Spaceworthy Spacecraft: USU Undergrad Research Fellow Tests Materials Fit for Orbit

Utah State University undergraduate physics student Owen Graham conducts research on emissivity — that is, a property of materials that describes how well they absorb or emit electromagnetic radiation.

“A critical concern for any object going into space — a satellite, a rocket, a human-staffed space vehicle — is thermal management,” says Graham, a USU Honors student and Undergraduate Research Fellow. “Scientists and engineers designing these spacecraft and instruments need to know how fast and to what temperature materials used to build these objects will heat up and cool off in space’s harsh environment.”

With Department of Physics faculty mentor J.R. Dennison, Graham is testing varied materials, including stainless steel, copper and polytetrafluoroethylene — that last material is better known as “Teflon.”

“Testing accuracy is key, as satellites and spacecraft must adhere to very strict temperature operating limits,” Graham says. “But we are also working on a method that is faster and significantly less expensive than current measurement methods.”

The first-generation college student is among about 30 USU scholars who’ll present research posters to state legislators in Salt Lake City on Feb. 20 as part of 2025 Undergraduate Research Day on Utah’s Capitol Hill. The annual event, initiated in 2000, brings scholars from Utah State and the University of Utah to the hub of legislative activity to highlight the importance of university research to the welfare of local communities and in preparing Utah scholars to tackle future challenges.

During his undergrad career, Graham, who graduates from Utah State this spring, completed a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer internship at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he conducted computer simulations in materials science. He also served as a student laboratory assistant, working in cleanroom maintenance and space defense operations, at USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory.

“Being involved in undergraduate research has enabled me to apply what I’ve learned from textbooks and lectures to real-world problems,” he says. “It’s also been a good way for me to learn about all kinds of career fields and opportunities.”

The Murray, Utah native, who is an Aggie First Scholar and serves as a College of Science Ambassador, is looking forward to presenting his findings at the Capitol Hill event, but his excitement extends beyond his research.

“I get to present alongside my younger brother, Isaac, who is a dual biology and chemistry major at the U.,” Graham says. “I think it’s a great way to cap my USU undergrad career as I prepare for graduation in May.”

From USU, he plans to pursue graduate studies in physics.

“I have some interviews scheduled with graduate programs,” he says. “My USU experiences have prepared me well, and I’m looking forward to new challenges.”