Incorporating professional and practiced experience, Troy’s roles of organizational leadership, development, and training were refined in volunteer and paid organizations. His experiences include working with medical first responders, academic institutions, and industry leaders of professional tools and equipment. Combining innovation, improvements, and exceptional client experience with data-driven evidence and experimentation, Troy works to guide various aspects of operations within KMI. Outside of these endeavors, he can be found rock climbing, wakeskiing, snow skiing, SCUBA diving, skydiving, or enjoying a variety of films, shows, and theatre.



Read KMI columns by Troy.

Developing direct applications and solutions to specific situations, Austin utilizes experience not only from R&D and product development, but a variety of industries - notably aerospace and manufacturing. His successful history in project and team management and building physical prototypes, products, and production plans blend with his performance on design, assembly, and testing in multiple segments of the company. When not driving designs and fabrication, Austin continues to pursue Baja racing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and soccer, as well as enjoying Star Wars and video games.



Read KMI columns by Austin.

Driving the development of solutions and software for operations in space, Adam’s experience and interest in technology provide a strong foundation for many aspects of KMI. He has recent experience working with the latest in machine learning and neural networks with NASA, as well as the industries of aluminum manufacturing and aerospace. Delivering workable, real-world solutions remains a hallmark of his efforts as he covers his areas of expertise in the company. Outside of solving these scenarios, Adam spends his time enjoying hiking, winter weather, astronomy, and board games and video games with friends.



Read KMI columns by Adam.

With experience in technical writing as well as being a published author, Liza works on the refinement and presentation of KMI information in a variety of formats and supports and directs the Operations team at KMI in all pursuits. Her current and future adventures in space stem from an interest in local history and writing when she wrote a feature article for the Marquette Monthly Magazine on the site to launch the first rocket from Michigan into space. From editorial writing and communications at a local museum to a role at a geotechnical engineering firm, her experiences meld into a firm foundation for telling KMI’s ongoing story. When not writing with the company, Liza spends her time dancing ballet with Marquette's Queen City Dance Company in community productions, seeking out adventures hiking around Michigan's scenic and historic sites, and supervising her German shepherd-mix puppy, Rosie.



Read KMI columns by Liza.

Reviewing and validating developed technologies, Billy incorporates a history of R&D, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering with diagnostic problem-solving to further advance research. As a prior paramedic, experienced engineer, and practiced sportsman, Billy brings together high performance, critical evaluation, and effective follow-through on advancing the technology systems at KMI. When not in the shop working with the team, Billy enjoys riding his Triumph 900 Rally Pro motorcycle, competitive marksmanship, and exploring nature with friends and family.



Read KMI columns by Billy.

With a background in mechanical engineering and team leadership, Zachery Champion is KMI’s Project Engineer. As an alum of Michigan Technological University and based on experience as an Army Engineering Officer, Zack leads management and integration of mechanical and electrical hardware systems, along with software controllers, for spacecraft systems for launch to orbit. Zack is cohabitant to three cats named Freya, BMO, and Stardew, alongside his wife Grace. His favorite pastimes include Dungeons & Dragons and video games like Halo and Civilization.

Based on experience working with mechanical engineering in the automotive field, Sam is KMI’s Mechatronics Engineer. As Mechatronics Engineer, he leads the marriage between mechanical and electrical designs for KMI’s projects and assists with prototyping the development models and creating testing plans. Sam studied mechanical engineering technology at Northern Michigan University, where he was also involved with S.A.E. Baja racing. Sam is SCUBA certified, enjoys jet skiing, and is an aficionado of smoking meats (specifically pulled pork, it takes eight hours and a secret recipe).



Read KMI columns by Sam.

Thomas Ziegler is KMI’s Electrical Engineer. He is a graduate of Michigan Technological University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering. Thomas spent the past year working on electronics for a small particle accelerator, and when not working in a lab, enjoys getting out into the wild by trail running and cross-country skiing.

