Christopher Allison is the Regulatory Affairs Lead for Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems. In support of SNC’s Dream Chaser® orbital vehicle program, he has served as the Federal Agencies Integration Lead and Landing Site Coordinator. In recent years, Mr. Allison has represented SNC to the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of State, and Federal launch Ranges coordinating compliance with government requirements and regulations in support of planned Dream Chaser launches and landings. Recently Mr. Allison was asked to represent SNC on 3 Aviation Rulemaking Committees discussing topics of commercial space regulations and integration into the National Airspace System. He is also Chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s Regulatory Committee and advises SNC representation on COMSTAC. In support of the Advanced Development team at SNC, Mr. Allison leads the SNC Landing Site Designation and supports coordination of secondary payloads on NASA CRS2 missions as well as dedicated payloads on future Dream Chaser free flying missions.
People Category: AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum 2019
David Dimmett
As the chief academic officer of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation in Southwest Indiana, David Dimmett was instrumental in leading innovation and unprecedented improvements in student achievement. With an eye always toward increasing opportunities for students, David facilitated the curriculum and instruction for the district, developed strategic partnerships, and implemented several innovative school models including Early College High School and New Tech Institute using the Project Lead The Way Engineering program.
Today, David leads PLTW’s network development, government relations, marketing and communications teams. He passionately supports program quality and growth, as well as coordinates key partnerships and education initiatives to meet the needs of students, educators, schools, and communities.
Shaun Humes
Shaun Humes is a passionate Senior Program Manager in the Boeing Programs Department at Collins Aerospace. Shaun is currently responsible for the 787 portfolio of advanced avionics. Shaun has over nine years of experience at Collins having worked in engineering on various programs, spanning from the North African C-130 Flight 2 avionics retrofit to one of the first applications of the company’s Pro Line Fusion Touch avionics suite.
Since the age of four, Humes knew he wanted to be involved in the operation or design of aircraft. Shaun received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Economics from Iowa State University. In May 2019, Shaun graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Executive MBA program—also receiving the college’s Leadership Certificate.
Shaun is also the focal for Aerospace Engineering on the Collins Iowa State University Campus Team, Vice Chair of the Collins Aerospace Cedar Rapids African American Forum (AAF), Executive Board Member of the non-profit Horizons: A Family Service Alliance, and 2016 Aviation Week Young Professionals Advisory Board Member.
The Chicago area native has a passion for social and economic development, being a private pilot, family life, and spiritual well being. He currently enjoys life in Cedar Rapids, IA with his wife and two sons.
Marc Meredith
PJ Steffen
PJ Steffen has been with Rolls-Royce for over 22 years since graduating from Purdue University with a BS and MS in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering. Mr. Steffen is currently the Chief Future Projects Engineer for Civil Future Programs in North America. In this role he is responsible for advance application and engine concept design and development. He also works very closely with aircraft manufacturers to align product strategy and ensure technology roadmaps meet future requirements. In his time at Rolls-Royce Mr. Steffen has worked on many aspects of engine design, development, certification, testing, and aftermarket services. The first half of his career was spent supporting the AE 1107, AE 2100, and AE 3007 family of engines while the last 10 years he has focused on future programs and new product introduction.
J. Brent Staubach
Adam Dissel
Adam heads the US-based subsidiary of Reaction Engines, Reaction Engines Inc. located in Castle Rock, Colorado. For the past three year, Adam has led the expansion of the company’s development efforts with the US government and potential industry partners. Adam has over 16 years’ experience in the design of advanced hypersonic and launch vehicle systems with particular emphasis in the improvement of system affordability, responsiveness, and reusability. Adam was previously System Architect for Responsive Space at Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Colorado. He holds a PhD and master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University.
Robert Broeren
Space Launch System’s Boeing Stages Integrated Product Team lead. The SLS IPT lead includes all of the core stage propulsion, M&P, and design systems. Have previously been the ICPS (2nd stage) chief engineer. Prior to SLS I’ve worked on GPS III ground systems, Delta rocket propulsion manager, future combat system’s system engineering manager, space station and other proprietary satellite programs. I have a BS+MS+ED in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State / UCLA respectively and post bachelorette in physics from UC-Irvine.
Robert Hancock
Dr. Robert Hancock is the Principal Scientist of the Turbine Engine Division of the Aerospace Systems Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and with a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is responsible for the in-house research and development activities of the Turbine Engine Division and for R&D interactions with universities, small businesses and engine manufacturers. Dr. Hancock is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).