Scott Roberts

Scott’s research is focused on applying new materials and manufacturing techniques to solving JPL’s spaceflight problems. His thesis was primarily focused on the development of metallic glass alloys for low-temperature, lubricant-free actuators and gearboxes. Since joining JPL, he has found a second home supporting the thermal management groups in utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques to revolutionize their hardware. Ongoing projects focus on integrated 2ɸ thermo-structural solutions to provide thermal conductivities orders of magnitude greater than aluminum while being seamlessly integrated. Examples include thermal runaway-resistant Li-Ion battery cases, integrated electronics housings, and next-generation flexible heat pipes. He also works on using additive manufacturing for creating structures with locally microporous structures.


Education: 
  • PhD – California Institute of Technology, Materials Science, 2013
  • MS – California Institute of Technology, Materials Science, 2009
  • BS – Carnegie Mellon University, Materials Science & Engineering, 2007

Research Interests: 
  • Additively manufactured porous materials
  • 2ɸ thermal devices (cryogenic, ambient, and high temperature)
  • Mission planning & architecture
  • Thermographic imaging and process control
  • Processing of metallic glass/amorphous metal Enabling novel devices through advanced manufacturing techniques
  • Mentoring

Professional Experience: 

Selected Awards: 
  • Lew Allen Award, 2023, Leadership in AM Porous Materials Technology
  • JPL Voyager Award, 2022, Mentorship in additive manufacturing
  • JPL Team Award, 2021, Thermal measurements for microbial reduction
  • NASA@Work Winner, 2020, A battery case with integrated thermal management
  • JPL Voyager Award, 2019, Multi-phase heat transfer via AM
  • JPL Group Achievement Award/NASA Honor Award 2018
  • JPL Voyager Award, 2018, Additive Manufacturing of Thermal Devices
  • JPL Team Award, 2016, Additive Manufacturing & Mentorship
  • JPL Discovery Award, 2015, Thermal Imaging Expertise
  • JPL Best Poster Award, 2015
  • JPL Mariner Award, 2014, Gradient Alloys

Selected Publications: 
Scott Roberts
Address: 
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
Phone: 818.354.5175