Preksha Madhva is KMI’s Robotics Engineer. Preksha is an alumnus of the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, where she earned an MEng & BEng in Mechatronics and Robotics. Based on her engineering research experience, Preksha assists in developing KMI’s space-bound projects. She enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels and tinkering on small engineering projects with her 3D printer Morgiana.



Read KMI columns by Preksha.

Combining expertise in mathematics with experience in research and management, Maria Berishaj is KMI's Mission Planning Manager. Utilizing her academic background, Maria coordinates with the Science team in management, researching topics of spacecraft operations, and the maintenance and development of projects necessary for KMI's mission. Aside from mathematics, Maria enjoys rock climbing, traveling, and trying new outdoor sports.



Read KMI columns by Maria.

Sheena Winder is our latest DOD SkillBridge intern. Sheena is an alumnus of the Air Force Institute of Technology where she studied Material Science. She spends her “free” time as an Uber driver and personal assistant to 3 awesome kids. Sadly, they do not get to spend as much time on snow-covered mountains as she would prefer.

Maura Flynn is KMI’s Data Analyst. Maura is an alumnus of Northern Michigan University, where she studied mathematics. She loves classic fantasy, martial arts, and exploring her town with her family throughout the year's seasons.

Combining expertise in mathematics and experience with real-time flight operations, Corinne Moore is KMI’s Technical Business Development Lead. Utilizing a background in science and mathematics from the University of Houston - Clear Lake and her time at NASA, as KMI’s Technical Business Development Lead, Corinne assists with the understanding, engagement, and actions between technical and operational demands to develop the relationships and information necessary for supporting KMI’s orbital mission. Corinne’s interests include curling up with a novel, playing video games (especially horror), caring for her five cats and a dog (greyhound), and traveling with her husband.



Read KMI columns by Corinne.

Dustin Walker is KMI’s National Security Relations Lead. As a twenty-two-year US Air Force veteran, Dustin utilizes his breadth of experience in dynamic team environments and multinational cooperation to assist with the understanding, engagement, and actions between technical, operations, and government demands to develop the relationships and information necessary for advancing KMI’s orbital mission. Dustin is an avid musician, playing and writing recreationally for nearly twenty-five years, and lives with his Bull Mastiff, Madison von Wrinklebottom.



Read KMI columns by Dustin.

Gabby Muehlenbeck is KMI’s Design and Communications Coordinator. Gabby is an alumnus of Northern Michigan University, where she studied Multimedia Journalism and Art & Design. In the winter months, you can find her snowboarding at Marquette Mountain, Mount Bohemia, or The Porcupine Mountains. During summer months, Gabby can be found paddleboarding on Lake Superior or rock climbing at Sunset Gully.



Read KMI columns by Gabby.

Mike is a twenty-one-year US Air Force veteran and participated in the DoD SkillBridge internship program to learn and support KMI’s operations department and human resources management. He has since become KMI's full time HR & Project Management Associate. He is an alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He is an avid reader and loves European history, in particular English history. Mike is married and has three children ranging in ages from diapers to college and he loves spending time with his family first and foremost. He plays (mediocre) golf in his free time and spends way too many hours watching Yankees Baseball and Giants Football games.



Read KMI columns by Mike.

Cameron Penny is KMI’s Business Relations Lead. Cameron is an alumnus of Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and has years of experience helping start-ups, construction and event teams, and large automotive companies grow their client base while delivering stellar performance. At LSSU, he studied International Business and Marketing, with an applied emphasis on developing new technologies. He also runs a small farm in Northern Michigan and spends as much time as possible outside with his partner Renee and doggo Ranger.

Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Carter Breckenridge serves as KMI’s Business Relations Lead for the Southwest region. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Business Certificate from the Wharton School. With extensive experience in the space industry, both within the Department of Defense (Air Force Research Laboratory) and private sector, Carter brings valuable expertise to our team. Outside of work, Carter is an avid mountain biker, off-road motorcyclist, hiker, and climber.