Conference, Key Technologies Session, June 2021.
“A CubeSat Platform for Monitoring Space Weather”, B. Purvis, C. Purvis, Castronovo, and Simmons. Global
Space Exploration Conference, Key Technologies Session, June 2021.
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“Paving the Way Towards Universalization: Multiplying Success and Value Through Global Collaboration”, P
Kielsing, D Kiesling, and Simmons. Global Space Exploration Conference, International Cooperation for Space
Exploration Session, June 2021.
“FlipSat-1: Optimizing Radiation Hardening for a Space Environment”, Ouyang, Kimler, A. Zhang, Ant. Zhang,
and Simmons. Global Space Exploration Conference, Key Technologies Session, June 2021.
“BLUE-SKY Learning: The Wolverine and Wolfpack CubeSat Teams”, COSPAR-K 2021 – Space STEM Power
Talks, 43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Sydney, Australia, January 2021.
“CapSat-1: Testing the Voltage Efficiency of Capacitors Used to Replace Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Function of
Time in the Space Environment” Elhoushy, Simmons, et al. American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, 2021 SciTech Conference, Small Satellites – Education and Outreach, Jan 2021.
“The Wolverine CubeSat Development Team: Developing Engineers of the Future”, Mohanty, Nussbaum,
Joseph, Strauss, and Simmons. STAR Tech 2020: Adaptive Technologies from Biological and Chemical
Engineering Conference, Organized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Nov. 2020.
BLUE-SKY Learning: The Wolverine CubeSat Development Team. Presented at the 2020 AIAA Young
Professionals, Students and Educators Conference, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 2020.
(Selected as ‘Best Presentation – Educator Category’)
“BLUE-SKY Learning: the Wolverine CubeSat Development Team (2015-2020).” Simmons, Christenson, et al.
71st International Astronautical Congress, Lift Off - Secondary Space Education Session, IAF Space Education
and Outreach Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“Lunar Dust Mitigation on Spacecraft in a Low Gravity Freefall Environment.” Dooner, Simmons, et al. 71st
International Astronautical Congress, Hands-on Space Education and Outreach Session, IAF Space Education
and Outreach Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“CapSat-1: Demonstration of a Novel CubeSat Electrical Power System.” Elhoushy, Simmons, et al. 71st
International Astronautical Congress, Educational Pico and Nano Satellites Session, 48th IAF Student
Conference Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“Primarily Igniting the Passion: STEM in Early Education, Christenson and Simmons.” 71st International
Astronautical Congress, Ignition - Primary Space Education Session, IAF Space Education and Outreach
Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“Aerospace and Astronomy Advances by the Middle East.” Mayville, Simmons, et al. 71st International
Astronautical Congress, Scientific and Technical Histories Session, 54th IAA History of Astronautics
Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“Enhancing the STEM Pipeline – Using Public Policy to Promote Space Industry Access to a Highly Skilled
Workforce.” Kiesling, Simmons, et al. 71st International Astronautical Congress, Enabling the Future –
Developing the Space Workforce Session, IAF Space Education and Outreach Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“OUTLAST-1: International Collaboration and Disruptive Education via PocketQubes.” Kimler, Simmons, et al.
71st International Astronautical Congress, New Worlds - Non-Traditional Space Education and Outreach
Session, IAF Space Education and Outreach Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“AMARIS: Mitigating Dust Accumulation Using Electrostatic Forces and a Lithium ion Nanofoil Shield with
Applications to Lunar Missions.” Cross, Simmons et al. 71st International Astronautical Congress, Moon
Exploration Session, IAF Space Exploration Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“AMARIS: A CubeSat Based Lunar Rover.” Abstract selected for Pre-Conference Workshop Poster Session
and Competition, SmallSat Conference, Aug. 2020.
Simmons, Kevin L.
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“AMARIS: Mitigating Dust Accumulation Using Electrostatic Forces and a Lithium ion Nanofoil Shield with
Applications to Lunar Missions.” Cross, Simmons et al. Poster Session, Pre-Conference Workshop, 51st Lunar
and Planetary Science Conference, Mar 2020.
The Wolverine CubeSat Development Team (2015-2020). Presented January 9th at the 2020 AIAA SciTech
Conference HUB and Exhibition Hall. Orlando, Florida 2020.
