Social media use at AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, was strong compared to previous years. At the 2016 forum in Salt Lake, attendees posted 288 tweets that appeared on social media display screens set up throughout the conference. At this year’s forum, moderators approved 535 tweets to display to the boards.

By Hannah Godofsky, AIAA Communications From 12 to 14 July, a symposium was held at Hampton Roads Convention Center as part of the celebration of NASA Langley Research Center’s 100 years of technical excellence. Tom Irvine, managing director of Content Development at AIAA (pictured left), moderated a panel titled, “Aeronautics Research Partnerships: Celebrating the First

AIAA Profiles AIAA Senior Member Melissa B. Rivers By Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor With NASA Langley Research Center having celebrated its 100th anniversary in July, the Institute thought it appropriate and timely to select Melissa B. Rivers, a longtime staff member at the center and one of its key contributors, as its July-August 2017 AIAA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] AIAA Foundation Announces Results of Its Undergraduate Life Sciences Team Design Competition September 6, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation is pleased to announce the results of its 2016–2017 Undergraduate Life Sciences Team Design Competition. The competition asked teams to design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Associate Fellow to be Named Executive Secretary of National Space Council July 14, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates Dr. Scott Pace on his pending appointment by President Donald Trump to lead the newly reestablished National Space Council. Pace,

Panelists: Moderator Julie Van Kleeck, vice president of advanced space and launch programs and strategy, Aerojet Rocketdyne; Darby Cooper, senior manager for integrated analysis, Space Launch System, Exploration Launch Systems, Boeing; Steve Jolly, chief engineer for commercial civil space, Lockheed Martin; Jerrol Littles, director of advanced launch vehicle propulsion, Aerojet Rocketdyne; David H. Manzella, solar-electric

Panelists: Moderator Matthew McCrink, Aerospace Research Center, The Ohio State University; Mike Armstrong, vision systems lead, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies; William J. Fredericks, founder and CEO, Advanced Aircraft Co.; Matt Hutchison, vice president of engineering, Aurora Flight Sciences; Jeremiah McNatt, Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Systems Branch, NASA’s Glenn Research Center; Joseph Valenzuela, senior business development executive,

Speaker: Rafael A. Garcia, director, Propulsion Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command By Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor The convergence of existing and rapidly advancing technologies has set the stage for a 21st century industrial revolution and a new era in aviation, said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. During the “New Era of

Speaker: Rafael A. Garcia, director, Propulsion Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command By Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor For the U.S. to sustain its long-standing level of excellence and its global edge in military aviation, propulsion costs must go down as readiness increases, said Rafael A. Garcia, director of Air Force Materiel Command’s Propulsion Directorate. During the “Military Propulsion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] June 30, 2017 – Reston, Va. – AIAA Executive Director Sandy Magnus, along with other members of the AIAA community, attended an event today at the White House where President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order reestablishing the National Space Council. The Council, which was last operational during

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] June 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present the following awards at a recognition luncheon on July 12, as part of the 2017 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition (AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum), July 10–12, at

by Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) While most of the faces in the crowd at the recently held 2017 AIAA AVIATION Forum belonged to professional engineers and college students majoring in aerospace disciplines, one belonged to the event’s youngest attendee, 16-year-old Katie Esker, a rising junior at Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in Lakeland, Florida.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Military Propulsion Needs, Future of Aircraft Propulsion, Hypersonic Flight, Space Exploration Propulsion Among Topics to be Explored June 15, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will hold its 2017 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition (AIAA Propulsion and Energy

by Hannah Godofsky, AIAA Communications Social media has become an integral part of participating in AIAA forums and the 2017 AVIATION Forum in Denver, Colorado, was no exception. During the forum, attendees posted 2,808 messages in total. These messages on social media reached an audience of millions of students and professionals who were unable to

Speaker: Mark Moore, director of aviation, Uber By Tom Risen, Aerospace America Staff Reporter (2017-2018) City-dwellers spend hours in traffic, but the wave of companies building electric vertical takeoff and landing craft, or eVTOLs, could allow commuters to fly above gridlock, Mark Moore, the engineering director of aviation for Uber, said June 9 at the 2017 AIAA AVIATION

Panelists: moderator David Loda, executive director, NCPS Research LLC; Sam Kogan, chief executive officer, Gen5 Group LLC; Dave Kasik, senior technical fellow, Boeing; U.S. Air Force Col. Tim West, senior materiel leader, Test Operations Division, Arnold Engineering Development Complex; Zhennan Cao, president, STARC Solutions Ltd., China; Wu Hui, general manager, (HRG) HIT Special Robot Group

Panelists: Moderators Brian J. German, associate professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; JoeBen Bevirt, founder, Joby Aviation; Geoffrey Bower, chief engineer, A^3 by Airbus Group; Gregory J. Bowles, vice president of global innovation and policy, General Aviation Manufacturers Association; David Josephson, engineer/CEO, Josephson Engineering Inc.; Mark D. Moore, director of aviation,

