Faculty Directory

Martin, John

Martin, John

Assistant Professor
Aerospace Engineering
Maryland Robotics Center
3184 Glenn L. Martin Hall

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Astrodynamics, Scientific Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Dynamical Systems

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D. 2023, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences
  • M.S. 2021, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences
  • B.S. 2018, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. Department of Physics and Astronomy
  • B.A. 2018, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. Department of Music

BACKGROUND

John R. Martin is Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his PhD and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences specializing in Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his B.S. in Physics and Astronomy and B.A in Music from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. At UMD, his research focuses on the intersection of machine learning and astrodynamics research. His current projects focus on the construction of high-fidelity and reliable machine learning dynamics models that can be leveraged onboard spacecraft for guidance, navigation, and control purposes. His projects make frequent use of Scientific Machine Learning, developing models with physics-informed neural networks and neuralODEs, as well as reinforcement learning to enhance autonomous capabilities of satellite in deep space environments.

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Outstanding Dissertation, CU-Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences, 2023
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, NSF, 2018-2023
  • Dissertation Completion Fellowship, CU-Boulder, 2023 
  • John A. Vise Graduate Student Excellence Award, CU-Boulder, 2022
  • Dean's Fellowship, CU-Boulder, 2018 
  • Dean's Assistantship, CU-Boulder, 2018
  • Chancellor's Award Outstanding Senior in Physics Award, UNC Chapel Hill, 2018
  • UNC Churchill Scholarship Nominee, UNC Chapel Hill, 2017 
  • Daniel C. Johnson Outstanding Junior Award, UNC Physics and Astronomy, 2017
  • Honors Thesis Research Award, UNC College of Arts and Sciences, 2017
  • North Carolina Space Grant Recipient, NASA, 2017 
  • North Carolina Space Grant Recipient, NASA, 2016

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member,  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

PUBLICATIONS

 

Glowing ‘Gem of the University’ Observed Its 50th Anniversary

Maryland’s Little-Known Nuclear Reactor Observes a Half-Century of Fission

Students with Entrepreneurial Curiosity: Launch Your Business Idea at Maryland

The Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Engineering at Maryland magazine celebrates a UMD campus ecosystem that's ripe for entrepreneurial excellence.

Four BIOE Terps Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two seniors and two alumni were selected for this prestigious fellowship.

Six Clark School Faculty Receive 2024 DURIP Awards

DURIP awards support university research in technical areas of interest to the Department of Defense.

Celebrate Engineering at Maryland Day 

Join us for more than 60 Clark School events, family-friendly demonstrations, and engineering activities

Two UMD Bioengineering Majors Named 2023 Goldwater Scholars

UMD’s 49 scholarships in the past 15 years rank No. 1 in the nation.

Three UMD Faculty Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Three University of Maryland professors are among the 124 engineers newly elected to the 2023 Class of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Discovering a digital biomarker for post-stroke cognitive problems

Funding for a noninvasive, inexpensive screening tool that could predict persistent post-stroke cognitive difficulties.

Maryland Engineers Wachsman, Zhao elected Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

Eric Wachsman and Ji-Cheng “JC” Zhao have been named to the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) Class of 2022 Fellows, joining the ranks of some of the nation’s most prestigious and creative academic inventors.

Maryland Engineering’s John Fisher Appointed MPower Professor

BIOE chair one of six UMCP/UMB professors to receive University of Maryland Strategic Partnership appointment.

Balachandran Receives Robert H. Scanlan Medal

The chair of mechanical engineering at UMD has also been named a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Maryland Engineering Collaborates on Three MURIs

Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) awards support growth of newly emerging technologies.

Maryland Engineering's Chris Jewell Appointed MPower Professor

Bioengineering professor one of eight UMD/UMB professors to receive UMD Strategic Partnership appointment.

Scarcelli Named Fischell Institute Young Investigator Fellow

The new program aims to foster collaboration between faculty on UMD's Baltimore and College Park campuses.

Student Researchers Recognized with Wylie Dissertation Fellowships

Fourteen Clark School students pursuing their Ph.D.s in engineering have been awarded Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowships by the University of Maryland Graduate School.

Engineering Undergrads Recognized for Excellence

This year, the Clark School honors 70 undergraduates who exemplify the college’s commitment to excellence; five are recognized with Dean’s Awards.

Six UMD Students Win VFS Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships

Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships recognize the world’s most talented engineering students interested in vertical flight.

In memoriam: Dr. Radhakisan Baheti, NSF ECCS Program Director

Dr. Baheti passed away in March and will be greatly missed by ISR, ECE and the Clark School.

Data-Driven Research, Pandemic Impact Highlighted at TRB

UMD researchers presented new findings, tools, and technologies, including a COVID-19 Impact Dashboard that leverages mobile device data.

Anderson Awarded AIAA 2021 Summerfield Book Award

Award recognizes Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, Third Edition as the best book published within the last five years.

Langford Establishes Scholarship in Honor of President Pines

Aerospace entrepreneur’s gift aims to inspire future engineers.

