This spring, three Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) researchers achieved a major academic milestone by successfully passing their Qualifying Examinations in the USC Department of Astronautical Engineering.

Passing the Qualifying Examination formally advances a doctoral student to the status of PhD Candidate, marking a critical step toward earning the distinguished title of Doctor of Philosophy.

The SERC congratulates Kristina Andreyeva (advancing soft robotics in space), Cristobal Garrido (developing ubiquitous RPO), and Shinsuke Takahashi (developing true lunar SSA) on this significant accomplishment. Their success reflects years of dedication to advanced research, technical excellence, and contributions to the future of space engineering.

In keeping with a long-standing SERC and Department of Astronautical Engineering tradition, the newly designated PhD Candidates were celebrated through the ceremonial “bestowment of title” using balloon swords—a lighthearted tradition recognizing their achievements while highlighting the close-knit community within the department and research center.

The SERC is proud of these emerging researchers and looks forward to their continued contributions to advancing the frontiers of astronautics, space systems, and foundational disruptions toward space science!