Meet The Crew

ADVANCED ONE

CREW 17 – SILALIQ

Crew 17 is named “Silaliq”, which is Inuktitut for “Land”.

From left to right:

Terry Trevino – Mission Specialist
Terry Trevino is an aerospace scientist, field researcher, and the current Director of the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island. His work spans analog missions, electromagnetic field applications in human spaceflight, and astrobiology, including Spirulina-based life support and nanoplastics monitoring. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Dakota, developing technologies for planetary surface habitation and AI-guided atmospheric entry systems for Mars.

Phnam Bagley – Commander
Phnam is a Partner and Creative Director at Nonfiction, a design and innovation firm that transforms science fiction into reality to create a better future. With 20 years of experience in industrial design, futurism, and space architecture, she develops cutting-edge products and experiences that help humans reach their full potential. She collaborates with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies across five continents, working in industries such as DeepTech, wearables, healthcare, education, robotics, transportation, and aerospace. Her expertise lies in turning groundbreaking technologies into attainable, intuitive, and aesthetically refined solutions that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals while positively impacting humanity, the environment, and innovation. A TED speaker, Fast Company writer, and co-host of the educational video series Future Future, Phnam is driven by the ambition to design the future of everything—on and off planet Earth. She tackles unprecedented design challenges, asking questions like how to build educational systems that support neurodiversity and autonomy, use neuroscience to enhance human capabilities, save lives and build resilience for those in dangerous professions, eliminate disabilities, make space living more humane, and create civilizations free from fossil fuels. She firmly believes that good design, combined with transdisciplinary collaboration, is a powerful tool for shaping a better tomorrow.

Laura Thomas – Mission Specialist
I am an experienced Chartered Counselling Psychologist with a passion for extreme environments and innovative technology, which has driven me to create and pilot a longstanding emotional wellbeing programme for military personnel at DCMH Colchester, work with senior leaders, and serve as Crew Psychological Officer on a space analog mission in the Mojave Desert with MMAARS. I have presented psychological innovations in spaceflight at the Space Education Summit 2023 and 2024, provided expert consultation to media outlets including Men’s Health (October 2017 issue) and the Huffington Post, and am a member of the B.I.G. North Pole expedition team conducting research in climate science. In 2021, I completed an MSc in computational neuroscience and cognitive robotics at the University of Birmingham, where my dissertation used machine learning to examine the relationship between personality traits and spatial awareness in virtual environments, leading to my publication on virtual reality countermeasures for long-duration spaceflight (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frvir.2023.1180165/full). My professional interests include enhancing performance and wellbeing in isolated, confined, and extreme settings, as well as digital phenotyping, cognitive modeling, posttraumatic growth, and unconscious bias. Outside of work, I engage with space and science events, develop outdoor survival skills, expand my computational expertise, and explore remote regions with unique landscapes such as Hawaii, Svalbard, New Zealand, and Ethiopia.

Aida Castelblanco – Mission Specialist
I’m an aviation student (PPL) in Los Angeles, CA, interested in planetary science and space exploration. This fall, I’m excited to start graduate studies as a PhD student in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Rice University, where I will be studying meteorites and lunar samples to further understand the formation of the solar system. I’m always open to new experiences and look forward to learning and challenging myself as much as I can while gaining valuable experience inside and outside the lab.

CREW 18 – AMARUQ

Crew 18 is named “Amaruq”, which is Inuktitut for “Big Wolf”.

From left to right:

Diallo Wallace – Commander
Diallo Wallace is a Naval Aviator, Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, and a State Credentialed Teacher in Career Technical Education (CTE) for California and Maryland, with experience teaching aviation and engineering to youth. He has attained a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering, a Master of Project Management, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Purdue University. Diallo serves in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the United States Naval Academy, instructing Aeronautics, Astronautics, and MATLAB Computer programming courses. He is the Officer Representative for The Naval Academy Flight Training Squadron (VTNA), where he trains and mentors midshipmen for flight school. Diallo routinely presents to youth and teachers about space and aviation as an active volunteer of the Naval Academy’s STEM Center for Education and Outreach. He is an Analog Astronaut who has leveraged his test and evaluation experience to measure the form, fit, and function of multiple space suits. Diallo is a member of NASA’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassador program, where he flew aboard the SOFIA 747 flying telescope aircraft. He is also a very proud alumnus of Space Camp, actively encouraging teachers and students to attend the program, and was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame for 2025. Diallo has presented at The American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) and at NASA’s Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC). Prior to deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he briefly served at Johnson Space Center’s Astronaut Office supporting the International Space Station. Diallo’s passion is empowering K-12 and undergraduate students to understand science and engineering through the application of mathematics. FLY NAVY!!!!!!!!!!

