Abhishek Kumar
Arvada,CO
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Science and Engineering, and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success, further develop professional skills, committed to making meaningful contributions, and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Course Designer and Instructor, Engineering Physics
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Regis University
08.2025 - Current
- Conducted research on best practices in physics education to inform curriculum development and instructional methods.
- Continuously refined personal expertise in instructional design methodologies, staying ahead of evolving industry expectations.
- Increased learner engagement with thoughtfully designed activities and discussions that foster critical thinking skills.
- Created curricula, research topics and conceptualized course format, subject matter and presentation.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation.
- Courses taught: EP 210 (Intro to Engineering Physics), PH 205, 305
Astrophysics Instructor
Department of Astronomy, Red Rocks Community College
08.2022 - Current
- Designed engaging multimedia presentations to simplify complex astronomical concepts for diverse learners.
- Organized field trips and observatory visits, enhancing students' practical understanding of astronomical phenomena.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies, fostering student engagement in both lecture and laboratory settings.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
- Courses taught: AST 1110, 1120, 1002, 1120, SCI 1055
Teaching Assistant, Lab Instructor, Full Summer Instructor
Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Boulder, CO
08.2017 - Current
- Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments, enhancing student understanding of key astrophysics concepts.
- Developed instructional materials and resources to support diverse learning styles in astronomy courses.
- Coordinated with faculty to align course content with current scientific research and standards.
- Mentored undergraduate students during lab sessions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Courses taught: ASTR 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1200, 3560
Celestial Navigator and Presenter
Fiske Planetarium
Boulder, CO
08.2016 - Current
- Proficient in running the systems (projection, audio, analog, digital, coding, and lasers) that are used to run the planetarium.
- Delivered engaging planetarium presentations that enhanced visitor understanding of astronomical concepts and phenomena.
- Coordinated educational programs that inspired curiosity in astronomy and fostered community engagement through workshops.
- Led interactive sessions to promote experiential learning, effectively communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Cultivated partnerships with local schools to facilitate outreach field trips, increasing student exposure to astrophysical topics.
Astrophysics Instructor
Department of Astronomy, Arapahoe Community College
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
- Courses taught: AST 101, 102, SCI 1055
Web Developer
The Space Research Company
Boulder, CO
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Human Factors for spacecraft design
- Implemented web-based tools that streamline data collection processes for ongoing aerospace (bioastronautics) studies.
- Coded websites using HTML and JavaScript languages.
Laboratory Assistant
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Boulder, CO
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Bioastronautics
- Assisted in the preparation of laboratory reagents and samples, adhering to safety protocols and standards.
- Documented experimental procedures and results meticulously to support ongoing research projects and compliance requirements.
- Collaborated with faculty and researchers to troubleshoot technical issues during laboratory experiments, ensuring smooth operations.
- Maintained a clean and organized laboratory environment, promoting safety and efficiency for all users.
- Conducted routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment for precise experimental outcomes.
Education
Ph.D - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
05-2026
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2022
Master of Science - Aerospace Engineering Sciences
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2018
Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical Engineering
BMS College of Engineering
Bangalore, India05-2016
Skills
- Software: ArcGIS, Blender, C, C#, C, ELISSA, FlowVision, JavaScript, Matlab, Python, SolidWorks, STK, UniSim (Aspen), VESTA, Zemax OpticStudio
- Hardware: Composite materials, eTrex10, Flow Imaging (schlieren and laser), High-speed camera, Kestrel, Laser cutting, Machining, Manual drafting, Telescope Operations, X-Ray Diffraction
Certification
- Laser Safety and Handling
- Defensive Driving
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
German
Elementary
Timeline
Course Designer and Instructor, Engineering Physics
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Regis University
08.2025 - Current
Astrophysics Instructor
Department of Astronomy, Red Rocks Community College
08.2022 - Current
Astrophysics Instructor
Department of Astronomy, Arapahoe Community College
01.2020 - 01.2022
Teaching Assistant, Lab Instructor, Full Summer Instructor
Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
08.2017 - Current
Web Developer
The Space Research Company
08.2017 - 12.2017
Celestial Navigator and Presenter
Fiske Planetarium
08.2016 - Current
Laboratory Assistant
Department of Aerospace Engineering
08.2016 - 08.2017
Ph.D - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science - Aerospace Engineering Sciences
University of Colorado Boulder
Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical Engineering
BMS College of Engineering
Selected Technical Presentations
- Advanced Fluid Dynamics, American Physical Society (APS DFD) – Houston, TX, 2020
- Musical Instrument Flow Visualization, Rocky Mountain Fluid Mechanics Symposium (RMFM) – Boulder, CO, 2020
- Our Journey to Mars – Invited public talk on human space exploration, TEDxDenver, “Our Journey to Mars” – Denver, CO, 2019
- Physical Characterization of Ionic Liquids – Invited public talk, Bioastronautics Seminar – Boulder, CO, 2017
Awards
Excellence in Teaching, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder.