Bradley Denby named Marty and Anna Irvine AOE Faculty Fellow
Bradley Denby, assistant professor of aerospace and ocean engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been named the Marty and Anna Irvine AOE Faculty Fellow.
The Marty and Anna Irvine AOE Faculty Fellowship was established with a generous gift from Marty and Anna Irvine to provide support for an assistant or associate professor in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering.
Denby’s research addresses computational constraints encountered by small satellite systems, particularly with respect to data processing in orbit. His seminal work on orbital edge computing lays out a vision for using nanosatellites to perform machine inference in space rather than relying solely on Earth-based ground stations.
Denby is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of aerospace engineers, including in nanosatellite avionics, where students gain valuable hands-on experience with the design, testing, and operation of microcontrollers and printed circuit boards for nanosatellites. By combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge, Denby’s students are better prepared to tackle the challenges of modern space missions.
Denby’s dedication to advancing space systems research, particularly in orbital edge computing, makes him a valuable asset to the aerospace engineering community. His work not only advances the technical capabilities of small satellite constellations, it also opens new possibilities for autonomy and real-time decision making in space. His contributions to teaching, coupled with his research excellence, ensures that his students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the future of space technology.
Denby received his bachelor’s degree in physics from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in computer engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.