MEDIA RELEASE

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) staff continues to grow, with Dr. Elliot Sanders of Hilo as the newest addition to the team.

Elliot Sanders

He has been selected for the Center’s part-time Senior Technologist position.

Sanders brings 25 years of research and development, integrating expertise in mechanical engineering, material science, biology, and chemical engineering processes which have led to advances in spinal, cardiovascular and neurovascular medicine.

Transforming ideas into realities is his favorite occupation and he’s had the privilege of working on such projects as force-sensing robotic fingers, bio-prosthetic heart valves, cardiovascular and neurovascular stents, polymer fuel cells, and much more.

Sanders currently holds an affiliate faculty position at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management, where he is developing an engineering program and conducting research on mobility devices.

As the Senior Technologist for PISCES, Sanders will lead the engineering and research for the Center’s 3D Laser Printing project. It involves investigating the use of 3D laser printers to do sintering of basalt ‘fines’, which are small particles of basaltic powder made by rock crushers in quarries.

The goal is to be able to construct small parts/objects such as space tools out of martian dirt. Doing so would help enable space explorers to ‘live off the land’ of other planets.

This technology would also have applications on Earth. Making small parts from Hawaii’s stock of basalt fines has the potential to create advanced manufacturing opportunities within the State, thereby generating 21st century jobs locally.

Sanders holds a PhD in Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia.

His first day with PISCES was Feb. 19.

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PISCES Launches New Website

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems has announced the release of its new website, designed with a crisp, futuristic look, fresh content and user-friendly navigation.

Big Island company Infinity Consulting constructed the new online home and executed the team’s vision far beyond its creative expectations.

Visit the new website at: www.PISCES.hawaii.gov