Mallory DeCoster

Dr. Mallory DeCoster has extensive experimental experience in laser-based optical thermometry as well as expertise in nano- to macro-scale thermal transport processes in functional materials. She is also a trained planetary scientist specializing in hypervelocity impact processes and dynamic failure of materials. Her research interests include dynamic properties and failure or fragmentation mechanisms of brittle materials, impact cratering on planetary surfaces, impact signature phenomenology modeling, and planetary defense. Dr. DeCoster was a Co-I on the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission and supports the DARPA Novel Orbital Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program toward developing foundational materials, manufacturing, and designs needed for in-space manufacture of large, precise, and resilient DoD systems. In addition, she is the PI for a NASA YORPD project to develop more efficient next-generation kinetic impactors.