Kaela Martin

Associate Professor

Kaela.Martin@erau.edu

Aerospace Engineering Department

Prescott College of Engineering

Areas of Expertise

Engineering education, astrodynamics, satellite dynamics

Kaela Martin

Overview

Dr. Martin joined the Aerospace Engineering Department faculty in 2015 where she teaches and conducts research in the area of astrodynamics and engineering education.

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University-Main Campus

M.S. - Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University-Main Campus

B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Iowa State University

B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Iowa State University

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Associate Professor, 2020 - present

Associate Department Chair, 2022 - 2024

Assistant Professor, 2015 - 2020

Teach courses in astronautics area of aerospace engineering. Duties included designing course curriculum (developing lectures, homework, and exams), teaching curriculum, managing grader, holding office hours, and advising students. Incorporated active learning, flipped learning, team-based learning, specifications grading, and POGIL into the classroom. Served on various committees and completed research projects in trajectory design as well as engineering education.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Visiting Researcher, 2016, 2017, 2018

Responsible for converting and optimizing code to an open source platform which finds optimal low thrust trajectories based on user-defined constraints. Computed low thrust trajectories at Mars for cargo missions to support human operations on Mars and NEA Scout. Designed fly-by tour of Jupiter's Moons for Europa Lander.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

American Astronautical Society (AAS)

American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)

Wickenden Honorable Mention (Best paper award for Journal of Engineering Education), 2024

AIAA Associate Fellow, 2024

COE Researcher of the Year, 2020 and 2025

Distinguished Faculty Award, 2019

Teaching Innovation Award, 2018

Outstanding Faculty Award, 2017

Faculty Research Development Program Award, 2015-2020

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, 2010 – 2015

Teaching

AE 313, AE 325, AE 326, AE 427, AE 445, EP 394, EGR 101, SYS 301, UNIV 101

Research

Journal Publications

Martin, K. M., Rea, E. A., Balghare, A. J., and Roth, B. D. “How Can AI Help Design? Lessons Learned from Engineering Students and Faculty,” International Journal of Engineering Education, accepted for publication June 2025.

Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E. E., Dow, N. C., Zhu, Z., Kavale, S. M., Lee, R. B., and Carberry, A. R., “Unlocking the Secrets of Intuition Use: Evaluating Solutions and Predicting Outcomes During Engineering Problem Solving,” International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 1295-1312, 2024.

Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E. E., Landon, P., Elmer, H., Busato, J., DeVera, L., and Guzzetti, D., “Massive Open Online Courses as a Tool for Developing High-Level Engineering Expertise,” Advances in Engineering Education, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 53 – 81, 2024. https://doi.org/10.18260/3-1-1153-36060

Miskioğlu, E. E., Aaron, C., Bolton, C. S., Martin, K. M., Roth, M., Kavale, S., and Carberry, A., “Situating Intuition in Engineering Practice.” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 112, No. 2, pp. 418-444, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20521

Martin, K. M., and Gallimore, J. M., “Flipping Space Mechanics: Comparing Flipped and Non-Flipped Space Mechanics Classrooms,” International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 1615-1624, 2020.

Martin, K. M., Landau, D. F., and Longuski, J. M., “Method to Maintain Artificial Gravity during Transfer Maneuvers for Tethered Spacecraft,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 120, pp. 138-153, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.11.030

Martin, K. M., and Longuski, J. M., “Minimizing Velocity Pointing Errors for Spinning, Thrusting Spacecraft via Heuristic Thrust Profiles,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 52, No. 4, pp. 1268-1272, 2015. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33152

Ayoubi, M. A., Martin, K. M., and Longuski, J. M., “Analytical Solution for Spinning Thrusting Spacecraft with Transverse Ramp-Up Torques.” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 1272-1282, 2014. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.62695

Book Chapter

Miskioğlu, E. E., Martin, K. M., and Carberry, A. R., “The critical role of intuition in problem solving,” Ways of Thinking in STEM-based Problem Solving: Teaching and Learning in a New Era, L. English and T. Lehmann, Ed., Routledge, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003404989 

