Tag: Awards

AIAA to Recognize Excellence with Awards at the 2023 AIAA AVIATION Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2023 – Reston, Va. – May 15, 2023 – Reston, Va.  –The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of technical and management excellence awards to be presented during the 2023 AIAA AVIATION Forum, 12–16 June, San Diego. Registration is open for the worldwide aviation community to attend. Journalists who wish to cover the forum can request a Press Pass here.

“We are proud to recognize these accomplished individuals for their influence on aviation,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “These visionaries and technological leaders inspire us as we benefit from their efforts working toward a safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous world.”

2023 AIAA Aeroacoustics Award
Yueping Guo, NASA Langley Research Center

Award Citation: For significant contributions to understanding airframe noise and acoustic scattering and application in development of state-of-the-art, system-level prediction methods enabling innovative noise reduction.

The AIAA Aeroacoustics Award is presented for an outstanding technical or scientific achievement resulting from an individual’s contribution to the field of aircraft community noise reduction.

2023 AIAA Aerodynamics Award
Roy J. Hartfield Jr., Auburn University

Award Citation: For the development of fast and practical predictive approaches to the problem of aerodynamic analysis of air vehicles at both conceptual and preliminary design stages.

The AIAA Aerodynamics Award is presented for meritorious achievement in the field of applied aerodynamics, recognizing notable contributions in the development, application, and evaluation of aerodynamic concepts and methods.

2023 AIAA Aircraft Design Award
Adnan Raghdo, The Boeing Company

Award Citation: For leadership of the Boeing MQ-28A design team, a stealth, multirole, UAS, force multiplier aircraft capable of teaming with crewed aircraft and performing autonomous missions.

The AIAA Aircraft Design Award is presented to an individual or team for an original concept or career contributions leading to a significant advancement in aircraft design or design technology.

2023 AIAA Chanute Flight Test Award
Mark P. Stucky, Blue Origin

Award Citation: For being at the forefront of design, analysis, instruction, and flying in the military, NASA, and civilian flight test for over 40 years.

The AIAA Chanute Flight Test Award honors Octave Chanute, pioneer aeronautical investigator, and is presented for an outstanding contribution made by a pilot or test personnel to the advancement of the art, science, and technology of aeronautics.

2023 AIAA F.E. Newbold Award
Lars Blackmore, SpaceX

Award Citation: For vehicle-level design and the development of critical guidance and control technologies to achieve precision vertical landing of space rockets, and advance their viability through full reusability.

The F. E. Newbold V/STOL Award recognizes outstanding creative contributions to the advancement and realization of powered lift flight in one or more of the following areas: initiation, definition and/or management of key V/STOL programs; development of enabling technologies including critical methodology; program engineering and design; and/or other relevant related activities or combinations thereof that have advanced the science of powered lift flight.

2023 AIAA Fluid Dynamics Award
Kozo Fujii, Tokyo University of Science

Award Citation: For many pioneering contributions to robust and efficient computational algorithms and their application to solve major industrial challenges using leading-edge supercomputers.

The AIAA Fluid Dynamics Award is presented for outstanding contributions to the understanding of the behavior of liquids and gases in motion as related to need in aeronautics and astronautics.

2023 AIAA Ground Testing Award
Luca Maddalena, University of Texas at Arlington

Award Citation: For pioneering contributions in the development of arc-heated test facilities, advanced optical diagnostics, and data processing.

The AIAA Ground Testing Award is presented for outstanding achievement in the development or effective utilization of technology, procedures, facilities, or modeling techniques for flight simulation, space simulation, propulsion testing, aerodynamic testing, or other ground testing associated with aeronautics and astronautics.

2023 AIAA Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Program Management
Parimal Kopardekar, NASA Aeronautics Research Institute

Award Citation: For excellence in developing a concept, initiating, and managing NASA UAS Traffic Management research as well as setting up a novel collaborative approach that resulted in a global impact for integrating new entrants into airspace systems.

The AIAA Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Program Management was named in honor of General Henry “Hap” Arnold, a lifelong devotee to the concept of air power and Chief of the Army Corps in 1938. The award is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant aeronautical or aeronautical-related program or project.

2023 AIAA Hypersonics Systems and Technologies Award
Joseph A. Schetz, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Award Citation: For sustained contributions to hypersonics through graduate education of a large cadre of Ph.D. students and seminal research on high-speed aerodynamics, heat transfer, and propulsion.

