Team USSF Nuclear Detection
Team USSF Nuclear Detection
University of Michigan
Shaking Up Calibration: H4D Team Tackles Outdated Seismometer Systems for the Air Force
The Team
Samantha Jayasundera
• BSE in Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan
• Space Systems Development Intern at U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Nathaniel Van Der Weide
• B.S. in Data Science and Financial Mathematics from the University of Michigan
• Investment Analyst at Sixth Street
Dana Thurnell
• BBA at the Michigan Ross School of Business, 2027
• Minors in Political Science and History
Problem Sponsor
Air Force, 709th Support Squadron (SPTS)
Original Problem Statement
709th Support Squadron (SPTS) needs a modernized instrument testing procedure to make training and the calibration of critical nuclear detection components more efficient.
Beneficiary Discovery Interviews
47
The Innovation
Hacking for Defense (“H4D”) students are working side by side with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by improving seismometer calibration for nuclear detection. This semester, University of Michigan’s student team—Dana Thurnell, Samantha Jayasundera, and Nathaniel Van Der Weide—has been diving into real-world defense issues, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise in venture capital, data science, and electrical engineering. “I wanted to blend my interests in startup entrepreneurship with defense, and H4D seemed like the perfect way to do that,” Thurnell shared. Jayasundera, who has a background in both the defense sector and engineering, and Van Der Weide, with his data science and entrepreneurial experience, were eager to apply their skills in a meaningful way.
Their task from the Department of Defense was to overhaul the outdated manual calibration process for seismometers used in nuclear detection. “We initially faced a broad challenge, but we zeroed in on the need for a modern Shaker table and interferometer setup to speed up and automate the calibration process,” Jayasundera explained. The team’s goal was to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) that would address these needs effectively.
To get there, they reached out to a range of experts, including Dr. Felipe Guzmán from the University of Arizona. Through these conversations, they uncovered the limitations of the current manual methods and the need for more advanced technology. “It was eye-opening to see how outdated the manual process was compared to industry standards,” Thurnell said. This realization guided their approach and led them to recommend an innovative, automated system.
Their MVP demonstrated a new way to handle seismometer calibration with an automated setup that streamlined both mechanical and electrical processes. “We designed a system that not only speeds up calibration but also simplifies training with standardized technology,” Van Der Weide noted. The DoD sponsor, who had struggled for years to get a modern calibration solution, was impressed by the team’s practical and impactful approach. Their work showed how a fresh perspective and innovative solutions could make a real difference in defense operations.
Team USSF’s Hacking for Defense Experience
Dana, Nathaniel, and Samantha each found that the H4D course was a game-changer for how they approach real-world problems. For Dana, it was a chance to dive into practical problem-solving rather than just theorizing. “This course was about more than just coming up with a big idea; it was about digging deep into the real issues and finding actionable solutions,” she shared. Nathaniel, who has a background in data science, appreciated the structured approach the course provided. “The methodology helped us break down a huge problem into smaller, manageable pieces and validate each step along the way,” he said.
The team’s diverse experiences—ranging from venture capital to data science and electrical engineering—created a powerful mix for tackling their project. Samantha, with her previous experience in defense, was particularly driven by the chance to make a tangible impact. “It was incredibly fulfilling to use my engineering skills to address a real-world problem and see the improvements firsthand,” she reflected.
Looking back, they all recognized how the H4D methodology shaped their approach. Dana realized that truly understanding the problem required hearing experiences from a variety of people. “Each interview was like adding a piece to a puzzle. It was essential to fit these pieces together to see the full picture,” she explained. Nathaniel noted how their grasp of the Mission Model Canvas grew with each week. “We kept refining our approach based on new insights from our interviews and discussions, which helped us create a more effective solution,” he said. Samantha described the learning curve as picking up a new language. “At first, it felt like I was trying to understand a foreign language. But by the end, I was able to get a good grasp of the concepts and apply them effectively,” she added.
What’s Next
As they move forward, each of them is excited to apply what they’ve learned. Dana plans to use her enhanced problem-solving skills in venture capital, Nathaniel hopes to bring his new insights into future data science projects, and Samantha is eager to continue innovating in defense. Their H4D experience has left them with a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and thorough analysis, and they’re ready to tackle future challenges with this newfound perspective.