Shulman is founder, president, and chief technology officer at Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing, which specializes in microwave and materials processing, from feasibility to production. Blue Star is currently working on a project to develop deep-tech, microwave-based processes and technology that will enable on-site production of landing pads, roads, and 3D structures on the moon and Mars.
The Ceramic Tech Chat episode, which was first aired by ACerS on Wednesday, March 19, is titled “Microwave processing for future lunar colonies.” In it, Shulman was interviewed for her work with the SMI, discussing research on microwave sintering of lunar materials which could someday be used to build on the moon.
The Space Materials Institute, unveiled last fall, is developing new materials and processes that enable different aspects of space exploration, in collaboration with Alfred University faculty, staff, and students as well as government agency and industry partners. Research area examples include materials that enable or enhance space operations; materials processing off planet; and materials analysis and characterization. Researchers are currently studying the microwave sintering of regolith simulants, or artificial moon dust.
Transcript of Holly Shulman’s interview on Ceramic Tech Chat
Shulman also discussed her academic and research background, from her time as a student at Alfred University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering and chemistry in 1987. In 2000, after working as a research engineer in the U.S. and abroad, she started up her own company in Alfred, Ceralink, which developed energy-efficient processing for ceramics and glass. She taught ceramic engineering at Alfred University for several years before ultimately founding Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing and starting up the Space Materials Institute.