The AIAA Hypersonics Systems and Technologies Award recognizes outstanding sustained contributions and achievements in enabling technologies and/or the integration of technologies for system applications in the advancement of hypersonic flight.

2023 AIAA Losey Atmospheric Sciences Award
Jeanne G. Mason, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (retired)

Award Citation: For exceptional service to aviation safety for aircraft icing by organizing and directing partnerships that invest in solutions to understand convective weather ice crystal phenomena.

In 1940, the AIAA Robert M. Losey Award was established in memory of Captain Robert M. Losey, a meteorological officer who was killed while serving as an observer for the U.S. Army, the first officer in the service of the United States to die in World War II. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the atmospheric sciences as applied to the advancement of aeronautics and astronautics.

2023 AIAA Thermophysics Award
Michael Wright, NASA Ames Research Center

Award Citation: For outstanding contributions to improving thermophysical models and simulation capabilities for high-enthalpy flows, and for leadership and dedication to NASA missions and the aerothermodynamic community.

The AIAA Thermophysics Award is presented for an outstanding singular or sustained technical or scientific contribution by an individual in thermophysics, specifically as related to the study and application of the properties and mechanisms involved in thermal energy transfer and the study of environmental effects on such properties and mechanisms.

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, APR, [email protected], 804.397.5270 (cell)

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

USAF Awards Boeing Contract for Fleet of E-7A Aircraft

Air Force Times reports that the US Air Force (USAF) has awarded The Boeing Company a contract “worth up to $1.2 billion to start work on the first E-7A battle management and command-and-control aircraft, with plans to field a fleet of 26 in total, the service said Tuesday.” The E-7 is a “modernized battlefield management aircraft originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force and dubbed the Wedgetail.” Countries currently flying or planning to fly the E-7 include the UK, South Korea, and Turkey. The USAF said that the E-7 “will provide advanced airborne moving target indication, battle management and command-and-control capabilities.” It will also “carry an advanced multirole, electronically scanned array radar for better airborne battle management, which will allow the U.S. and its allies to carry out long-range strikes against advanced enemies, the service said.”
Full Story (Air Force Times)

AIAA Announces 2023 Premier Award Winners

Aerospace’s Best and Brightest to be Honored at AIAA Awards Gala

February 13, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of its most prestigious awards, the AIAA Premier Awards, recognizing the most influential and inspiring individuals in aerospace whose outstanding contributions merit the highest accolades. A new award – the AIAA Award for Aerospace Excellence – was added in 2023 in order to celebrate a unique program or mission in the aerospace community deserving timely recognition.

Presentation of the 2023 AIAA Premier Awards and recognition of the Institute’s Class of 2023 Honorary Fellows and Fellows will take place at the AIAA Awards Gala, Thursday, 18 May, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts*, Washington, DC. Tickets are available now.

“Congratulations to our premier award winners,” said AIAA President Laura McGill. “We are inspired by their hard work and achievements, and we thank them for their dedication to the aerospace industry. AIAA is committed to ensuring that aerospace professionals are recognized and celebrated for their innovations and discoveries that make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous.”

The winners are:

AIAA Award for Aerospace Excellence – Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Team, NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

AIAA Public Service Award – Bill Nye, The Planetary Society

AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award – John S. Langford III, Electra.Aero

AIAA Distinguished Service Award – David R. Riley, Boeing Research & Technology (retired)

AIAA International Cooperation Award – Vincent A. Orlando, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

AIAA Engineer of the Year Award – Alison A. Nordt, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center

AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award – Charlie Atkinson, Jennifer Love-Pruitt, Michael T. Menzel, and Lee D. Feinberg, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Northrop Grumman Team – James Webb Space Telescope 

AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award – Phillip J. Ansell, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Award Citations

AIAA Award for Aerospace Excellence
This award honors a unique achievement by a group or team in the aerospace community that is shaping the future of aerospace and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in aerospace. The award is designed for timely recognition of a recent program or mission.

NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Team

    , honored “In recognition of humanity’s first time purposely changing the motion of a celestial object by a team of protectors of our home planet.” Accepting the award on behalf of the DART team: Jeremy John, JHUAPL, and Lindley Johnson, NASA.