Conference Papers

Singh, A., Miskioğlu, E., Martin, K. M., and Carberry, A. (2025, paper accepted). “WIP: Situating Intuition in Engineering Practice – Codebook Updates for the LITES Framework,” Frontiers in Education 2025, Nashville, TN, Nov. 2 -5, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1109/fie63693.2025.11328224

Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., Singh, A., and Carberry, A. “RFE: Trust but Verify: The Use of Intuition in Engineering Problem Solving,” 2025 ASEE Annual Conference, Montreal, CAN, June 22 - 25, 2025. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--55821

Ugenti, N., Busato, J., Lee, R., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., “Using Cognitive Task Analysis to Observe the use of Intuition in Engineering Problem Solving,” 2024 ASEE Annual Conference, Portland, OR, June 23 – 26, 2024. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--48229

Roth, M., Miskioğlu, E. E., Carberry, A. R., and Martin, K. M., “Characterizing Perceptions of Engineering Intuition Based on Experience and Gender,” 2023 ASEE Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, June 25 – 28, 2023. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--43183

Busato, J. E., Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Discovering Simple Machines; Fun with Problem-Solving in Elementary School,” 2023 ASEE Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, June 25 – 28, 2023. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--44627

Dow, N., Lee, R., Zhu, Z., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E. E., Carberry, A. R., “WIP: Using Think-Aloud Sessions to Understand Student Problem-Solving Approaches,” 2023 ASEE Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, June 25 – 28, 2023. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--44395

Kartvedt, N. G., Martin, K. M., Dorfling, J., Smith, J., “Modeling for the 3D future: CAD Course Redesign,” 2023 ASEE PSW Conference, Los Angeles, CA, April 13-15, 2023. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2-118.1112.1153-45662

Miskioğlu, E. E., Carberry. A., Martin, K. M., Kavale, S. M., Bolton, C., Aaron, C., and Roth, M., “Update on is it Rocket Science or Brain Science? Developing an Approach to Measure Engineering Intuition,” ASEE 2022, Minneapolis, MN, June 26-29, 2022. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--42003

Busato, J. E., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., and Guzzetti, D., “Preparing Prospective Engineers for Artemis: Analyzing the Efficacy of MOOCs in a Specific Area of Expertise (WIP),” ASEE 2022, Minneapolis, MN, June 26-29, 2022. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--40979

Busato, J. E., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., and Guzzetti, D., “Introducing Optimization in Elementary Education: a Precursor to Multibody Dynamics (Resource Exchange),” ASEE 2022, Minneapolis, MN, June 26-29, 2022. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--40483

Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., Noble, C., McIntyre, A., Bolton, C., and Carberry, A. R., “Predicting and Evaluating Engineering Problem Solving (PEEPS): Instrument Development,” Research in Engineering Education Symposium & Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, Dec. 5-8, 2021. https://aaee.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/REES_AAEE_2021_paper_297.pdf

Somavarapu, D. H., Landon, P., Busato, J., Kaiser, M., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., Guzzetti, D., “Virtual-Reality-Based Astrodynamics Applications using A-Frame: A Tutorial,” Space-Flight Mechanics Meeting, Aug. 9-11, 2021.

Miskioğlu, E. E., Martin, K. M., Carberry, A., Bolton, C., Aaron, C., “Is it Rocket Science or Brain Science? Developing an Approach to Measure Engineering Intuition,” ASEE 2021, July 28 – Aug. 1, 2021. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--37410

Busato, J., Miskioğlu, E. E., Martin, K. M., Guzzetti, D., “Introducing Chaos in Elementary School; A Precursor for Multi-body Dynamics”, ASEE 2021, July 28 – Aug. 1, 2021. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--40483

Bolton, C., Aaron, C., Martin, K. M., Carberry, A., Miskioğlu, E. E., “Practicing Engineers’ Definition of Their Expertise: Emergent Themes and Frequency by Gender Identity and Role Change,” ASEE 2021, July 28 – Aug. 1, 2021. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--37591

Martin, K. M., Fernandez, T. M., Mangum, R., “Work in Progress: Examining Engineering Seniors Students’ Perception of Justice and Fairness of Grading Practices,” ASEE 2021, July 28 – Aug. 1, 2021. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--38154

