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Nicholas Wilkinson, M.A.Sc. - Engineering and Operations Branch
Project Manager - Canada
Vancouver: 1+ (604) 288-2839 Nicholas Wilkinson is Project Manager for the Haughton-Mars Project, based at the Mars Institute in Vancouver, Canada. He holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (2002) and a Master's degree in mining engineering (2006), both from the University of British Columbia. Throughout his career as an undergraduate in engineering, Nicholas was actively involved in many space-related projects. Most notably, an investigation into the navigational issues that will be faced by future explorers on the moon and Mars led to the inception of his Master's thesis, which involved developing an inertial navigation system for a robotic, underground drill. As a graduate student, Nicholas cultivated his interest in developing tools for human planetary exploration, such as an automated system for determining optimum routes for fieldwork sorties, which was subsequently tested in the deserts of Utah. He also developed and tested an exercise-based interface for tele-operating robots that could enable astronauts to undertake productive tasks while they keep fit in micro- and reduced gravity environments. Other academic interests include management science, collaborative human-computer interaction, surface operations planning, and the use of tele-presence in planetary exploration. In addition to his academic interests, Nicholas has worked as a design engineer and logistics coordinator in the environmental spill response industry. He enjoys giving talks to schools and other interested groups about space exploration, knowing all too well the effect that a little inspiration can have. Nicholas enjoys fencing, playing the piano, and living in Vancouver. Recent Publications Publication list pending. |