Panelists: Moderator Andrew R. Gibson, president of business development and aerospace engineer, Empirical Systems Aerospace; Mike Hirschberg, executive director, AHS International — The Vertical Flight Technical Society; Amy Jankovsky, subproject manager, Hybrid Gas-Electric Propulsion, NASA’s Glenn Research Center; Matt Knapp, founder and aero CTO, Zunum Aero; Joseph Oldham, director, San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center,

Panelists: Moderator Peter Coen, project manager of commercial supersonic technology, NASA’s Langley Research Center; Michael Buonanno, deputy chief engineer, QueSST X-Plane, Lockheed Martin; Robert Cowart, director of supersonic technology development, Gulfstream Aerospace; Vik Kachoria, president and CEO, Spike Aerospace; Blake Scholl, founder and CEO, Boom Technology; Gurdip Singh Ubhi, business development executive, Rolls-Royce by Tom Risen, Aerospace

Panelists: Moderator Dale Richards, senior research fellow in human factors, Coventry University; Danette Allen, senior technologist, Intelligent Flight Systems, NASA; Andrew Lacher, senior principal and unmanned and autonomous research strategist, The MITRE Corp.; David Mindell, founder and CEO, Humatics Corp., and professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Hannah Godofsky, AIAA Communications The relationship between humans and

Speaker: David Mindell, founder and CEO, Humatics Corp., and professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) As autonomous systems become more numerous, humanity will have to find ways to integrate them, but according to David Mindell, founder and CEO of Massachusetts-based Humatics Corp. and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that won’t be as

Speaker: Paul Eremenko, chief technology officer, Airbus by Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor Airbus is determined to play a leading role in what Paul Eremenko, Airbus’ chief technology officer, considers the third aerospace revolution. “This is a chance not just to influence, not just to leave a mark, but really to imagine and build the future

Panelists: Moderator Glenn Roberts, chief engineer, Center for Advanced Aviation System Development, The MITRE Corp.; Jonathan Evans, co-president, Skyward; Jesse Kallman, president, Airbus Aerial; Van Espahbodi, co-founder and COO, Starburst Accelerator; Wes Ryan, manager, Programs & Procedures (Advanced Technology), Small Airplane Directorate, FAA by Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) Participants in the panel discussion, “The

Panelists: Moderator Starr Ginn, deputy aeronautics research director, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center; Edward L. Burnett, senior fellow, Modeling, Simulation, and Controls, Lockheed Martin; Robert E. Curry, chief scientist, Armstrong; Bill Gray, chief pilot, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School; Nils Larson, chief, Flight Crew Branch, Armstrong; Daniel Murri, NASA technical fellow for flight mechanics,

Speaker: Hannes Ross, consultant, Solar Impulse Project by Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) The success of the Solar Impulse 2 aircraft’s flight around the world demonstrates we can have technology that saves energy and uses clean energy sources, Hannes Ross, a consultant with the Solar Impulse Project, said June 5 during the Wright Brothers Lecture in

AIAA Profiles David A. Throckmorton By Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) Tired of the high altitude problems posed by the Rockies, the Spotlight turned its beam east this month, falling on Hampton, Virginia, and illuminating David A. Throckmorton, AIAA Fellow, and Vice President of Research at the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA). As the Vice President of

Panelists: Moderator John Tylko, chief innovation officer, Aurora Flight Sciences; Fay Collier, project manager, Environmentally Responsible Aviation, NASA’s Langley Research Center; Mark Drela, Terry J. Kohler professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Alan H. Epstein, vice president of technology and environment, Pratt & Whitney; Robert H. Liebeck, chief scientist of the

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Will Partner With Heidrick & Struggles For Recruitment June 1, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest and most influential aerospace technical society, today announced its search for its next executive director. Current Executive Director Sandra H. Magnus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] 2017 AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition To Discuss “Innovation or Disruption – Which Comes First?” Autonomy, Electric Aviation, Human-Machine Interaction, Supersonic Transport, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Among Subjects to be Explored May 18, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] AIAA To Celebrate Achievements in Aerospace Sciences At Its 2017 Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition May 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will celebrate technical achievements in aerospace sciences at a 12:30 p.m. (MDT) recognition luncheon on June

$500 Grants Available for First-Time Teams May 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation, The Boeing Company, and FIRST LEGO League have entered into a collaboration to provide grants to FIRST LEGO League teams. Teams participating in the program for the first time can apply for grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] AIAA To Recognize Achievements in Aircraft and Atmospheric Systems At Its 2017 Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition May 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will celebrate technical achievements in aircraft and atmospheric systems at a 12:30 p.m. (MDT)