Chellappa Named College Park Professor by President Pines

Chellappa will be joining Johns Hopkins on August 1 as a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, but will continue his research collaborations at UMD.

Pines: Stand in Solidarity, Unite Against Injustice

President-designate calls acts of violence against black community nationwide a 'stain' against UMD values.

BIOE Capstone Class Virtually Presents 24 Novel Projects

BIOE seniors present Capstone projects and celebrate winners virtually.

ECE Mourns the Passing of Esteemed Professor Emeritus Nicholas DeClaris

Professor DeClaris joined the UMD faculty in 1967 and served as Head of the Electrical Engineering Department. After stepping down as head, he continued to teach until his retirement in 2011.

John Baras named Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Citation reads, "for fundamental and high impact contributions to Internet over satellite technology, cybersecurity, automatic control, model-based systems engineering, and for academic leadership."

Universities, National Labs and Corporations Create New Alliance to Accelerate Maryland's Leadership in Quantum Science

The Maryland Quantum Alliance launched today with an event in the House of Delegates Office Building.

2019 Research Wrap-up: MSE at UMD Ranked 18th among U.S. Universities by Nature

Our department has racked up a considerable amount of honors and accolades as of late!

Papamanthou Named Director of MC2

Papamanthou will provide leadership to the unique center that joins computer scientists and engineers with researchers from across campus in fields such as economics, supply-chain management and the social sciences.

Welcome, NAE Members

The Clark School welcomes six National Academy Engineering members who will be returning to or joining our faculty this fall.

Aerospace Graduate's Gift Elevates Teacher's Legacy

Out of gratitude to his mentor, Jim Rand has made a generous gift to the Clark School in support of the Robert M. Rivello Scholarship.

Golden Terps Shine at Spring 2019 Commencement

The Clark School honors this year's alumni celebrating the 50th, 55th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of their University of Maryland graduations.

University of Maryland Selected as Partner for New Research Consortium for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The research consortium known as Research in Applications for Learning Machines (REALM) was established to foster collaboration between leading universities with strong machine learning and artificial intelligence programs.

UMD workshop examines risks related to new transportation technology

Key concerns include vehice safety, software reliabillity, and cybersecurity.

UMD researchers awarded $5.3M NIH BRAIN Initiative grant

BBI-affiliated faculty instrumental to "Readout and control of spatiotemporal neuronal codes for behavior"

Nationwide Urban Flooding Disrupts Local Economies, Public Safety, and Housing Equity

Joint UMD, TAMU study affirms urban flooding is a growing threat across the U.S.

John Baras to receive 2018 AIAA Aerospace Communications Award

Baras honored for his technical contributions and commercialization leadership of Internet over satellite, hybrid satellites, and terrestrial networks.

Clark School Honors Distinguished Members of Engineering Community

The prestigious awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding work in the field of engineering.

FPE Alumnus Personifies the American Dream

Jack Poole, Principal at Poole Fire Protection, hopes to inspire future FPE grads.

John Baras receives 2017 IEEE Simon Ramo Medal

The medal is given "for exceptional achievement in systems engineering and systems science."

University of Maryland Center for Orbital Debris Education and Research Announces Keynotes & Event Sponsor OrionAST

OrionAST sponsors second workshop to connect academia, industry and government to address critical issues in orbital debris policy, management and mitigation. 

John S. Baras inducted into Clark School Innovation Hall of Fame

Baras created algorithms and protocols by which Internet services can be delivered over satellite.

John Baras named IFAC Fellow

Baras honored "for contributions to the theory and applications of stochastic systems and control and communication networks and for leadership in cross-disciplinary research and education."

BioE Capstone 2016: New Projects Focus on Improved Healthcare for Underserved Communities, Pediatric Patients, and More

Affordable RT-PCR for clinical diagnostics, fear mitigation device for pediatric MRIs tie for first place.

Aerospace Engineering Inducts Five New Academy of Distinguished Alumni Members

Alumni Jones, Van Buiten, Van Wie, Wang and Weber inducted to department's Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

Boeing Guest Lecture Given by John Tracy

Dr. Tracy, Chief Technical Officer of Boeing, visited campus on February 2nd.

UMD Invention of the Year Nominees Push Boundaries in Health, Energy, and Security

Campus inventors to be honored at Celebration of Innovation and Partnerships

University of Maryland to Host Project Management Day of Service

Nearly 500 Project Management Volunteers to Provide Guidance for Nonprofits, Social Change Organizations

University of Maryland Faculty, Alumni Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows

Inductees recognized for prolific spirit of innovation.

University of Maryland, College Park & Baltimore Campuses Announce Seed Grant Winners

Program, now in eight year, spurs inter-campus research collaboration

Galloway Awarded Prestigious Gold de Fleury Medal for Contributions to Army Engineering

Past recipients include CEE’s Ed Link, retired Members of Congress, Former Secretary of the Army.

Members of NEES Gather for 2015 Spring Accomplishment Meeting

Poster session, in-depth discussions, presentations.... and hiking

New AFOSR NIFTI Center features eight Clark School faculty

Center will create bio-inspired solutions for small, remotely operated aircraft.