The Wolverine CubeSat Development Team FlipSat Proposal: Analysis of Single Bit Flips as a Function of
Radiation Hardening. Presented at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Session 2 – Liftoff
Secondary Space Education. Washington, D.C. 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdDFDAbVSHM&t=813s
BLUE-SKY Learning: Building CubeSats and Influencing STEM Policy. Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG)
Annual Conference, Session 4, Cape Canaveral, Florida. October 11, 2019
Blue-Sky Learning: The Wolverine CubeSat Development and Public Policy Teams. Presented at the
International Aerospace Education Salon during the Future Space Scholars Meet, Beijing, China 2019
WeissSat-1: NASA's Selection of a Middle School CubeSat to Fly in Space. Presented at the AIAA SciTech
Forum 9 Jan 2018 at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida. (Control ID 2905724) Session Information: FD-
13, Special Session: Starting and Supercharging STEM Programs January 8, 2018
"WEISS-SAT1: A Student Developed Microlab for Space Based Research" Submitted abstract to present at the
69th International Astronautical Congress entitled MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES AND PROCESSES SYMPOSIUM
(A2), Microgravity Experiments from Sub-Orbital to Orbital Platforms (A2.3) Interactive Presentations
(A2.IP), Authors: Rhonda Lyons, Victoria Cross, Christina Cross, Kevin Simmons, Don Platt, Ph.D. 2018
"WEISS-SAT1: A Student Developed Astrobiology Payload for Small Satellite Microgravity Research"
Submitted abstract to the 2018 SmallSat Conference entitled (R Lyons, V Cross, C Cross, K Simmons, and D
Platt) 2018
"WEISS-SAT1: A Student Developed Astrobiology Payload for Small Satellite Microgravity Research"
Submitted abstract to the 2018 AIAA Space Forum, Small Satellites Track, Educational Activities Utilizing
Small Spacecraft entitled (R Lyons, V Cross, C Cross, K Simmons, and D Platt) 2018
Weiss CubeSat Development Team Overview. Presented during Senator Bill Nelson's press conference at The
Weiss School on 11 March 2017
Update of the Wolverine CubeSat Development and Policy Teams and Status of the WeissSat-1 and the
WCDT Program. Introduced student team before the Palm Beach Gardens City Council, November 2017,
November 2018, and December 2019
Classic Orbital Elements, Epsilon, and the Hohmann Transfer, Presented to the Space Foundation Teacher
Liaison Workshop at the 33rd Space Symposium, Apr 2017
Accepted
“QASSIM Science Center: Youth Aerospace and Satellite Program” K. Simmons, P. Longstaff, and B. Pearson.
SpaceOps 2023 Conference, Dubai. March 2023.
“Preventing Single Event Upsets In Micro:bit Chips In A LEO Hosted Payload” Theodore Ouyang, Kevin
Simmons, et al. 73rd International Astronautical Congress. September 2022.
“Space Education and the Next Generation” Anand Narayanan and Kevin Simmons. 2022 ISS Research and
Development Conference – Technical Sessions, Jul 2022.
“Restructuring and Enriching the Education of the Periodic Table of Elements” E. Puri, K. Simmons. 20th
Annual Hawaii International Conference, Jan. 2022.
Simmons, Kevin L.
12
“Continuing to Combat Inequalities in Education: Underrepresented Minorities in STEM” A. Zhang, K.
Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, Jan. 2022.
“Educational Disadvantages Native Americans Face Due to Socio-Economics in a Modern Society” B. Purvis,
C. Purvis, K. Simmons. 20th Annual Hawaii International Conference, Jan. 2022.
“WolfSat-3: A Revolutionary Aspect of Sustaining Life in the Space Environment”, Mohanty and Simmons.
72nd International Astronautical Congress, 28th IAA Symposium in Small Satellite Session, Oct 2021.
Submitted
“Ares-1 City Proposal for Mars” Kiesling, Lupyan, Simmons, et al. Submission in Response to The Mars
Society’s 2020 Mars City State Design Competition, June 2020.
“CubeSats in Elementary Education: A Student Perspective.” Vaitsos, Strauss, Simmons, et al. American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2021 SciTech Conference, Small Satellites – Education and
Outreach, Jan 2021.
“Providing Hands-on Experiential Aerospace Training Opportunities for the General Public.” Mohanty,
Simmons, et al. 71st International Astronautical Congress, Calling Planet Earth - Space Outreach to the
General Public Session, IAF Space Education and Outreach Symposium, Oct. 2020.
“ESTE3M: Equipping Students to Engage in Engineering and Entrepreneurial Modalities.” Simmons,
Christenson, and Portz. Submitted as PI in response to NSF AISL solicitation, 2017
“ESTE3M: Equipping Students to Engage in Engineering and Entrepreneurial Modalities.” Simmons,
Christenson, and Portz. Submitted as PI in response to NSF ITEST solicitation, 2017
“ISS: Diffusion-driven protein crystallization for neutron diffraction applications.” Joe Ng and Kevin Simmons.
