Matthew S. Cannella
74 Oxford Lane •Aberdeen, NJ 07747 • 732-765-8154
Msc9@buffalo.edu
OBJECTIVE: To obtain an internship or co-op position in the field of Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. Increase my
ability to analyze engineering problems and provide viable, successful solutions.
EDUCATION:
University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, College of Engineering, Buffalo, NY
Bachelor of Science in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING December 2009
Bachelor of Science in MECHANICAL ENGINEERING December 2009
Minor in Mathematics December 2009
Overall G.P.A.: 3.4/4.0
RELEVANT COURSEWORK:
Propulsion
Flight Dynamics
Computer Programming (C++)
Systems Analysis
Finite Elements
Product Design (Pro-E)
Fluid Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Electric Circuit Theory
Aircraft Structures
Engineering Materials I
Machines and Mechanisms
Research Projects and Programs:
 Rocketry: Helped design, build and test a 3 stage model high powered rocket with on-board electronics which recorded
altitude, velocity and time parameters. Earned level 1 certification from the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).
 Research: Completed a study of the implementation of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) into standard
autopilot aircraft systems. Researched the feasibility of integrating a TCAS system with an autopilot system, and
produced a computer simulation.
 Study Abroad: Spent one semester in Toulouse, France studying at INSA, ENAC, and ISAE (SupAero).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Emergency Helicopter Floats-R&D Intern, Zodiac AirCruisers, Wall, New Jersey (Summer & Winter 2008)
Projects:
 Designed and tested upgrades for the Eurocopter EC120 emergency floatation system to utilize new company
technology. Included formatting certification documents and interaction with FAA officials for product testing.
 Designed upgrades for Eurocopter BO-105 emergency floatation system to utilize composites, saving weight.
 Tested and modified a prototype dual actuation system to be used on the Bell 429 emergency float system.
Space Shuttle Processing–APU/Hydraulics Intern, NASA, Kennedy Space Center, FL (Summer 2007)
Projects:
 Programmed and implemented changes into PCGOAL2 display software. Helped to program launch commit
criterion on the space shuttle’s auxiliary power unit display and solid rocket booster hydraulic system display.
 Completed a feasibility study on the use of titanium tubing for the development of the hydraulic system in the
upper stage of the upcoming Ares I rocket. This concluded with presentations to head designers of the Ares I.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
ProEngineer Wildfire 3.0
Autodesk Inventor (v.8-10)
Autodesk AutoCAD (1999-current)
SAMCEF Finite Element software
Maple
MathCAD
MATLAB
Adobe Dreamweaver
LAB SKILLS:
Spacecraft Processing Facility training/experience
Data acquisition/interpretation experience
AFFILIATIONS/ACTIVITIES:
Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Engineering Honor Society
Students for the Exploration & Development of Space
UB Rocketry founder and president
Intramural Soccer team captain (Fall 2006)
LabVIEW 8.20
C++
NX I-DEAS
HTML
Chemistry and Physics lab training
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
University at Buffalo Scholars program member
National Association of Rocketry L1 certified
Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout
Schussmeister’s Ski Club
As an individual who is extremely driven to become a successful member of the space community, I realize the
importance and value of leadership in the industry. With NASA Academy and Propulsion Academy, I hope to
further strengthen my leadership skills, and add to my leadership experiences. Also, I hope to have a hands-on
look at how research and every-day activities are conducted at NASA. Due to the Academy's structure, focused
on leadership and space, I believe it is suited well for my aspirations and goals. Currently, I am extremely
interested in rocketry and rocketry propulsion, because it is a hands-on way for anyone to get closer to space. In
the past I have earned my National Association of Rocketry Level 1 certification, and successfully designed and
launched a separating three stage rocket. Also, I am the founder and president of the rocketry club at my
university. This position gives me the opportunity to both pursue my interests and gain leadership experience.
Another interest of mine is the planned return to the moon, and possible mining operations for the moon. This
interests me because of the abundance of helium-3, a possible ingredient for nuclear fusion power production in
the near future. With continued research in fusion and a future steady stream of helium-3 mined on the moon, the
world could enter a new era of safer, more reliable power which is less harmful to the environment. Utilizing the
experience and confidence gained from NASA academy, I would like to further NASA research in the field of
orbital rocketry, or even one day create an orbital rocketry company of my own. Also, I would like to be
involved and a member of the new space era that is coming, one of humans finally achieving a permanent
foothold in space. Personally, I am interested in advancing rocket propulsion into a new era; one that is safer,
more reliable and cost effective.
Upon returning home from an excellent summer interning at Kennedy Space Center in 2007, it became
immediately obvious to me that there was a need for a rocketry club at my university. With that thought in mind
I went about gathering interested students from both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics club
(AIAA), and from the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space club (SEDS), from which I am
currently Director of Publications. After gathering about ten interested students, I began the process of forming
the club, and leading the students to begin constructing rockets. I confirmed affiliation with AIAA and SEDS to
get some start-up funding, and began teaching and inspiring these students to learn better rocket building
techniques. The response was more than I ever could have anticipated: the club has grown to twenty-five plus
active members, seen multiple launches of rockets of all skill levels on a tri-semester basis, and even secured a
safe and secure launch zone, located on the onion farm of engineering alumni. Also, the club has become
extremely active with local engineering educational outreach programs, providing demonstration rocket launches
and programs to students of all ages. Currently, the club is working on several rockets for national competitions
in the surrounding areas, and several members are working towards their National Association of Rocketry
Certifications. I have been re-elected president of this club, and will continue to lead it onward and upward until
I graduate in December of 2009.
NASA propulsion Academy is particularly suited to my research needs because of my interest and current
research in rocketry and propulsion. For my senior design project, I am currently designing an orbital rocket with
the use of composite materials. This also involves a thorough study in the propulsive systems currently available,
and their effect on the structure of a rocket. Furthermore, rocket propulsion has become a strong interest of mine,
and one I look to further pursue in graduate studies and ultimately my future career. I believe a firm experience
in propulsion research, such as one offered by propulsion Academy, will help me to gain more experience and
confidence in this interesting field.
As a center that has numerous research opportunities in propulsion technologies, Marshall Space Flight Center
certainly aligns with my interests and future career goals. With my past experiences and hands on experience
with propulsion, I believe that Marshall is a place where I can add on to my research in the propulsion field, and
hopeful earn invaluable experiences. As founder and current president of my university's rocketry club, I have
done small research in solid based propellants and rocket motors. Currently, I am involved in a design project
which measures a rocket engine's effect on the aerodynamic structure of a rocket. In this study, I hope to research
the possibility of using composite or smarter materials, to further reduce costs and