KMI’s Team

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.



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Developing technical solutions with direct applications, Austin has built experience in R&D, prototyping, product development, and manufacturing across various industries, most notably aerospace. His background of success includes project and team management to develop physical prototypes, products, and production plans, which enables Austin to spearhead the strategic leadership on the design, assembly, testing, and integration of multiple segments within KMI. When not championing technical development and overall organizational strategy at KMI, Austin continues to pursue hobbies such as snowboarding, snowshoeing, wakeboarding, kayaking, playing and running D&D campaigns, and building screen-accurate Star Wars props and costumes as a member of the 501st Legion charitable community organization.



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As Chief Strategy Officer, Adam is responsible for visionary product creation and market analysis, driving the future of KMI. As a leader, he believes in empowering his team with collaborative approaches and systems, which led to the KMI team launching a flawless ISS prototype in record time. Adam is driven by a bold vision for the future of space. He sees KMI's in-space logistics solutions as a critical step toward a future of in-orbit manufacturing and interplanetary travel. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, astronomy, winter weather, and spending time with his wife Trina and son Alfred.



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As Head of Engineering, Sam leads the prototyping of development models and creation of test plans for KMI's engineering team. Based on experience working with mechanical engineering in the automotive field, Sam focuses on the marriage between mechanical and electrical designs. 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).



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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.



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With a background in mechanical engineering and team leadership, Zachery Champion is KMI’s Project and Compliance 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.

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's previous work includes MILSATCOM systems engineering, CubeSat design, and electronics/firmware development for a small particle accelerator. When not working in a lab, he enjoys exploring Michigan with his wife Haley.

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.



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Combining expertise in mathematics with experience in research and management, Maria Berishaj is KMI's Head of Science. 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.



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With expertise in orbital dynamics for a variety of space environments, as well as an in-depth understanding of analytical and numerical techniques for solving dynamical problems in astrophysics, Bao-Minh is KMI’s Astrodynamics & Mission Analysis Engineer. She leverages her experience to perform analysis of LEO environments, conduct mission designs, and develop general scientific tools to facilitate mission planning. When not analyzing LEO and planning missions, Bao-Minh enjoys birding, a variety of crafting, and listening to history podcasts.



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Rose Schopfer is KMI’s Software Developer. Rose graduated from Northern Michigan University, where she is received her degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. In her downtime, Rose loves to share a cup of coffee with her family, dive into the thrilling world of Stephen King novels, or teach her cattle dog, Captain, new tricks.

Combining expertise in mathematics and experience with real-time flight operations, Corinne Moore is KMI’s Mission Control Manager. With a background in science and mathematics from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and valuable experience at NASA, Corinne plays a pivotal role in supporting KMI’s orbital mission. As Mission Control Manager, she collaborates with the Science team to ensure seamless integration between technical and operational demands, building relationships and developing critical information necessary for mission success. Outside of work, Corinne enjoys curling up with a novel, playing video games (especially horror), caring for her five cats and a greyhound, and traveling with her husband.



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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.

Cameron Penny is KMI’s Head of Business Partnerships. 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.

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 bridge the company's capabilities and technologies with the strategic objectives and requirements of national security stakeholders, cultivating the relationships and information necessary for advancing KMI’s orbital mission.



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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 Administration 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 puppy, Rosie.



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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.



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