01
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
GPA: 3.52 / 4.00
May 2026 – Present
Chiran Binnu Cherian
Ph.D. Student in Aerospace Engineering
Iowa State University · Ames, Iowa
cbckbc@iastate.eduAbout
Researching estimation, control, and intelligent engineering systems.
I am a Ph.D. student in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University. My research spans spacecraft navigation and estimation, nonlinear and higher-order filtering, stochastic optimal control, covariance steering, and machine-learning applications in engineering systems.
My current work explores estimation methods that move beyond conventional linear measurement updates, including quadratic and higher-order polynomial filtering approaches. I also work on risk-sensitive optimal control and covariance steering, while maintaining an interdisciplinary interest in data-driven modeling of engineering materials.
Education
Academic background
02
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Thesis
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
GPA: 3.52 / 4.00
January 2024 – May 2026
03
B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering
Vellore Institute of Technology
Vellore, India
GPA: 7.94 / 10.00
July 2019 – May 2023
Research Interests
Areas I am exploring
01
Space Autonomy, Navigation, and Estimation
Nonlinear filtering, Bayesian estimation, polynomial Kalman filtering, uncertainty quantification, sigma-point methods, and spacecraft relative navigation.
Explore research →
02
Optimal Control
Stochastic optimal control, covariance steering, risk-sensitive control, nonlinear optimization, and trajectory optimization.
Explore research →
03
AI/ML for Engineering Materials
Machine-learning methods for prediction and characterization of mechanical and wear behavior in engineering materials.
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Technical Skills
Methods and tools
Programming & Scientific Computing
Python MATLAB Mathematica
Estimation & Filtering
Kalman Filtering EKF UKF QEKF QUKF Polynomial Filtering Sigma-Point Methods Conjugate Unscented Transformation Monte Carlo Analysis
Optimal Control & Optimization
Stochastic Optimal Control Covariance Steering Nonlinear Optimization Trajectory Optimization
Astrodynamics & Navigation
Clohessy-Wiltshire Dynamics CR3BP Lambert Problem Orbit Determination Spacecraft Relative Navigation
Engineering & Simulation
ABAQUS ANSYS Fluent SolidWorks Autodesk Fusion 360 OpenRocket
Computing Platforms
Google Colab Jetstream2
Looking Ahead
Building across estimation, control, and autonomy
I am interested in developing rigorous computational methods for estimation and control that can operate under nonlinear dynamics, uncertainty, and non-Gaussian environments, with particular interest in aerospace and autonomous systems.