Fredrick A. Jenet

Fredrick has 25 years of space exploration and development experience combined with deep knowledge of space data analytics. He has extensive experience starting and leading new technology development efforts, organizing and directing teams of scientists and engineers, and interacting with high-level decision-makers in industry and academia.

Astrophysicist-entrepreneur, Fredrick has 25 years of space exploration and development experience combined with deep knowledge of space data analytics. He has extensive experience starting and leading new technology development efforts, organizing and directing teams of scientists and engineers, and interacting with high-level decision-makers in industry and academia.

Fredrick is a well-published author in peer-reviewed scientific journals like the American Journal of Physics, The Astrophysical Journal, and Nature on a variety of research topics including novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, advanced signal processing, data analysis, sensor systems, and large scale simulations. He holds two patents for sensor systems in the energy industry, and he has founded several companies.

As an innovative community leader, he is passionate about space exploration and using it to transform underrepresented regions. He founded the University of Texas’ first research center of excellence, the Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy, in South Texas focused on developing space technologies. His efforts played a major role in attracting SpaceX to South Texas. As part of this effort, he created the University’s STARGATE program with facilities located at the Boca Chica launch facility. Fredrick also founded the non-profit organization Expanding Frontiers, which provides novel educational experiences and hands-on training for students, veterans, and aspiring entrepreneurs that is creating and accelerating the growth of an innovation ecosystem in Brownsville, Texas with emphasis on space and energy technologies. Working closely with the City of Brownsville, having coined the term “NewSpace City Brownsville,” his work is transforming the region into a home for space entrepreneurs.

Fredrick received an S.B. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology. He did his postdoctoral work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and was a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.