Additionally, the friendships he formed with colleagues like Beket Tulegenov and Andréa Hughes were instrumental in his development. The proximity of Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus to Cape Canaveral also offered him the unique experience of witnessing space launches firsthand. Challenges and Growth Balancing between research and teaching during his Ph.D. was one of the biggest challenges Mergen faced. However, this experience taught him valuable time management skills and the ability to efficiently multitask. He emphasizes that his time at Embry-Riddle not only equipped him with technical expertise but also instilled confidence, paving the way for his career in academia and space physics.
Nicolas Gachancipa B.S. IN COMPUTATIONAL MATHMEMATCIS
Mergen Alimaganbetov PH.D. ENGINEERING PHYSICS Exploring the Frontiers of Space Physics: From Embry-Riddle to Princeton
B.S. IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
From Embry-Riddle to Google AI: A Journey of Innovation and Impact
Mergen Alimaganbetov (’21), has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of space physics. Today, he works as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University’s Space Physics Lab, contributing to the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), a NASA mission set to launch at the end of this year. A Career in Space Physics and Instrumentation At Princeton, Mergen is part of a team working on the Solar Wind and Pickup Ions (SWAPI) instrument, from its development in the cleanroom to calibration. His laboratory features advanced calibration facilities, including High Voltage Ion Source and Ultra High Vacuum chambers, ensuring precision in instrument testing. A typical day for Mergen includes research on data from Nasa’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, the IMAP predecessor, which has been mapping Energetic Neutral Atoms in the outer heliosphere since 2009. His work helps uncover how the heliosphere reacts to solar cycles, revealing its dynamic, “breathing” nature over time. Beyond his research, Mergen also engages with students enrolled in Space Physics courses, providing hands-on experience in space instrument design and testing. His passion for teaching, cultivated at Embry-Riddle, continues to be an integral part of his professional journey. The Embry-Riddle Experience
Nicolas Gachancipa’s (’21) curiosity for technology and space began in Bogotá, Colombia, where he was born and raised. Introduced to Embry-Riddle by a friend, he was drawn to the university’s renowned engineering programs and strong reputation in aviation and technology. Today, he is part of Google’s AI Research team, specializing in AI development for Google hardware, particularly Pixel phones. A Career in AI and Machine Learning At Google, Nicolas focuses on developing and deploying machine learning models in hardware devices. His daily work involves coding, researching and analyzing extensive datasets to improve AI performance. Collaboration is key in his role, as he works with teams from New York, California and Taiwan, including Google Silicon and DeepMind. Beyond his technical contributions, he is actively involved in HOLA — an employee resource group for Hispanics at Google — where he helps organize social, volunteer and career development events. The Embry-Riddle Experience Reflecting on his time at Embry-Riddle, Nicolas credits the university for equipping him with the technical skills and strong work ethic that have propelled his career. The rigorous academic environment helped him develop perseverance and discipline, qualities that have proven invaluable in his field. His research experience played a significant role in shaping his professional path. During his sophomore year, he joined Associate Professor Dr. Kshitija Deshpande’s physics team,
where he enhanced his coding skills by developing machine learning algorithms for atmospheric physics data analysis. He later worked on a computational mathematics capstone project with Associate Professor of Data Science Dr. Mihhail Berezovski and researchers from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to create a computational model for detecting radioactive sources in urban environments. These early research experiences fueled his passion for AI and data science, setting the foundation for his future work at Google. A Career at the Forefront of AI During his career, Nicolas has contributed to several impactful projects. During his time at Airbus, he worked on a CAD program for aircraft design, an experience that took him to England for a year. At Google, he initially focused on improving communication products like Google Meet and Voice, working on features such as security enhancements and spam detection. Today, he is thrilled to be part of a team that is shaping the future of AI and its applications in consumer technology. “The fast advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping our society and how we interact with the digital world,” Nicolas shares. “It’s an exciting time to be in this field, but it also requires continuous learning and adaptability.” Advice for Future Engineers and Tech Enthusiasts Nicolas encourages current Embry-Riddle students to embrace challenges. “It’s the best way to grow, both personally and professionally. Take advantage of the great resources and faculty and always be open to learning new things.” Looking ahead, Nicolas is eager to continue contributing to AI research at Google while completing his master’s degree. With a commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, Nicolas is set to make an even greater impact in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Mergen Alimaganbetov (’21) Engineering Physics
Mergen’s fascination with space instrumentation began in high school, where he admired the
precision required to design and build spacecraft. Embry-Riddle provided the
perfect environment to nurture his interest, exposing him to data
analysis and research opportunities that laid the foundation for his Ph.D. work on Sun-Earth solar wind dynamics. He credits much of his academic growth to the mentorship of Professor Anatoly V. Streltsov, whose guidance shaped his research skills.
18 | Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences
2024 - 2025 Annual Report | 19
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