Mr. Jelsma has extensive experience with managing and performing the design, development, and characterization of novel device technology with a strong, hands on approach. This is supported by a thorough background in applied physics and a broad knowledge of common lab equipment, ranging from vacuum systems and electronics to diamond turned electroforming processes. He has also played a key role in the commercialization of several technologies by negotiating large contracts with industry and forging other successful collaborations between academia and industry. Mr. Jelsma likes to work in a creative, team-oriented environment with responsibilities that include the design, fabrication, and commercialization of innovative technologies.
He received his Master of Science Physics in 1993 from the University of Colorado, Boulder, his Bachelor of Science Physics in 1990 from Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, Colorado, and his Bachelor of Arts and Industrial Technology, Summa cum Laude in 1983 from Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado. Presently Mr. Jelsma is the owner and R&D Consultant of Jelsma Consulting & Development, LLC, in Paonia, Colorado.
Mr. Jelsma has been involved in the design and development of custom x-ray optical systems, magnetic systems, prototype industrial devices and research/fabrication of numerous exotic energy technologies performed in his fully equipped machine shop and laboratory facilities. He has also analyzed and tested numerous alternative energy technologies. He has designed and fabricated several rotating permanent magnetic generators. He has performed research and construction of several hydrogen/oxygen generating systems and worked on novel dielectric based current generators with several groups. He was the director of the design and development of an x-ray optical system for microelectronic lithography and was also in charge of contract negotiations with microelectronic companies to develop x-ray lithography optics and experimental verification of x- ray optical systems for medical imaging and therapy. He also designed and fabricated a laser alignment system and patient positioning table for x-ray therapy. He has performed processing equipment development for magnet fabrication, prototype machining and design work for labs and local manufacturing concerns as well as experimental verification of magnetic vector potential and creating novel type applications.
In 2000-2003 he was the head R&D/Process Engineer for Research Electro-Optics in Boulder, Colorado. There Mr. Jelsma oversaw the development of optical machining for precision optics (or any ceramics). He developed production capability to do CNC rotary ultrasonic machining of optics, developed production capability to do stationary (plunge) ultrasonic machining of optics; directed, operated, and maintained all ultrasonic milling operations (with its supporting technologies) of optical components; and designed and tested specialized tooling for ultrasonic machines. During 1994 – 1999 he was a Professional Research Assistant at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy with the University of Colorado, at Boulder. There he designed, developed, and commercialized custom x-ray optical systems; performed optical system research for microelectronic x-ray lithography as well as the opto-mechanical design and testing of the x-ray imaging system for the high energy space telescope. He also led contract negotiations with large medical device companies to commercialize his x-ray optical technology. When he was a Research Assistant at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy, University of Colorado at Boulder from 1992-1994 he was involved with the design, development, and space deployment of an x-ray spectrograph and also did the opto-mechanical design and development of an x-ray spectrograph which was launched on a sounding rocket at White Sands Missile Range, NM.
In 1991 he did the launch preparations and data analysis of the neutron star Sco X-1 spectrum and in 1992 he was an Assistant Instrument Maker for the Joint Institute of Laboratory Astrophysics, Boulder CO. There he made a variety of laboratory equipment while refining machining skills under the tutelage of Master Instrument Makers.
Kepler is extremely excited to have Mr. Jelsma on our team. Kepler plans to apply Sky’s extensive background and experience with design, development, and manufacturing to all of its products. His background in 3D and CNC manufacturing will add to Kepler’s already experienced team. He will also be assisting in the building and testing of Kepler’s MEC (Magnetic Energy Converter). Kepler is looking forward to having Mr. Jelsma with the team at our Midland Spaceport facilities.
Innovation through evolution and design
Exploring avenues of gravity modification technologies and gravitational shielding
Innovators of technology development
Unraveling the secrets of our planet, and beyond
Security through smart technologies