John J. Schomer

The Ohio State University, Made In Space (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

John J. Schomer is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of structural health monitoring (SHM) and in-space manufacturing. His work centers on developing advanced sensor technologies to detect damage in complex systems before catastrophic failure occurs—critical for life-critical infrastructure and harsh environments. Schomer’s most impactful contribution is his 2019 study on embedding fiber Bragg grating sensors into metal structures via ultrasonic additive manufacturing, which enables real-time detection of crack initiation and growth. This work, with 39 citations, demonstrates a novel fusion of additive manufacturing and SHM that could revolutionize maintenance in aerospace and remote systems. Beyond sensor integration, Schomer has contributed to the future of space exploration through his 2018 paper on design reference missions for Archinaut, a NASA-supported initiative for in-space robotic manufacturing and assembly. Though less cited, this roadmap work highlights his forward-looking vision for autonomous construction in orbit. Schomer’s dual focus on embedded sensing and space manufacturing positions him as a key figure bridging materials science, robotics, and structural integrity—a researcher whose work promises safer, more resilient systems both on Earth and beyond.