Trevor Jahn – Executive Officer
Trevor Jahn is an Engineering Specialist working at The Aerospace Corporation. He has his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University. His experience includes: supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis missions as part of their Lunar Architecture Team, and currently the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) for the United States Space Force (USSF). The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), crew 269, saw Trevor as the Crew Technology Officer. Trevor’s been a competitive cyclist and team leader for over a decade, and loves to ride and race his bike out of sunny Los Angeles, California. He is also a member of The Explorers Club.

Dr. Mason Robins – Station Chief
Mason Robbins is a distinguished expert in aerospace research and human factors engineering, combining deep academic insights with extensive real-world experience. He holds a PhD in Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. With over a decade of experience in project management, Mason has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaborative skills. His hands-on expertise as an EVA spacesuit engineer, logging over 250 hours in suits operating under operational pressure, showcases his technical prowess. Mason’s leadership spans academia, industry, and government, exemplified by his contributions to the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2, the SAM analogue astronaut facility, and various space analogue sites worldwide. With over 15 years of experience in strategy, engagement, partnerships, and commercial growth, Mason is recognized as an industry expert in space operations. Currently, Mason serves as the COO at Star Helix, Ltd. He has successfully secured significant grant funding opportunities and established cross-disciplinary partnerships, conducting groundbreaking research on team dynamics and the effects of isolation. During his multiple missions at FMARS 2024, HI-SEAS, and LunAres, he commanded and led engineering projects under Martian-like conditions, performing repairs, maintenance, and upkeep. At Uplift Aerospace, Mason directed the Citizen Astronaut Program, pioneering commercial astronaut training and microgravity operations. He played a crucial role in STEM outreach, engaging over 320,000 students and educators from ten countries through innovative programs at SaxaVord Spaceport. Beyond space exploration, Mason has held leadership roles including Vice-President of the European Lacrosse Federation, former Captain of the Scottish National Lacrosse Team, and involvement in various charities. His diverse expertise enhances his contributions to space exploration, research, and commercialization.

Dr. Stephane Verhaeghe – Medical Officer
Dr. Stephane Verhaeghe’s career reflects a rare fusion of precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to solving complex neurological challenges. Beginning as a pilot in the Belgian Air Force, he developed mastery over high-stakes systems and rapid decision-making—skills that now serve him in the rigorous demands of medical innovation and strategic leadership. Driven to make a broader human impact, he requalified as a neurologist in France, later conducting pioneering research on Parkinson’s disease in the West Indies. This work exposed him to the urgent, unmet needs in underserved populations and sharpened his focus on advancing brain health for those most in need. His insights into the interplay between neuroscience, resilience, and emotion are foundational to Brain Vector’s mission. In Australia, Dr. Verhaeghe held leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as Medical Director for neurological and rare diseases. There, he gained deep expertise in regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and the pathway to market—experience that now ensures Brain Vector’s solutions are developed with scientific integrity and real-world applicability. Outside of medicine, Stephane’s competitive edge extends to elite sport—winning the 2021 Australian WASZP Sailing Championships. This high- performance mindset informs Brain Vector’s work with athletes, blending strategic focus with mental resilience. As co-founder of Brain Vector, he merges his clinical depth, systems thinking, and performance psychology to lead the company’s scientific and strategic direction. His leadership ensures Brain Vector’s solutions are clinically grounded, scalable, and capable of transforming the way we approach mental resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Praveen Kumar – Mission Engineer
Praveen Kumar is a seasoned professional business leader with over 2.5 decades of expertise in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with a CEO Mindset. He is currently the Head of Product Engineering Solution for Electric Vehicles at Embitel Technologies, part of Volkswagen Group Company, where he is responsible for the global EV business P&L and cutting-edge technologies penetration for future mobility platforms through Software Defined Vehicles enabling to meet Mobility Objectives and its Value Creation at EV powertrain and Ecosystem level. Spearheading EV Solutions with Automotive Cyber Security ISO21434 focusing on multi-layer security with Functional safety ISO26262 & Vehicle SOTIF (ISO21448) including Charging Communication ISO15118 (V2G, Plug & Charge, OCPP) for realizing the value of ISO56000 – Implementing Innovation Management Systems through future focused leadership. Praveen works closely with various state and central government agencies to name few NITI Ayog, MSME missions and CII CTO Forum, CII SR Digital Transformation Technology Adoption Task Forcevand IIMBAA EV SIG Task force. Praveen is a Scaled Agile, ESG, Project & Portfolio Management Professional Certified by SAFe and PMI-USA, IPMA, ACMP member registered with Ministry of corporate affair for Independent Director who has worked with several global OEMs and Tier 1. He is also the founder of an electric racing car and an industry expert in Lithium ion/Polymer battery development from cell to pack level. He has led major Automotive business across Europe, US and Asia pacific Markets. Chief System Engineer for Battery Electric & Hydrogen Fuel cell powertrain solutions, focusing on Scalable Modular Platform Solution Architecture for Traction Motor Controller, High Speed E Turbo/Compressors for Fuel Cell Vehicles, Battery Management System, Bidirectional onboard Charger cum inverter. Leading Future Mobility Platform through Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). Praveen is passionate about enriching people’s lives through sustainable and innovative future mobility technology solutions and has extensive experience cross industrial, government policies, research, academic, entrepreneurial, coaching, and social awareness campaigns. Analog Astronaut – 21-day mission with Habitat Marte Chief of Power Station Worked on Circularity of Smart Energy Management for the Space Habitats – MOXIE, Micro Nuclear plants – Kilo Power, Water Electrolysis, Fuel cells, Hydrogen propulsion. Station, 22 days mission with AATC as Mission Commander. 25 days expedition to Himalayan up to the last village Nubra valley. Working on Human Performance coaching at extreme environments.

