Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Introducing 2025 Astronaut Scholars Keanu Brayman, Kyle Coutray and Sun Latt from the University of Central Florida.
Keanu is earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and his recent research has focused on simulating the use of atmospheric brakes on a Mars ascent vehicle for nominal orbital insertion. He has also investigated methods for testing lunar rover wheel designs and developed optimal guidance algorithms to support manned lunar landers. Keanu is currently researching additive manufacturing using lunar regolith for in situ resource utilization.
Kyle is pursuing degrees in both Computer Engineering and Biomedical Sciences. He currently works at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces and systems neuroscience, developing immersive EEG and eye-tracking platforms for neural interaction and rehabilitation. His research also explores the neural dynamics of working memory through single-neuron recordings in the prefrontal cortex of non-human primates, aiming to decode the circuitry behind higher cognitive function.
Sun is earning a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and his research falls under the broad field of regenerative medicine, seeking to repair or replace diseased and damaged tissues in the human body. He has focused primarily on creating materials to enhance bone healing through biomaterials. Much of his undergraduate research has focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a glass-ceramic nanoparticle to not only accelerate bone healing but reduce unwanted inflammation.
The University of Central Florida Astronaut Scholar Awards are sponsored by SAIC and matching funds from the University of Central Florida.
Introducing 2025 Astronaut Scholars Keanu Brayman, Kyle Coutray and Sun Latt from the University of Central Florida.
Keanu is earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and his recent research has focused on simulating the use of atmospheric brakes on a Mars ascent vehicle for nominal orbital insertion. He has also investigated methods for testing lunar rover wheel designs and developed optimal guidance algorithms to support manned lunar landers. Keanu is currently researching additive manufacturing using lunar regolith for in situ resource utilization.
Kyle is pursuing degrees in both Computer Engineering and Biomedical Sciences. He currently works at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces and systems neuroscience, developing immersive EEG and eye-tracking platforms for neural interaction and rehabilitation. His research also explores the neural dynamics of working memory through single-neuron recordings in the prefrontal cortex of non-human primates, aiming to decode the circuitry behind higher cognitive function.
Sun is earning a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and his research falls under the broad field of regenerative medicine, seeking to repair or replace diseased and damaged tissues in the human body. He has focused primarily on creating materials to enhance bone healing through biomaterials. Much of his undergraduate research has focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a glass-ceramic nanoparticle to not only accelerate bone healing but reduce unwanted inflammation.
The University of Central Florida Astronaut Scholar Awards are sponsored by SAIC and matching funds from the University of Central Florida.