AIAA Profiles Dr. Robert C. Winn By Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) Wanting to see springtime in the Rockies, the Spotlight turned its beam west this month, falling on Colorado Springs, Colorado, and illuminating Dr. Robert C. Winn, an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow, and chairman of the board, a principal of

AIAA will be holding a Standards Open Forum on 7 June 2017 in conjunction with the AIAA AVIATION Forum in Denver, CO.  The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the AIAA Standards program and the new standards operational structure which is aimed at providing better overall guidance as well as a better connection

The world of aviation is at a crossroads. Social and economic disruptors like the growth in UAVs, increased cyber risks, and new green aviation requirements are relying on innovations in electric propulsion, digital manufacturing, robotics, and autonomy to address future requirements. At the 2017 AIAA AVIATION Forum, you will engage in conversations with about 3,000 participants–presidents, vice

AIAA Profiles Dr. Achille Messac By Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008-2017) Deciding to stay in warmer climes, the Spotlight remained on the East Coast again this month, spinning around from Greensboro, North Carolina, and landing on Washington, DC, shining its beam on Dr. Achille Messac, an AIAA Fellow, and Dean of Engineering and Architecture at Howard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] AIAA Announces 2017 Institute Board of Trustees and Council of Directors Election Results April 12, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the results of its 2017 AIAA Board of Trustees and Council of Directors election. “I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Honored for Outstanding and Sustained Contributions to Solving Real-World Problems in Aerodynamics of Propulsion Components, Systems, and Integration March 24, 2017– Reston, Va. – Edward M. Greitzer, an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Honorary Fellow, and the H.N. Slater Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Melissa B. Rivers, NASA; John C. Vassberg, The Boeing Company; Richard A. Wahls, NASA March 22, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Melissa B. Rivers, research aerospace engineer, Research Directorate, NASA Langley Research Center; John C. Vassberg, Boeing Technical Fellow, and technical lead, BCA Advanced Concepts/Design Center, The

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Honored for Service and Leadership to America’s Space Program March 21, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., United States Marine Corps (retired) and former NASA administrator, has won the 2017 AIAA Public Service Award. Bolden will receive the award at the AIAA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Honored for Over Three Decades of Exemplary Service and Leadership to AIAA March 20, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Robert C. Winn, an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow, and chairman of the board, a principal of the firm, and director of aviation at Engineering

AIAA Profiles Dr. Samantha Magill By Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008–2017) The Spotlight stuck to the East Coast this month, shining on Greensboro, North Carolina, and illuminating AIAA Associate Fellow Dr. Samantha Magill of Honda Aircraft Company. Magill is the company’s head of special projects and diversity and inclusion. Since joining Honda Aircraft Company in 2010,

by Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor Sofia Russi, a mechanical engineer for Denmar Technical Services in Las Vegas, NV, and an AIAA member since 2002, has been selected as the new Young Professional (YP) Liaison to the AIAA Board of Trustees.  Her term begins in May 2017 and ends in May 2019. A US Air

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Awards Recognize Outstanding Engineering, Math, Science and Technology Students July 22, 2016 – Reston, Va. – Twelve student members of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) have been named winners of Aviation Week Network’s awards program: “Tomorrow’s Engineering Leaders: The 20 Twenties.” “Each year the

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze and Frans Schenk Win 2017 AIAA/AAAE/ACC Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award Honored for Their Design of the Buitenschot Land Art ParkFebruary 17, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze, advisor, H+N+S Landscape Architects and Frans Schenk, project leader, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, The Netherlands,

AIAA Profiles Dr. John Crassidis By Duane Hyland, AIAA Communications (2008–2017) Rested from its brief trip home, the Spotlight ventured up the East Coast toward Lake Erie, shining its beam on Amherst, New York, and illuminating John Crassidis, an AIAA Fellow, and CUBRC Professor in Space Situational Awareness, and Director of the Center for Multisource

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Recognizes Research and Contributions to Supersonic Wind Tunnel Research, Gas Dynamics, and History of Technology February 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Walter G. Vincenti, AIAA Fellow, and professor emeritus of aeronautics and astronautics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, has won the 2016 AIAA/ASME/SAE/AHS Daniel Guggenheim Medal. Vincenti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected]   AIAA Congratulates John M. Grunsfeld On Being Selected as the Winner of the 2017 National Space Trophy February 6, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates AIAA Senior Member John M. Grunsfeld, retired astronaut, and former associate administrator of the

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AIAA John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Recognizes Research and Contributions to Supersonic Wind Tunnel Research, Gas Dynamics, and History of Technology January 31, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has selected its Class of 2017 AIAA Fellows and Honorary Fellows. The induction ceremony will take place

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Blacksten 703.264.7532 [email protected] Hanspeter Schaub Appointed Editor-in-Chief of AIAA’s Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets January 20, 2017 – Reston, Va. – Jim Maser, president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), has appointed Dr. Hanspeter Schaub, an AIAA Associate Fellow and the Alfred T. and Betty E. Look