Jan Osburg

Biography

Jan Osburg is an engineer at the RAND Corporation. Most of his projects are in the areas of aerospace engineering and defense. He spent six months in 2009 as an embedded analyst with MNF-I in Baghdad, Iraq.

He previously worked as a research engineer at the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology, where he led research projects that applied probabilistic modeling, simulation, and analysis methods and tools to the conceptual design of aerospace systems. He designed and managed a collaborative conceptual design facility, and participated in several strategic planning and technology selection efforts.

As a 2006/2007 fellow of Georgia Tech's Sam Nunn Security Program, Osburg studied national security and emergency preparedness issues. Projects included developing proactive options for the North Korean nuclear crisis, creating an interactive visualization capability for nuclear blast effects, and modeling the impact of disasters on cellular network infrastructure.

Following his interest in manned space exploration, Osburg has participated in multiple expeditions to Mars-analog research facilities, with roles ranging from crew commander and station engineer to health and safety officer.

While pursuing his doctoral degree, Osburg also worked as a research engineer and lecturer. His projects included developing an interdisciplinary approach to human integration into inhabited space systems, modeling life support systems, and organizing and directing international space station design workshops.

Osburg received his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Stuttgart.