Srihari Balaji

Srihari Balaji is a Research Fellow with UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme. He holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Union College. He currently works as a Research and Development Engineer at CapCO2 Solutions, where he develops multimillion-dollar grant proposals to support the deployment of sustainable aviation fuel projects.

Earlier in his career, Srihari led the development of a grant-winning chemical coating technology at NASA Marshall Space Flight Centre. His contributions led to this technology being featured in NASA’s Research and Technology Report 2022 and earned him induction into the Scientific Research Honor Society, an Interdisciplinary Research Award, and a Best Poster Award at the International Forum on Research Excellence 2023.

In recognition of his research impact, Srihari has been honoured with Aviation Week Network’s 20 Twenties award and the Space and Satellite Professionals International 20 Under 35 award.