UMD Mourns Passing of Benefactor and Alumnus A. James Clark

University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering community remembers namesake and friend

Dasgupta, Fourney and Hwang Named ASME Fellows

Three Mechanical Engineering faculty named American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellows

UMD Clark School Announces Inaugural Awards Winners

New awards honor alumni, friends for career achievements and contributions to Clark School.

BioE Capstone 2014: New Projects Focus on Cardiological Health, Surgical Tools and More

Students' inventions range from diagnostic devices to accident prevention products.

UMD Hosts Regional FIRST Robotics Competition

Competition promotes design skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship

Clark School Professor Develops Game-Changing Baseball Innovation

Electronic home plate helps make umpires' calls more precise.

Goldsman and Peckerar Win Inaugural University System of Maryland Entrepreneurship Award

Clark School of Engineering faculty honored for their innovative, ultra-efficient thin-film battery, FlexEl.

Inaugural UMD Business Model Challenge Winners Announced

Wheel Shields and UMDTutor2Go received top honors at the event.

UMD's Mtech Pronounces: Business Plan Pitches Are Dead

New Business Model Challenge focuses on business model generation, customer development and pivoting.

Alumnus Rauch Named to University System of Maryland Board of Regents

Civil Engineering alumnus Robert D. Rauch ('73) appointed by Governor to Board of Regents.

Maryland Innovation Initiative Grant Awarded to Clark School Researchers

Project will advance technology for the real-time detection of bridge scou, a leading cause of failure for bridges in the U.S.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Team Captures Clark School Alumni Cup

Second annual Alumni Cup draws a crowd of students, alumni to witness Rube Goldberg-inspired device competition.

Alumnus Recognized for Work with Teach for America

David Lai (B.S. '12) was a finalist in Maryland governor's #MDForward contest.

UMD, Lockheed Martin Sign Master Research Agreement

Agreement supports an agenda of broader and closer research partnerships between the two institutions.

Who's Best in 2012? Aerospace Wins Alumni Cup

Students demonstrate design skills, hard work, sense of humor and school spirit in inaugural competition.

Hoyer Honors UM Solar Decathlon Team

Praise for team entered into the Congressional Record.

15 Technology Product Partnerships Earn Grants Worth $4.2M

Grants combine $3.2M from participating companies and $1M from Mtech Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program.

Students Win Regional Cybersecurity Competition

Team will compete against seven other finalists at national competition in San Antonio in April.

UM, LM Launch Strategic Relationship

Framework for current and future cooperation with Lockheed Martin worth at least $3 million.

Connolly Honored by Baltimore Bioscience Group

Martha Connolly receives President's Award at Greater Baltimore Committee Bioscience Awards ceremony.

ECE Event Highlights Innovation, Entrepreneurship

Research Review Day showcases technology advancements in electrical and computer engineering.

Baras, Martins Part of $9M Grant

Semiconductor Research Corporation/DARPA fund research on microelectronics and systems.

Fair Showcases Undergrad Summer Research

Students present their summer research accomplishments at annual MERIT/TREND fair.

Abed to Join UAE University

ISR director, ECE professor named dean of UAEU's College of Information Technology.

Clark School Participates in MURI Programs

ECE members to work on multidisciplinary research projects awarded by DoD.

Clark School Sweeps OTC Awards

Thin battery, nano-velcro and key exchange system named top UM inventions.

NanoCenter Improves Energy Storage Options

Maryland NanoCenter researchers create new device to store electrical energy.

Fisher Speaks at Maryland Stem Cell Symposium

Presents work on treatment of traumatic facial injuries.

UM $50K Business Plan Competition Winners Announced

Six winners were selected from eight finalist teams.

Lockheed CTO to Address Graduates

Clark School commencement will take place at noon May 23, at Comcast Center.

Inaugural Anderson Scholarship Awarded to Kirk

Madeline Kirk announced as first recipient of Anderson Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering.

Alumna Named Black Engineer of the Year

Nancy Linton (B.S. '98) won for "Outstanding Technical Contribution in Government."

WIE Holds Inaugural DREAM Conference

Women in Engineering Program event attracts more than 350 participants.

ECE Graduates Record Number

Department reports 64 students earn doctorates last year, an all time high.

Johnson Stresses Corporate-University Partnership

Lockheed CTO kicks off fall Whiting-Turner lecture series.

Next Whiting-Turner Lecture on Thursday

Ray Johnson, new Lockheed Martin CTO, explains technology trends Nov. 8.

Aspiring Entrepreneurs Head to "Boot Camp"

Workshop is a comprehensive, one-day introduction to starting a company.

NASA Astronaut Stephanie Wilson speaks about the astronaut selection and training process

Stephanie Wilson, a NASA Astronaut, will speak about the Astronaut selection and training process.

From the Dean, April 2003

News from Dean Nariman Farvardin.

Clark School Accomplishments Spring 2002

A list of Clark school accomplishments for Spring 2002