Resume
Abigail Newton anewt@rogers.com · US and Canadian Citizen
Education
Master of Science: Earth and Space Science, Department of Engineering — First Class
York University · 2024 – 2026
- Courses: Principles of Remote Sensing, Cloud Physics, Space Situational Awareness (used STK in this course)
Bachelor of Applied Science: Chemical Engineering — First Class
Queen’s University · 2019 – 2024
Experience
Research Assistant – Sensor Development
Western University · Jun 2026 – Present
- Assisted with development of a multispectral imager for the Lunar Utility Vehicle to characterize lunar regolith and volatiles.
- Applied spectral angle mapping and the Spectral Parameters Toolkit to evaluate imaging wavelength bands.
- Authored technical sections on spectral analysis, planetary protection, and risk management for CSA deliverables, and contributed to verification/validation plans, referencing GSFC-STD-7000 and other standards documents.
- Tracked deliverable status for all science documentation and followed up with contributors to ensure compliance with agency reporting requirements.
Visiting Student Researcher
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory · Jan – Apr 2026
- Modified constants in a WSM5 Earth-based global climate model to better suit the Martian atmosphere.
- Conducted a numerical investigation of early Mars climate scenarios using a general circulation model under varying conditions of surface pressure, orbital state, and surface water abundance, using fundamentals of heat transfer.
Nuclear Waste Management System Planning Intern
Ontario Power Generation · 2022 – 2023
- Interpreted data to give information on the processing and movement of nuclear waste.
- Primary touchpoint for the development of new nuclear waste management software, completing the majority of user acceptance testing throughout software development.
Projects
Laboratory Characterization of an OA-ICOS Methane Spectrometer
York University · 2024 – 2026 · Presented at DPS 2025, Helsinki, Finland
- Developed and executed qualification and test campaign for a 2-channel prototype NIR spectrometer built by ABB designed for high-frequency Martian methane detection using pressurized gas systems.
- Diagnosed, troubleshot, and resolved a critical hardware fault within the optical system using root cause analysis, restoring instrument function and enabling a follow-on drone-based platform ($1.7 million in funding awarded).
A Photodiode Radiometer Concept for Cloud Detection on Mars
York University · 2025 – 2026 · Presented at IPM 6, Boulder, Colorado
- Owned this project from the design phase to integration and testing: designed and prototyped a 9-channel multispectral photodiode radiometer, taking into consideration heat transfer through materials, spanning UV through NIR (290–975 nm) for autonomous cloud detection using Fusion360 (3D and 2D CAD software), PrusaSlicer 3D printers, and Arduino micro integration.
- Integrated optical bandpass filters, custom noise filter electronics, and a bias voltage circuit.
- Developed and executed test campaign, validating instrument performance, successfully distinguishing cloud cover from wildfire smoke aerosols using radiometric spectral analysis in Python.
University Projects & Research
Chemical Process Design, Ampicillin Plant Redesign
Queen’s University, Engineering Capstone Project · 2023 – 2024
- Updated a proposed pharmaceutical ampicillin manufacturing facility to the provincial technical and regulatory standards using fluid dynamics, redesigning through MATLAB Simulink.
- Completed a PHA analysis including HAZOP and What-If scenarios from information from P&IDs, and made safety recommendations.
Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of the Degradation of Microplastics from the Frass of Mealworms and Superworms — Undergraduate Thesis
Queen’s University · 2023 – 2024
- Worked with the Escobedo group to characterize degradation of microplastics after digestion by mealworms and superworms using SERS-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
- Made electrodeposited nanodendrite SERS substrate to enhance Raman SNR.
Mars Rover Science Team Manager
Queen’s Space Engineering Team · 2021 – 2022
- Managed 4 unique science sub-teams totalling 30 people, applied project management skills to reach team goals.
- Designed and built a microreactor for in-situ soil life detection integrating geology, wet chemistry and spectroscopic analysis into a single compact instrument suitable for rover deployment.
Mental Health Representative
Queen’s Engineering Society · 2021 – 2022
Sales and Data Management Intern
No Fuss Tutors · Jun – Aug 2021
- Discussed tutoring packages with clients that responded to advertisements, booking approximately 100 calls that resulted in company sales.
- Effectively managed a database for a growing educational website.
- Reached out to social media influencers to obtain company partnerships.
Chemical Laboratory Research Assistant
Queen’s University · 2019 – 2020
- Worked with the Snieckus group to write a review on the deuteration of aromatic molecules.
- Trained in various lab techniques including spectroscopic techniques such as IR, UV/Vis, GS, NMR, GCMS, Raman and CD spectroscopy, TLC, and column chromatography.
- Self-taught organic chemistry for use in this project.