AIAA Public Service Award
The award honors a person who has demonstrated sustained and visible support for aviation and space goals.

Bill Nye,

    The Planetary Society, honored “For demonstrating sustained and visible support for aviation and space goals through popular media outreach.”

AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award
The highest honor AIAA bestows for notable achievements in the field of aeronautics. The award is named after Dr. Sylvanus A. Reed, aeronautical engineer, designer, and founding member of the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in 1932.

John S. Langford III,

    Electra.Aero, honored “For exemplary achievement as an outstanding aeronautical engineer, visionary leadership in the development of autonomous flight, and relentless advocacy of the future aerospace workforce.”

AIAA Distinguished Service Award
AIAA recognizes an individual member who has provided distinguished service to the Institute over a period of years.

David R. Riley

    , Boeing Research & Technology (retired), honored “In recognition of over four decades of dedicated leadership and service to AIAA at the section, region, national, and international levels.”

AIAA International Cooperation Award
The award is presented to a member who has made a recent individual contribution in the application of scientific and mathematical principles leading to a significant accomplishment or event worthy of AIAA’s national or international recognition.

Vincent A. Orlando,

    MIT Lincoln Laboratory, honored “For over 40 years of sustained technical innovation, standards development, and international harmonization of aviation surveillance system technology.”

AIAA Engineer of the Year Award
The award is presented to a member of the Institute who has made a recent individual, technical contribution in the application of scientific and mathematical principles leading to a significant technical accomplishment.

Alison A. Nordt,

    Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center, honored “For exceptional engineering and technical leadership in the development of the Near Infrared Camera critical to the success of the James Webb Space Telescope.”

AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award
The highest honor AIAA bestows for notable achievement in the field of astronautics. It was endowed by Mrs. Goddard in the 1940s as the ARS Goddard Memorial Award to commemorate her husband, Robert H. Goddard—rocket visionary, pioneer, bold experimentalist, and superb engineer whose early liquid rocket engine launches set the stage for the development of astronautics.

Charlie Atkinson, Jennifer Love-Pruitt, Michael T. Menzel, and Lee D. Feinberg,

    NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Northrop Grumman Team – James Webb Space Telescope, honored “For delivering groundbreaking engineering performance for the James Webb Space Telescope, to advance the study of every phase of cosmic history.”

AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award
The award is presented for a notable contribution made by a young person, age 35 or under, to the advancement of aeronautics or astronautics. This award honors Lawrence B. Sperry, pioneer aviator and inventor, who died in 1923 in a forced landing while attempting a flight across the English Channel.

Phillip J. Ansell,

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, honored “For outstanding contributions to electrified aircraft technologies and pioneering work toward sustainable aviation.”

*Please note that this event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.

Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit  aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Announces its Class of 2023 Honorary Fellows and Fellows

Three Honorary Fellows and 28 Fellows Elected

February 13, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) proudly congratulates its newly elected Class of 2023 Honorary Fellows and Fellows. The three new Honorary Fellows and 28 new Fellows will be inducted at a ceremony on Wednesday, 17 May, in Arlington, Virginia. AIAA will celebrate the new Honorary Fellows and Fellows during the AIAA Awards Gala, Thursday, 18 May, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts*, Washington, DC. Tickets for the AIAA Awards Gala are available now.

“The Class of 2023 AIAA Honorary Fellows and Fellows are among the best minds in the aerospace profession. I commend each member of this year’s Class for their many accomplishments,” said Laura McGill, AIAA President. “These distinguished individuals have earned the respect and gratitude of our broad science and engineering community. We are in awe of their creativity and exceptional contributions to advance the performance and capability of aerospace systems.”

Honorary Fellow is the highest distinction conferred by AIAA and recognizes preeminent individuals who have had long and highly contributory careers in aerospace and who embody the highest possible standards in aeronautics and astronautics. In 1933, Orville Wright became the first AIAA Honorary Fellow. Today, AIAA Honorary Fellows and AIAA Fellows are the most respected names in the aerospace industry.

AIAA confers the distinction of Fellow upon individuals in recognition of their notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics. Nominees are AIAA Associate Fellows. Since the inception of this honor, 2,036 distinguished persons have been elected as a Fellow.

“AIAA takes great pride in honoring the Class of 2023 Honorary Fellows and Fellows. These professionals have made significant and lasting contributions to the aerospace community. Their passion and dedication are inspiring the generations that follow to reach even greater heights,” added Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director.