Kaiser, M. A., Landon, P. D., Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E., Somavarapu, D., and Guzzetti, D., “Teaching the Moonshot: Getting There and Back with Multi-Body Dynamics,” ASCEND 2020, Nov. 16-18, 2020. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-4227

Aaron, C., Miskioğlu, E., Martin, K. M., Shannon, B., and Carberry, A., “Nurses, Managers, and Engineers – Oh My! Disciplinary Perceptions of Intuition and Its Role in Expertise Development,” Frontiers in Education 2020, Oct. 21 -24, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE44824.2020.9274026

Booth, B., Martin, K. M., and Miskioğlu, E. E., “WIP: Intuiting Intuition through First-Year Interviews,” 2020 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-26, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--35660

Miskioğlu, E. E., Martin, K. M., and Carberry, A., “WIP: Experts’ Perception of Engineering Intuition,” 2020 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-26, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--35633

Fernandez, T. M., Martin, K. M., Mangum, R., Bell-Huff, C., “Whose Grade is it Anyway?: Transitioning Engineering Courses from Points Centric to Specifications Grading System,” 2020 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-26, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--35512

Bolton, C., Martin, K. M., and Miskioğlu, E. E., “WIP: Motivation and Identity: The Impact of Identity on Recovering from Failure,” 2020 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-26, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--35562

Martin, K. M., Esse, S., and Miskioğlu, E. E., “Failure is Not an Option: A Simulation Tool to Develop Engineering Intuition and Boost Success in Orbital Mechanics,” SciTech 2020, Orlando, FL, Jan. 6-10, 2020. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-0071

Martin, K. M., Minkoff, T., Landon, P., Gray, B., and Landau, D., “Julia Language 1.1 Ephemeris Reader and Gravitational Modeling Program for Solar System Bodies,” SciTech 2020, Orlando, FL, Jan. 6-10, 2020. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1468

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Is it Rocket Science or Brain Science? Developing an Instrument to Measure ‘Engineering Intuition’,” 2019 ASEE Annual Conference, Tampa, FL, June 15 – 19, 2019. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--33027

Martin, K. M., Mangum, R., and Battaglia, D., “Giving Students Choice in their Capstone Experience,” 2019 ASEE Annual Conference, Tampa, FL, June 15 – 19, 2019. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--32874

Bolton, C., Martin, K. M., and Miskioğlu, E. E., “WIP: Using Critical Incident Technique to Illuminate the Relationship between Engineering Identity and Academic Motivation”, 2019 ASEE Annual Conference, Tampa, FL, June 15 – 19, 2019. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--33661

Cunningham, C. S., Martin, K. M., and Miskioğlu, E. E., “WIP: Comparing Creativity and the Perception of Creativity of First-Year and Senior Engineering Students,” 2019 ASEE Annual Conference, Tampa, FL, June 15 – 19, 2019. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--33600

Martin, K. M., Miskioğlu, E. E., and Czyz, M., “Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem: Designing Tools to Develop Intuition,” 2019 PSW ASEE Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA, April 4-6, 2019. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--31828

Martin, K. M., Mihaylov, J., Spear, R., and Landau, D., “Julia Language 1.0 Ephemeris and Physical Constants Reader for Solar System Bodies,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kaanapali, HI, Jan. 13-17, 2019.

Martin, K. M., Landau, D., Campagnola, S., McElrath, T., “Automating Tour Design with Application for Europa Lander,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kaanapali, HI, Jan. 13-17, 2019.