Ruth Nichols (Callsign Terminator) – Lead Mission Specialist
Ruth is an incoming PhD Student and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in Plant Biology at Cornell University in the Julkowska Lab and the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI). Her research interest lies in mathematically modeling plant root behavior under abiotic stress in space conditions such as microgravity. She received a dual Bachelor of Science in Astrobiology and Mathematical Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology in May 2024, where she performed research with the Palmer Lab of Chemical Ecology and Astrobiology, the Lingam Lab of Astrobiology, the Usselman Lab of Quantum Biology, and the Astrobiological Research and Education Society (ARES). While at Florida Tech, she was selected as an Astronaut Scholar and Zed Factor Fellow and served on the national Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Board of Directors and Council of Students. She is a Visiting Scholar on the Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) team with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Sciences and a member of the Community of Human Analog Space Missions (CHASM). As an analog astronaut, she has spent 14 days at the Inflatable Lunar/Martian Analog Habitat and 5 days in a lava tube in Spain with ASTROLAND.

Iniya Pragati – Communications Officer
I completed the 21-day Lunar Mission Astronaut training program (Mission BioSignaTime and Mission Possible) at the AATC and a two-week Mars Analog Mission with Habitat Marte as Chief of the Greenhouse and Sanitation Station. Studying human cognitive behavior and the synergy of Yoga and Bharatanatyam in supporting Circadian Rhythms during missions. I worked hands-on with microcontrollers, software, and electronics hardware. It was intense— but the best experience of my life so far. I began designing my first rocket in simulation software, mapping out stages and structural components for a 1.5-meter rocket. I also trained on manual docking of SpaceX’s Dragon 2 capsule with the ISS. I dared to be a Martian—an aspiring astronaut preparing to live on Mars and help build a habitat could call home. My passion for space led me to become an author, writing a series of books to deepen my understanding of STEM fundamentals. This journey transformed me—writing made me a better reader and pushed me to invest countless hours studying Mars in every detail. I realized I had to upskill across multiple disciplines to match my love for space. My first book *Iniya in Infinite Universe* (ISBN: 9789357650670) and second book *Evidence of Water on Mars* (ISBN: 9789357657754) earned recognition as global bestsellers, winning me the Young Author award and Book Reviewer award during World Book Day. These milestones inspired me to write my third book, *Water on Moon* (ISBN: 978936434135). As the Mars Ambassador, I connect with students, institutions, public forums, and the digital world to share the excitement of STEM education, the evolution of reusable rockets, interplanetary and interstellar missions, Space Architecture, special materials for space habitats, and the spirit of the Mars Generation—people dreaming of life on another planet. I feel it’s our shared global responsibility to inspire and create awareness around sustainable living. My advocacy also aligns with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the areas of quality education for girls, women empowerment, and water conservation. I have completed UNOOSA – Space Law, Space Economy, COPUOS – Long Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, International Space University – Tracks to space, space psychology, space law, space biotechnology, space architecture & Astrobiology. Duke University – Introductory to human physiology & Space medicine, Technical University of Munich – Space safety. Omspace – Rocket Design & Propulsion, Advanced Satellites, Avionics, and Space Architecture (Internship). As language is important to communicate, I learned Korean, Mandarin, Russian, and Hindi.