Submitted in response to NSF’s Fluid Dynamics Solicitation, 2016
“Sex Differences in NFKB binding and enkephalin peptide levels in rat spleen.” M McMillian, P Hudson, D
Dreyer, J Hong, K Simmons, K Pennypacker. (Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication) 1992
“Neuronal-glial co-cultures as a model to study reactive gliosis.” M McMillian, L Thai, G-C Wu, K Simmons, J
O’Callaghan, J Hong, and K Pennypacker. (Society for Neuroscience) 1992
Selected Media Links
Coverage: www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-cubesat-mission-demonstrates-cutting-edge-science-climate-research
“Plenty of Space to Learn and Grow” Technology and Engineering Teacher (cover story) Volume 81, Issue 4 – December/January
2022 S. Portz. https://www.iteea.org/Publications/Journals/TET/TETDec21.aspx. Article at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I9RDd_hd_bPhQt9nyww7BCB9K0qPRn0z/view?usp=sharing
WCDT Vision for STEM (video submitted as part of the NASA Final Report for WeissSat-1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yGinfNBZGg
“Middle Schoolers Impress with CubeSat Know-How.” Aerospace America Magazine, page 53, March 2020.
Congressman Brian Mast Announces reintroduction of the Wolverine CubeSats in Education Resolution, January 24, 2020.
https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA2391A8-9939-4DDF-9A1C-C5525198F1A3
https://mast.house.gov/2020/1/mast-introduces-resolution-recognizing-weiss-school-accomplishments
027-xml.pdf
mast https://youtu.be/NqEvVvNOOpw
https://www.wflx.com/2020/01/24/weiss-school-students-recognized-by-rep-mast/
Palm Beach Post, page B3, Friday 27 Sep 2019. Weiss School Students Travel to China for Space Competition.
Simmons, Kevin L.
13
Local CBS coverage of trip to China (video and article) https://cbs12.com/news/local/palm-beach-county-students-represent-us-ininternational-
aerospace-competition
Mentored 4 of 300 2019 Broadcom Masters semifinalists: www.facebook.com/kevin.simmons.731572
https://student.societyforscience.org/2019-top-300-masters
Listed as a Rising Star in Aviation Week, July 2019 - https://aviationweek.com/apollo/next-generation-reflects-meaning-apollo
2019 Michigan Space Forum (TV story and article) https://www.9and10news.com/2019/06/01/michigan-space-forum-in-traversecity-
allows-students-to-show-work-to-industry-professionals/
Middle School builds second sat: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20190426/gardens-middle-school-students-buildingsecond-
satellite-to-launch-into-space
Presentation to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dir. Droegemeier and NSTC Director Dr. Pace.
https://twitter.com/WHOSTP/status/1100546452647014400
2nd NASA CubeSat selection: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-tenth-round-of-candidates-for-cubesat-space-missions
Middle Schoolers Astrobiology Satellite http://spaceflight.com/sp-customers/the-weiss-school/
SpaceX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRJeuFPFigE Weiss section 11:50-12:07
WPTV 5 News: wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/palm-beach-gardens/weiss-school-students-part-of-spacex-project
WPBF 25 News: https://www.wpbf.com/amp/article/student-created-satellite-makes-it-onto-spacex-launch/25384613
Rep. Mast introduction of the WeissSat-1 Resolution: https://mast.house.gov/weisssat
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4716406/repmast-weisssat-1-res 2018
WPTV-U.S. Rep. Brian Mast visits The Weiss School: https://www.wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/palm-beachgardens/
congressman-brian-mast-visits-students-at-the-weiss-school 2018
Palm Beach Post-How Gardens students’ satellite launch is raising support for NASA:
Qz2zF8PV3JESwrCRA7jLNN/ 2018
NASA/AMES Space Settlement Results: http://www.nss.org/settlement/nasa/Contest/Results/2018/index.html 2018
AIAA Foundation Education Achievement Award: https://youtu.be/bi-dEcSy_TI and
Palm Beach Post – Charlie Duke visit: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/local/astronaut-tells-students-record-high-jump-moonalmost-
killed-him/rb0bQMcSVWLAE3ZB6MH7vM/ 2017
NASA CubeSat Announcement:
http://upr.org/post/students-launching-future-careers-building-small-satellites 2017
wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/palm-beach-gardens/satellite-made-by-local-students-heads-to-space 2017
WPBF 25 Story Musgrave visit to Weiss https://vimeo.com/184387210 2016 , http://www.wpbf.com/article/former-astronaut-storymusgrave-
speaks-to-students/3370426 , http://www.wpbf.com/article/retired-astronaut-visits-pbg-school/3379534 2016
WCDT TV coverage: http://www.wpbf.com/article/students-embark-on-college-level-aerospace-project/3388267 2016
WCDT Newspaper: http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/local/space-vision-nasa-astronaut-who-repaired-hubble-saysgardens/
nEe0z7N8ZOttpahifrwE0M/ 2016
Generation Orbit Captive Carry Flight: www.generationorbit.com/blog/generation-orbit-completes-3rd-successful-flight-of-go-fetflight-
testbed/ 2015
TableTop Inventing Podcast http://ttinvent.com/?p=5502, http://ttinvent.com/?page_id=8763 2015
Panelist, Wilson Center for International Studies, “The Next Generation of Earth System Education”
http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/the-next-generation-earth-system-education 2012