For more information on the AIAA Honors Program, AIAA Honorary Fellows, or AIAA Fellows, contact Patricia A. Carr at [email protected].

2023 AIAA Honorary Fellows
Mark Drela, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
James G. Maser, Aerojet Rocketdyne
William A. Sirignano, University of California, Irvine

2023 AIAA Fellows
Behçet Açıkmeşe, University of Washington
Steven J. Beresh, Sandia National Laboratories
Charles F. Bolden Jr., The Charles F. Bolden Group
Helmut Ciezki, DLR – German Aerospace Center
Capt. Meredith B. Colket III, Combustion Consulting Services, LLC, United Technologies Research Center (retired)
Daniel DeLaurentis, Purdue University
Christopher D’Souza, NASA Johnson Space Center
Ismet Gursul, University of Bath
Kauser S. Imtiaz, NASA
R. Steven Justice, The Ginn Group
Raymond M. Kolonay, Air Force Research Laboratory
Rodney Makoske, Lockheed Martin
Jill Marlowe, NASA
Pamela Melroy, NASA
David G. Mitchell, Mitchell Aerospace Research
Eugene Morelli, NASA Langley Research Center
Scott E. Palo, University of Colorado Boulder
Surendra Sharma, NASA Ames Research Center
Robert T.-I. Shin, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Rickey J. Shyne, NASA Glenn Research Center
Leena Singh, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Michael Sinnett, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Lawrence W. Stephens, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
Mitchell L.R. Walker II, Georgia Institute of Technology
Brian L. Wardle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michael E. White, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Michael Winter, Pratt & Whitney
Thomas H. Zurbuchen, NASA (retired)

*Please note that this event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.

Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit  aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA to Present Technical Excellence Awards at the 2022 AIAA AVIATION Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2022 – Reston, Va.  – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of technical excellence awards to be presented during the 2022 AIAA AVIATION Forum, 27 June–1 July, in Chicago.

“We are proud to recognize these accomplished individuals for their influence on the aerospace profession,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “These visionaries and technological leaders are truly inspirational. We are grateful for their efforts working toward a safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous world.”

Registration for the 2022 AIAA AVIATION Forum is open now for the worldwide aviation community to attend in person or online. Early bird registration extends until 6 June. A limited number of sponsorships and exhibit packages are still available for interested companies and organizations to reach thousands of industry influencers from across the globe. Journalists who wish to cover the forum can request a Press Pass here.

  • 2021 Elmer A. Sperry Award

    Michimasa Fujino, HondaJetMichimasa Fujino, HondaJet

    Award Citation: : In recognition of his singular achievement of research and development of new technologies for business aviation including the Over-the-Wing Engine Mount and Natural Laminar Flow airfoil, and the introduction to the market of commercial aircraft based on these technologies through the formation of HondaJet.

    This award is given annually in recognition of a distinguished engineering contribution which, through application, proved in actual service, has advanced the art of transportation whether by land, sea, air, or space.

  • 2022 AIAA Aerodynamics Award

    Marilyn J. Smith, Georgia Institute of TechnologyMarilyn J. Smith, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Award Citation: For contributions to the computational and theoretical aerodynamic analysis of static and dynamic systems with separated flows, particularly for vertical takeoff and landing rotorcraft vehicles.

    This award is presented for meritorious achievement in the field of applied aerodynamics, recognizing notable contributions in the development, application, and evaluation of aerodynamic concepts and methods

  • 2022 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

    Steve Ericson, OverairSteve Ericson, Overair

    Award Citation: For a lifetime of innovative aircraft designs and exceptional skills in configuration design, as well as mentoring young engineers in aircraft design.

    This award is presented to an individual or team for an original concept or career contributions leading to a significant advancement in aircraft design or design technology.

  • 2022 AIAA Chanute Flight Test Award

    Rogers E. Smith, Consultant/SDI, Georgia Institute of TechnologyRogers E. Smith, Consultant/SDI, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Award Citation: For career-long achievements and contributions to the safe practices and teaching of flight testing, particularly in-flight controls and flying qualities, and significant collaboration with a diverse set of aerospace stakeholders

    This award honors Octave Chanute, pioneer aeronautical investigator, and is presented for an outstanding contribution made by a pilot or test personnel to the advancement of the art, science, and technology of aeronautics.

