Korvath Institute for Planetary Sciences

About KIPS

The Korvath Institute for Planetary Sciences is a private research institution founded to support independent scientific inquiry at the intersection of stellar cartography, exoplanet science, and planetary research. KIPS hosts a rotating cohort of research fellows drawn from Starfleet and civilian academic backgrounds, providing access to observational data, research facilities, and a collaborative scientific community.

Fellows at KIPS pursue original research programs during fixed-term appointments, with full access to the institute's data archives, computational resources, and instrumentation. The institute is committed to producing rigorous, peer-reviewed science that advances our collective understanding of the galaxy.

Current Fellows

Lieutenant Commander Nella Daren
Stellar Cartography and Exoplanet Research

Research focus: Nadion pulse echo mapping of stellar populations, exoplanet candidate surveys, and proper motion analysis of high-velocity stars in the local galactic neighborhood.

Commander Tavis Orel
Planetary Atmospheres and Spectroscopy

Research focus: Atmospheric characterization of super-Earth candidates using transmission spectroscopy, with an emphasis on biosignature detection in M-dwarf habitable zones.

Lieutenant Saya Miren
Galactic Structure and Dark Matter Distribution

Research focus: Mapping the distribution of dark matter in the outer galactic disk using stellar kinematics and gravitational lensing data from long-baseline interferometric surveys.

Our Academic Programs

The Korvath Institute for Planetary Sciences supports independent research fellows working at the forefront of stellar cartography, exoplanet discovery, and planetary science. Our programs are designed to advance scientific understanding through rigorous observational research and data analysis.

Stellar Maps

The stellar cartography program at KIPS develops high-resolution maps using nadion pulse echo mapping techniques. Current research focuses on parallax-based distance measurements and the characterization of stellar density in high-complexity regions.

Exoplanets

KIPS researchers conduct photometric transit surveys and radial velocity follow-up observations to identify and characterize exoplanet candidates. Active programs include atmospheric retrieval analysis and habitability assessments for super-Earth candidates.

The planetary science division investigates the formation, composition, and evolution of planetary bodies across the galaxy. Research areas include atmospheric dynamics, surface geology of rocky worlds, and comparative planetology.

Planetary Science

Our Location

KIPS is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, home to a growing academic and research community and within close proximity to major astronomical observation facilities along the Eastern Seaboard.

Address

2197 Stellar Way, Suite 13
Charlotte, North Carolina
United States

Hours

Administrative Office:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST

Research facilities available to fellows 24/7 with valid KIPS credentials