The Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is organizing the AIAA Young Professionals, Students, and Educators (YPSE) Conference on November 20, 2026. The conference is at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Kossiakoff Center.
We are seeking 15-minute presentations in areas of interest to the aerospace community from young professionals (under 35 years old), graduates, undergraduates, high school students, and educators. Topics can be technical or focus on Gender, Generation, and Geography (3G+). YPSE only requires an abstract and presentation submission to participate in the presentation sessions. Written papers are not accepted.
Technical track: Presentations are scored on various criteria, including the ability to convey the impact of the work, demonstrate knowledge of the field and methodologies, and communicate effectively. Monetary prizes are awarded to exceptional presentations in the various categories listed above.
3G+ track: Presenters are encouraged to share their stories and speak on topics including but not limited to dealing with imposter syndrome/burnout, authenticity, empowerment and outreach, intersectionality, and more.
This is an excellent opportunity to share your work with the aerospace community and learn more about the innovative work of fellow aerospace enthusiasts! You do not need to be a member of the Mid-Atlantic Section to participate!
Registration
Registration for presenters and attendees is now OPEN at aiaaypse.com. Presenter abstract submissions are due by Tuesday, October 27th. Abstracts should be a 250-500-word overview of the topic you will be presenting. Abstracts may be released to conference attendees. Complete papers are not accepted. Abstract submissions should be submitted using the link received via email after completion of the registration process or by using this link. Abstract acceptance notifications will be sent by Friday, October 30st.
For more information about the conference, please visit aiaaypse.com. If you have any questions about the conference, please contact us at [email protected].
Carissa Christensen
Carissa Bryce Christensen is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of BryceTech, LLC, based in Alexandria, VA. She previously co-founded defense contractor The Tauri Group, acquired by LMI in 2019, and quantum computing software firm QxBranch, acquired by Rigetti Computing in 2019. She is an active tech investor and has served on several early-stage boards. Ms. Christensen is an internationally recognized expert on the satellite and space industry, known for rigorous analysis and innovative, data-driven strategy. She is a Senior Advisor to the annual US Space Force Schriever Wargame. She serves on the Senior Advisory Council of the Aerospace Corporation Center for Space Policy and Strategy, serves on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Space, and chairs the US board of the UN-affiliated Space Generation Advisory Council. She is a founding member of the Future Space Leaders Foundation and chairs its Advisory Board. Ms. Christensen previously served on the National Research Council Space Technology Industry-Government-University Roundtable, which advises NASA, and served on the Space Committee of the Defense Innovation Board. Ms. Christensen is a Harvard Business School Entrepreneur-in-Residence. She guest lectures at universities including Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. She has testified before Congress and Parliament committees on the space industry. She publishes extensively, is often cited by major media outlets, and has appeared in commercial space documentaries by The Financial Times, Bloomberg and HBO.