Michael Craton
Why did you decide to pursue a career at the Laboratory?
I joined the Lab to do research and develop technology that is unmotivated by profit, pushes the bounds of human understanding, and benefits all. I previously worked at companies where I felt that I was discouraged from learning or stepping outside of my core responsibilities, and I was only allowed to share new ideas if the company thought they could be monetized. Whereas at the Lab, innovation and inventiveness are central to what we do. Here, I’ve contributed to projects implementing new capabilities that have never been published or demonstrated before.
What does your research focus on? What are examples of projects you’ve worked on?
My research focuses on microwave and RF [radio-frequency] systems, mostly for use in space. I analyze, design, and build prototypes of antennas, arrays, and RF electronics. I’ve worked on a wide range of radios and antenna systems, high-power arrays and antennas, and very low-frequency transmitters. I’m particularly proud of my work developing new methods for using and calibrating scanning reflectarrays and designing resilient sparse adaptive antenna arrays.
What’s a typical day at the Laboratory like?
My days vary. Sometimes I’m building simulations and designing components. Sometimes I’m measuring, constructing, or fixing hardware. Other times, I’m analyzing collected data or writing and reporting on what I have learned. I like that I’m almost never doing the same task for very long.
Are you involved in any Laboratory community activities?
In 2024, I was selected to be a member of the Technology Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG has one representative appointed from each Lab division who rotates every two years and works closely with Technology Office staff to select projects for internal funding, help organize challenges and initiatives to encourage technology innovation, and evaluate submissions for internal annual awards recognizing best paper and invention. The TAG has been a fantastic way to learn more about what is going on at the Lab. I’ve also recruited for the Lab at Michigan State, where I went to grad school, and taught a course on RF hardware components through the Technical Education Committee Program, part of the Lab’s professional development offerings.
What are your favorite activities?
Reading, woodworking and carving, soap making, baking, and cooking are among my hobbies. I enjoy reading science fiction, history, and philosophy. Some of my favorite authors are Ursula K. Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut, Leo Tolstoy, and Howard Zinn. I’ve more recently taken up woodcarving, making animals and figures as gifts for my family and friends. I love to bake cakes, buns, and other sweets.