STEPHEN THIAM-CHOY KWOK-CHOON

Assistant Professor

Stephen Kwok-Choon obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from Florida Institute of Technology. Stephen has worked as a Quality Engineer Contractor at Embraer Executive Jets, Melbourne, Florida, with the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 program, focused on non-conformance, root cause analysis, and process improvement. In May 2019, Stephen graduated with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on robotics, dynamics, and controls. Stephen then worked as a Post-Doctoral Researcher with the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, performing robotic hopping maneuvers experiments with Astrobee aboard the International Space Station.

In 2022 Stephen joined Cal Poly as a Post-Doctoral Lecturer for the Mechanical Engineering Department, followed in 2023 as a Full-Time Lecturer for the Aerospace Engineering Department. In January 2025 Stephen is excited to be starting as an Assistant Professor for the Aerospace Engineering Department.

His research interest is in hardware-in-the-loop experimentation, methods of utilization of robots for space applications related to in-space robotic assembly, active space debris removal, locomotion, and actuation of robotic mechanisms. Stephen enjoys an occasional game of chess, being active, hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends, colleagues, and family.

Research Interests

  • Spacecraft Robotic Mechanisms
  • Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation of Space Systems
  • Active Space Debris Removal
  • Design, Deployment, and Testing of Space Systems

Office Hours for Fall 2024

Will be returning for winter quarter