Mr. Caflisch specializes in the field of aerospace engineering, with an emphasis in theoretical and applied aerodynamics, air and spacecraft design and testing, systems integration, and autonomous vehicle development.
Prior to joining Exponent, Mr. Caflisch completed graduate studies at Stanford University’s Aeronautics and Astronautics department, where his coursework included the successful design, aerodynamic analysis, construction, and operation of a fully autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (U.A.V.). Further experience included working to design, implement, integrate, and operate a coordinated fleet of autonomous Mars- style Rovers, as part of a Stanford Space and Systems Development Laboratory initiative geared towards preparing a successful candidate for the Google Lunar X PRIZE.
Before attending Stanford, Mr. Caflisch studied Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, England, where his emphasis was in soft condensed matter and biophysics. His graduate research investigated the three-dimensional swelling properties of unconstrained crosslinked polymer networks, during which he gained familiarity with wetlab operation, microscopy, and polymer synthesis.
Mr. Caflisch has had internship experience in such varied fields as strategic management consultancy, environmental testing of aircraft ejection seats, oilfield services research, and oilfield production and operation, where he worked in a team operating oil/water/gas separators and carrying out equipment servicing and repairs in the rainforests of Gabon, Central Africa.