  • 2022 AIAA Fluid Dynamics Award

    Mujeeb R. Malik, NASA Langley Research CenterMujeeb R. Malik, NASA Langley Research Center

    Award Citation: : For numerous and significant contributions to the understanding and control of laminar­turbulent boundary-layer transition, and for exceptional leadership, particularly in the area of certification-by-analysis.

    This award is presented for outstanding contributions to the understanding of the behavior of liquids and gases in motion as related to need in aeronautics and astronautics.

  • 2022 AIAA Ground Testing Award

    James C. Ross, NASA Ames Research CenterJames C. Ross, NASA Ames Research Center

    Award Citation: : In recognition of decades of exemplary service and leadership in ground testing, advancing critical technologies including heavy vehicles, military aircraft, and NASA’s Multipurpose Crew Vehicle Program.

    This award is presented for outstanding achievement in the development or effective utilization of technology, procedures, facilities, or modeling techniques for flight simulation, space simulation, propulsion testing, aerodynamic testing, or other ground testing associated with aeronautics and astronautics.

  • 2022 AIAA Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Program Management

    Paul W. Niewald, The Boeing CompanyPaul W. Niewald, The Boeing Company

    Award Citation: : For championing the use of innovative tools such as digital engineering to transform aircraft development, saving time and cost while enhancing performance and safety.

    This award honors General Henry “Hap” Arnold, a lifelong devotee to the concept of air power and Chief of the Army Corps in 1938, and is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant aeronautical- or aeronautical-related program or project.

  • 2022 AIAA James A. Van Allen Space Environments Award

    Henry B. Garrett, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of TechnologyHenry B. Garrett, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

    Award Citation: For a lifetime of contributions to the understanding of the interactions of spacecraft with the Earth’s magnetosphere and those of other planets.

    This award recognizes outstanding contributions to space and planetary environment knowledge and interactions as applied to the advancement of aeronautics and astronautics. The award honors Prof. James A. Van Allen, an outstanding internationally recognized scientist, who is credited with the early discovery of the Earth’s “Van Allen Radiation Belts.”

  • 2022 AIAA Losey Atmospheric Sciences Award

    Fred H. Proctor, NASA (retired)Fred H. Proctor, NASA (retired)

    Award Citation: For leading fundamental research to characterize atmospheric-related aviation hazards and to develop advanced sensor algorithms for identifying and mitigating these hazards.

    This award was established in memory of Captain Robert M. Losey, a meteorological officer who was killed while serving as an observer for the U.S. Army, the first officer in the service of the United States to die in World War II. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the atmospheric sciences as applied to the advancement of aeronautics and astronautics.

  • 2022 AIAA Thermophysics Award

    Karen A. Thole, Pennsylvania State University, START LabKaren A. Thole, Pennsylvania State University, START Lab

    Award Citation: For pioneering research at the intersection of additive manufacturing and heat transfer in gas turbine engines that enables innovative combustor and turbine cooling designs.

    This a ward is presented for an outstanding singular or sustained technical or scientific contribution by an individual in thermophysics, specifically as related to the study and application of the properties and mechanisms involved in thermal energy transfer and the study of environmental effects on such properties and mechanisms.

  • 2022 AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Award

    Sergey O. Macheret, Purdue UniversitySergey O. Macheret, Purdue University

    Award Citation: For pioneering work on novel plasma generation and control methods and on aerospace applications of plasmas.

    This award is presented for outstanding contributions to the understanding of the physical properties and dynamical behavior of matter in the plasma state and lasers as related to need in aeronautics and astronautics.

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Challenger Center and AIAA Announce Inaugural Winners of Trailblazing STEM Educator Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five STEM educators and schools receive cash award and free STEM programming

Washington and Reston, Va. – March 15, 2022 – Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) today announced Jackie Blumer, Jennifer Cheesman, Kellie Taylor, Cedric Turner, and Katrina Harden Williams as the winners of the 2022 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. Each teacher, and their respective schools, will be awarded $5,000. In addition, each teacher will receive free access to Challenger Center STEM programming. One of the five educators will be named the grand prize winner and be invited to join Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit, at a future New Shepard launch.