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Work in Progress: Got Intuition? Exploring Student Intuition in Response to Technology-aided Problem Solving,” ASEE Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, June 24-27, 2018. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--31288

Martin, K. M., and Gallimore, J. M., “It’s Not Rocket Science: The Flipped Classroom in Space Mechanics,” ASEE Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, June 24-27, 2018. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--29641

Martin, K. M., and Gallimore, J. M., “Flipping Space Mechanics: Comparing a Traditional and Less Traditional Classroom,” SciTech 2018, Kissimmee, FL, Jan. 8-12, 2018. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0806

Martin, K. M., Mihaylov, J., Spear, R., and Landau, D., “Julia Language Ephemeris and Physical Constants Reader for Solar System Bodies,” SciTech 2018, Kissimmee, FL, Jan. 8-12, 2018. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-1450

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Identifying Factors That Aid Students in Developing Engineering Intuition,” 2017 AiChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 29 - Nov. 3, 2017. https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2017/proceeding/paper/309e-identifying-factors-aid-students-developing-engineering-intuition

Martin, K. M., and Battaglia, D. M., “Recapping Class Content with Student Video Responses,” 2017 ASEE Annual Conference, Columbus, OH, June 24-28, 2017. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--28781

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Is the Answer Reasonable or Ridiculous? Common Factors among Students Who Display High Engineering Intuition on Technology-aided Solutions,” 2017 ASEE Annual Conference, Columbus, OH, June 24-28, 2017. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--28592

Tobin, R. J., Burr, A. W., Gilman, S. W., Hainsworth, W. J., Howell, A. S., and Martin, K. M., “Measuring Radiation in the Stratosphere: A High Altitude Balloon Journey,” AIAA Balloon Systems Conference, Denver, CO, June 5- 9, 2017. AIAA Paper 2017-3788. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2017-3788

Battaglia, D., Sampigethaya, K., Almagambetov, A., Andalibi, M., Groh, T., Martin, K., Pavlina, M., Siewert, S., and Boettcher, A., “Integrating Research into Undergraduate Courses: Experiences from a Multi-Disciplinary Faculty Learning Community,” ASEE Rocky Mountain Section Conference, Cedar City, UT, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2016.

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Beyond Gut Feeling: Teaching ‘Engineering Intuition’ in the Technology Age,” 2016 AiChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Nov. 13-18, 2016.

Martin, K.M., Benavides, J. C., and Yale, G. E., “Examples of Systems Engineering in an Undergraduate Astronautics Program,” SPACE 2016, Long Beach, CA, Sept. 13-16, 2016. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2016-5559

Miskioğlu, E. E., and Martin, K. M., “Reasonable or Ridiculous? Engineering Intuition in Simulations,” 2016 ASEE Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 26-29, 2016. https://doi.org/10.18260/p.26044

Martin, K. M., and Longuski, J. M. “Minimization of Velocity Pointing Errors for Spinning, Thrusting Spacecraft Using Cubic Thrust Profiles,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, San Diego, CA, Aug. 4 – 7, 2014. AIAA Paper 2014-4453. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2014-4453

Martin, K. M., and Longuski, J. M. “Heuristic Suboptimal Solutions to Reduce Velocity Pointing Errors for Spinning, Thrusting Spacecraft,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Hilton Head, SC, Aug. 11 – 15, 2013. AAS Paper 13-582.

Ayoubi, M. A., Martin, K. M., and Longuski, J. M. “Analytical Solution of the Motion of Spinning Thrusting Spacecraft with Transverse Ramp-Up Torques,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Minneapolis, MN, Aug. 13 – 16, 2012. AIAA Paper 2012-5015. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2012-5015

Poster

Miskioğlu, E., Martin, K., Carberry, A., Aaron, C., Bolton, C., Roth, R., Kavale, S., Dow, N., and Zhu, Z., “Trust but Verify: The Use of Intuition in Engineering Problem Solving,” NSF Grantees Conference, September 10-12, 2024.

Dow, N., Zhu, Z., Martin, K., “Understanding an Engineer’s Brain: Developing Problem Solving and Intuition,” National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 12-15, 2023.

Miskioğlu, E., Martin, K., Carberry, A., Aaron, C., Bolton, C., Roth, R., Kavale, S., Dow, N., and Zhu, Z., “RIEF: Is it Rocket Science or Brain Science? Developing an Approach to Measure Engineering Intuition,” NSF Grantees Conference, Sept. 22-23, 2022.

Miskioğlu, E. E., Snyder, R. C., and Martin, K. M., “Rapid Transition to Online Teaching: Capturing Chemical Engineering Faculty Strategies, Challenges, and Successes from Spring 2020”, 2020 AIChE Annual Meeting, Nov. 16-20, 2020.