Anmol Sikka
an Aerospace Nerd trying to explore a little bit of the vastness of space
Looking for Post-doctoral positions starting in Summer-Fall 2026
PhD, Aerospace Engineering
University of Maryland
College Park (MD)
I am an engineer, blogger, and aspiring researcher. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering - understanding planetary surfaces of new worlds. Presently, I am a Graduate Research Assistant in Dr. Hartzell’s Planetary Surfaces and Spacecraft Lab working on predicting surface morphology on metallic asteroids due to magnetic forces.
I like reading fiction, watching Twitch streams, and writing space-related blogs in my free time. Occasionally, you can find me playing board games or light games on my Switch. If I get out of the house, I am visiting a friend or a museum (being in the DC area helps :D).
news
| Mar 25, 2026 | I have successfully defended my dissertation titled “Role of Magnetic Force in Avalanching on Metallic Asteroids” and am now a Doctor of Philosophy! |
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| Jan 12, 2026 | Gave a lightning talk on “Unlocking Metallic Worlds: Granular Mechanics on Asteroid Psyche” at NASA’s Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) January 2026 meeting. |
| Jul 21, 2025 | Gave an invited talk on my research “Unlocking Metallic Worlds: Granular Mechanics on Asteroid Psyche” at my alma matter, Aerospace Department of IIT Bombay. |
| Oct 08, 2024 | Gave a talk on “DEM Simulations of avalanching of metallic regolith under the influence of magnetic forces” at the annual Division of Planetary Science (DPS) meeting of AAS. |
| Oct 07, 2024 | Chaired the “Lab Studies, Meteorites, and Instrument/Mission Development – Part 2” session during the annual DPS meeting 2024. |