Micah Banschick
Computational Physicist · Aerospace Researcher
I turn hard problems into simulations, models, and insight — across plasma propulsion, astrophysics, and deep-tech R&D.
Who I am
About
I'm a physics and mathematics researcher who turns hard problems into simulations, models, and insight. My work spans plasma-propulsion research at the Air Force Research Laboratory, stochastic modeling of binary supermassive black holes, and production software engineering.
This fall I'm beginning my PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida, joining the Hyperspace Center to advance plasma propulsion and deep-tech R&D. I hold an active DoD Secret clearance and am driven to apply simulation, data, and code toward fielding advanced physics.
Academics
Education
University of Central Florida
2026 — PresentPh.D. in Aerospace Engineering
- Joining the Hyperspace Center to advance plasma propulsion and deep-tech R&D.
University of Connecticut
2022 — 2026B.Sc. in Physics & Mathematics — University Scholar with Honors
- Thesis: Stochastic Methods for Identifying Binary Supermassive Black Holes.
- Coursework: Graduate Numerical Analysis, PDEs, Stochastic Processes, Statistical & Thermal Physics, E&M I–II, Analysis I, Abstract Linear Algebra, Complex Variables, Data Structures & Object-Oriented Design.
Where I've worked
Research & Experience
Undergraduate Mathematical Physics Researcher — Stochastic Astrophysics @ University of Connecticut
Dec 2023 — PresentStorrs, CT
Advisory committee: Jonathan Trump, Lea Ferreira dos Santos, Cara Battersby.
- Construct MCMC variability models of 950 binary supermassive black hole light curves in Python for parameter inference, feeding the model over 20 GB of black-hole data.
- Programmed a publication-supported algorithm to calculate the spectral emission distributions of binary supermassive black holes by integrating radially through their mini-disks.
Space Chemistry Research Intern — Electrospray Propulsion @ Air Force Research Laboratory
Jun 2025 — Aug 2025Advisor: Benjamin Prince
- Executed design-space sweeps informing next-gen emitter-array geometry for higher thrust-to-power efficiency.
- Simulated charged-particle trajectories in capillary electrospray plumes using LAMMPS.
- Processed beam-probe data in IgorPro and visualized plume evolution in VMD to cross-validate simulation predictions.
Space Chemistry Research Intern — Optical Signatures @ Air Force Research Laboratory
May 2024 — Aug 2024Advisor: Benjamin Prince
- Drove experiments gathering optical emissions of N₂⁺ + N₂ collisions at 16–600 eV/q with a 13.86 MHz RF ion source, aiding atmospheric radiative models.
- Generated vibrational & rotational basis functions with DIATOMIC and simulated spectra in IgorPro, extracting state-resolved cross-sections.
- Leveraged Monte-Carlo cascade simulations and statistical analysis to validate measurements and produce NIH-validated N₂⁺ spectra for upper-atmosphere radiative-transport models.
Java API Engineer @ Synchrony Financial
May 2023 — Nov 2023Agile / bi-weekly sprints
- Built a Spring Boot microservice for sending customer alerts on behalf of high-profile clients.
- Developed and debugged Java API services that enhanced operational workflows.
- Delivered consistently across bi-weekly Agile sprints, strengthening team efficiency and timelines.
Research output
Publications & Talks
Manuscripts in preparation
Banschick, M.
2025Stochastic Methods for Identifying Binary Supermassive Black Holes
In prep. — target IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Apr 2026)
Prince, B., Banschick, M.
2025Capillary Electrospray Plume Dynamics at nL/s Flow Rates: Experiments and Simulations
In prep. — target JANNAF Exhaust Plume & Signatures (Jan 2026)
Hause, M., Prince, B., Banschick, M.
2024Luminescence Measurements of Charge-Transfer Collisions of N₂⁺ + N₂
In prep. — planned submission Oct 2025
Selected presentations
Ion–Neutral Collision Imaging in Low-Pressure Ion Beams
Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut
Modeling and Simulation of Capillary Electrospray Thruster Plumes
Air Force Research Laboratory
Luminescence Measurements of Charge-Transfer Collisions of N₂⁺ + N₂
Air Force Research Laboratory
Toolbox
Skills
Simulation & Analysis
Programming
Scientific & ML Software
Recognition
Honors & Leadership
Awards & Honors
Secret-Level Security Clearance (DoD, active)
USRA
University Scholar
University of Connecticut
Honors Scholar in Physics
University of Connecticut
Annual Physics & Mathematics Award
University of Connecticut
Leadership & Service
Quantitative Researcher
Apr 2025 — PresentHusky Quantitative Group (student-run hedge fund)
- Implement Policy-Gradient reinforcement-learning algorithms into the HQG trading model.
- Backtest experimental strategies in QuantConnect using PyTorch and stable-baselines3 (PPO).
- Present strategy memos to the UConn Dean of Business and external investors to secure funding.
Co-Lead
2023 — 2025Science, Technology & Astronomy Recruits (STARs)
- Mentored ~40 STEM undergraduates per semester on majors, research, and graduate applications.
- Designed and delivered physics demos to ~60 high-school students per year; managed ~$2K in materials and safety kits.
- Led interactive lessons on optics, electrostatics, projectile motion, and gravity.
Contact
Let's build advanced physics
I'm open to research collaborations and R&D opportunities in defense and deep-tech. The fastest way to reach me is by email.