Saatvik Sunilraj

Saatvik Sunilraj

Aspiring aerospace engineer with a focus on sustainable technologies and space exploration

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About

I'm Saatvik Sunilraj, an aspiring aerospace engineer with a focus on sustainable technologies and space exploration. As a high school junior at Broad Run High School, I’ve combined rigorous STEM coursework—including AP Physics, AP Calculus, and AP Computer Science—with hands-on research through NASA and George Mason University programs.

My work spans cutting-edge projects such as simulating eco-friendly SF₆ alternatives using machine learning, designing adaptive radiation shielding for the Lunar Gateway, and developing mission plans for lunar habitats and asteroid mining.

Beyond my academics, I'm a national-level USA Badminton player, a public forum debater, and a committed volunteer, leading food rescue efforts across Northern Virginia. I’ve been honored with awards such as the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, MIT Alumni Award at the Regional Science & Engineering Fair, and top state placements in DECA and STEM contests.

Fueled by curiosity and a passion for space, I aim to help pioneer the next generation of sustainable aerospace solutions—both on Earth and beyond.

Featured Programs

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University

Engaged in mentored research at GMU's summer program, exploring advanced scientific methods and contributing to real-world research initiatives.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholar

A Virginia Space Grant Consortium/NASA Langley Research Center program which focuses on providing solutions to real-world questions, ISS design upgrades, a new crew exploration vehicle, and an environment immersed in NASA-related research.

Virginia Space Coast Scholar

A Virginia Space Grant Consortium/NASA Wallops Flight Facility program which focuses on scientific technology in orbital and suborbital missions.

Projects

Ozone Forecasting, Center of Spatial Information Science and Systems, George Mason University

Under the guidance of Dr. Ziheng Sun, developing the most optimal AI model to enhance CMAQ for subseasonal ozone forecasting.

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SF6 Insulation Alternatives

Researched and simulated eco-friendly gas compositions using machine learning in Python to replace SF6, a potent gas with a GWP 23,500 times more than CO2, for insulation in electrical applications.

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Fuel Cell for Scientific Instruments

Proposed and analyzed fuel cell performance to power scientific instruments in microgravity, ensuring reliability and efficiency for future missions.

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Lunar Base Design

Developed a phased mission plan for a sustainable lunar base with advanced robotics, efficient resource utilization, and offering a sustainable habitat.

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Asteroid Utilization Mission

Analyzed resource extraction technologies and strategies for sustainable space mining, advancing our capabilities for future missions and economic opportunities.

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Adaptive Radiation Shielding

Proposed an innovative self-adaptive radiation protection design for the Lunar Gateway, enhancing astronaut safety and mission sustainability in deep space.

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Work Experience

Instructor - Mathnasium - The Math Learning Center

Aug 2024 – Present · Ashburn, VA · Part-time

  • Delivered individualized math instruction to 30+ students across grades 6–10 in Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus.
  • Strengthened student problem-solving skills through guided learning techniques and diagnostic assessments.
  • Collaborated with instructors to refine lesson plans and teaching strategies.

Lead Volunteer – Nest4Us

Sep 2022 – Present · Ashburn, VA

  • Contributed 450+ volunteer hours leading food recovery operations for 15+ shelters across Loudoun, Fairfax, and DC.
  • Directed weekly donation pickups, sorting, and community distribution.
  • Organized care package drives and large-scale service events such as Thanksgiving dinners for underserved families.

Intern – NASA Langley Research Center

Jul 2025 – Aug 2025 · Hampton, VA · Onsite

  • Selected as a NASA scholar for advanced aerospace research immersion.
  • Engaged in applied research projects on aerospace systems and future mission planning.

Intern – George Mason University (ASSIP)

Jun 2025 – Aug 2025 · 3 mos . Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

  • Researched deep learning models to enhance ozone forecasting using Temporal Fusion Transformers.
  • Developed and tested machine learning pipelines integrating atmospheric datasets.

Researcher – Broad Run HS & George Mason University

Jul 2024 – Jun 2025 · 1 yr . Ashburn, VA

  • Completed dual enrollment independent science research with faculty mentorship.
  • Investigated computational models and environmental data for real-world applications.

Scholar – NASA’s Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Oct 2023 – May 2025 · 1yr 5 mos . Ashburn, VA

  • Participated in both Space Coast Scholars (2023–24) and Aerospace Science & Technology Scholars (2024–25) cohorts.
  • Designed mission proposals, lunar base design, and Mars mission simulations.

Activities

Broad Run Key Club - Vice President of Communications

Aug 2022 – Present

  • Vice President of Communications (2025–Present) – Oversee club communications, event promotion, and digital outreach.
  • Vice President of Membership (2024–25) – Managed membership growth and engagement across 100+ student members.
  • Drives Chair (2023–24) – Coordinated school-wide donation drives and service events.
  • Active Member (2022–25), contributing to 450+ total volunteer hours.

Broad Run Spartan Robotics – Co-Founder & President

May 2025 – Present

  • Established the school’s first competitive robotics team from the ground up.
  • Lead design, engineering, and competition strategy while mentoring new members.
  • Secured resources and coordinated with faculty for sustainable club growth.

Broad Run Debate & Speech – Varsity (Public Forum)

Aug 2022 – Present

  • Competed at varsity level in Public Forum debate for 3+ years.
  • Developed skills in argumentation, research, and public speaking at regional and invitational tournaments.

Loudoun Youth Advisory Council (YAC) – Policy and Activism

Aug 2022 – Jan 2025 . 2yrs 6 mos

  • Youth representaton; podcasts and social media posts; YAC meetings and events.
  • Managed YAC organized competitions such as Step-Up Loudoun competitions and community service projects.

Broad Run Boys Varsity Tennis

Aug 2024 – Present

  • Represented school in district competitions.

Junior Athlete – USA Badminton

Dec 2018 – Present

  • Nationally ranked junior athlete competed in U13, U15, U17, and U19 categories.
  • Representing USA Badminton and Northern Virginia Badminton Academy (NVBA)

Other Activities

  • Trained Carnatic vocalist (2018–2022).
  • Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
  • Recreational skier and skater.

Awards & Recognitions

Academic & STEM Achievements

Leadership, Service & Extracurricular Honors

Sports Awards

USAB Tournaments

Charity and Other Tournaments

🌟 Media Features

🚀 NASA Article Highlight

Profiled in NASA Langley’s student research feature series for contributions to aerospace innovation.

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🎙️ Featured in LCPS Podcast

Discussing school spirit and volunteerism in an inspiring conversation with Loudoun County Public Schools.

🎧 Listen Now

🏛️ Congressional Record (June 2025)

Recognized among the 2025 Congressional Award Gold Medalists.

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📸 Featured in Nest4US Media

Recognized by Nest4US for outstanding service and leadership!

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🌱 LCPS RSEF Environmental Engineering

Highlighted for innovation and impact at the LCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair.

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🏸 NVBC Feature

USAB Open Local Championship highlight post on Facebook.

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