Scott Palo

Focus Area

Remote Sensing, Earth, & Space Sciences
Vehicle Systems
Astrodynamics & Satellite Navigation

Education

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, 1994
M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, 1990
B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clarkson University, 1987

Professional Experience

2013 – Present, Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
2014 – 2017, Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado
2011 – 2014, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
2008 – 2013, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
2001 – 2008, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
1995 – 1997, Postdoctoral Researcher, National Center for Atmospheric Research, High Altitude Observatory

Awards (selected)

Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science (2019)
Distinguished Performance, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (2016)
Victor Charles Schelke Endowed Professor (2014)
Outstanding Service, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (2014)
University of Colorado Emerging Leaders Program Fellow (2012)
Erskine Fellowship, University of Canterbury (2009)
NASA Group Achievement Award – TIMED mission (2008)
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Junior Faculty, University of Colorado (2007)
AIAA Rocky Mountain Section Educator of the Year (2007)
College of Engineering & Applied Science Dean’s Award for Outstanding Junior Faculty (2007)
NSF CAREER Award (2005)
Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award (2005)
Sigma Xi Northwest Regional Young Investigator (2004 & 2005)

Research Interests

Design, construction, deployment and operation of small satellite systems. Remote sensing of the thermosphere and ionosphere. Meteor radar design and operation. Arctic and Antarctic UAS measurement systems.

October 26, 2023

SpectrumX sends center comment in response to FCC Notice of Inquiry, as agency strives to understand non-federal spectrum usage

In August, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a special invitation. In a Notice of Inquiry (NOI), it called upon researchers and others to help the FCC use “today’s tools to understand tomorrow’s commercial spectrum usage.” SpectrumX, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Spectrum Innovation Center, rose to the occasion. It submitted a center NOI comment with ten contributing authors and eight center endorsers.

August 8, 2023

Participants from five continents join together to learn from telecommunications experts at University of Colorado Boulder

During the week of July 10, 2023, faculty and researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) hosted participants from five continents for the United States Telecommunication Training Institute (USTTI). Each day of the five-day course focused on a new topic: trends and impact in telecommunications, spectrum management and radio frequency technology, law and regulatory aspects around the globe, technology and innovations, and participant case study presentations.

February 23, 2023

SpectrumX leadership participate in URSI National Radio Science Meeting

In early January, radio science researchers from across the United States and beyond came together for the National Radio Science Meeting (NRSM) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The meeting was attended by six SpectrumX members, who hosted workshops and participated in multiple panel discussions. The NRSM is sponsored by the U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Radio Science.

November 16, 2022

Spectrum Policy Makers, Stakeholders, and Researchers Gather at Silicon Flatirons Event

Interference conflicts are ongoing challenges within the radio spectrum field. Within the U.S. spectrum ecosystem, commercial wireless networks for communication, internet access, scientific sensing for both environment and radio astronomy, broadcast, radar, position/navigation/timing, and more create a sometimes crowded atmosphere where signals compete.