Michelle Bertram
Title: Interim Team Lead, Space Mission Analysis Branch (SMAB)
Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD)
Technical Focus Area: Systems Analysis, Decision Analysis
Missions/Projects: Capabilities Integration Team
Study Topics/Expertise: Systems Analysis, In-space propulsion
Michelle Bertram is an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley’s Space Mission Analysis Branch. She currently leads the Capabilities Integration Team responsible for identifying and prioritizing the Moon to Mars architecture-driven technology gaps. Previously, Michelle analyzed the technical feasibility of proposed science satellite missions.
Prior to NASA, Michelle served over eight years in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, at sea on USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and ashore at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where her work informed senior Navy officials’ risk decisions on weapon security. Michelle’s other work has included solar sail trajectories to the moon, alternative fuels in radioisotope thermoelectric generators, low-cost platforms for microgravity experiments, quantum photon sensor calibration, and high security communications networks. She develops early career employees and enjoys outreach to students from all backgrounds and life experiences.
Education/Professional Experience
- M.S. in Engineering Physics (With Distinction), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (08/2019-05/2021)
- Graduate Pathways Intern, NASA Langley Research Center
- Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy
- B.S. in Physics (Magna Cum Laude), American University (08/2008-05/2012)
- Space Academy Intern, NASA Glenn Research Center
- Undergraduate Research Fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Undergraduate Research Intern, Boston University Photonics Department
Publications
Hobbies/Interests
Weightlifting, Dungeons & Dragons, and live theater performances