The award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. The five winners come from schools across the United States and were selected from over 40 nominations. The nominations demonstrated the incredible efforts the teachers make to empower underserved and underrepresented students in STEM while using unique strategies, tools, and lessons in and out of the classroom to further energize students, especially throughout the difficult circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award recipients are (in alphabetical order):

  • Jackie Blumer, 6th and 7th grade science teacher, Greenville Junior High School (Greenville, Ill.). Blumer has over two decades of experience teaching STEM to K-12 students. A passionate space science educator, Blumer uses live rocket launches, engineering design challenges, and hands-on programs to excite her students about STEM. She has been at the forefront of the use of digital programs in the classroom, utilizing virtual missions when field trips were no longer an option. She also organizes STEM-focused after-school activities and camps for students. Blumer also serves as AIAA St. Louis Section STEM Chair.
  • Jennifer Cheesman, 6th grade science teacher, Zuni Hills Elementary School (Sun City, Ariz.). Cheesman has spent 26 years teaching and is dedicated to integrating high-level concepts into engaging and easily understandable methods. For example, she created the “Lab in a Bag” engineering design program, sending engineering kits to students’ homes while they were learning virtually to continue STEM engagement. Cheesman is heavily involved in local STEM organizations including AIAA, Higher Orbits, and STEM Teachers PHX. She also spent time teaching STEM in China and Vietnam. Prior to being a classroom teacher, Cheesman was a Flight Director at a Challenger Learning Center.
  • Kellie Taylor, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, Hawthorne Elementary School (Boise, Idaho). Taylor has prioritized STEM in her classroom for her entire 18-year career, focusing on project-based learning with a strong emphasis on coding, robotics, space education, and hands-on programs. She leads STEM curriculum development, hosts STEM-focused after-school activities, and shares her passion for STEM education by leading professional development workshops for her colleagues.
  • Cedric Turner, high school teacher, Brockton High School (Brockton, Mass.). Turner has more than 30 years of experience teaching STEM in the Boston area. He focuses on inspiring the next generation of minority and underrepresented students in STEM through his after-school program, “Empower Yourself,” lunch and learn programs that connect students to local STEM professionals and STEM competitions, and educate students about wealth management and economic success. At the onset of the pandemic, Turner worked with local partners to obtain personal computers and internet services for his students.
  • Katrina Harden Williams, middle school teacher, Ames Middle School (Ames, Iowa). Williams has been an educator for over 28 years. She is enthusiastic about connecting real-world STEM careers and lessons to the classroom, as well as exposing underserved and underrepresented students to STEM disciplines and careers. During the pandemic, she creatively taught her students about PPE and other COVID support programs. She frequently hosts STEM-focused after-school activities, field trips, and career expos.

“We are thrilled to award each of these teachers with the Trailblazing STEM Educator Award. Their commitment and creativity to transform complex STEM lessons into fun and accessible curriculum is key to getting students excited about the world of possibilities STEM offers,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center. “Thanks to teachers like Jackie, Jennifer, Kellie, Cedric, and Katrina, the future of our workforce, and the future of STEM education, is in great hands.”

Even as the U.S. aerospace and defense industry leads the world in innovation, it faces challenges with the workforce: a skills gap of STEM-literate students entering the industry, a need for greater participation by women and ethnic minorities, and a growing knowledge gap from early retirements. Based on the “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report,” nearly 50% of respondents believe an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion by aerospace industry employers will help increase the pipeline of skilled, competent aerospace professionals.

“The inaugural Trailblazing STEM Educator Award winners are incredible people! We are pleased to recognize these passionate and inspirational educators who are invaluable to their communities. They are enabling a diverse and robust STEM next generation and together they are shaping the future of aerospace,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA.

The five winners will be recognized, and the grand prize winner will be announced, at the 2022 AIAA Awards Gala. The Gala is scheduled for April 27 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The evening celebrates the most influential and inspiring individuals in aerospace. Tickets are available now. The five winners also will be celebrated in their local communities in the coming weeks.

Each winner can select from Challenger Center’s suite of hands-on, simulated learning experiences based on their classes’ needs. Center Missions, delivered at Challenger Learning Centers around the globe; Virtual Missions, delivered by Challenger Learning Center Flight Directors to students in and out of the classroom; and Classroom Adventures, digital experiences delivered by teachers in their classrooms, bring classroom lessons to life through exciting Earth and space-themed journeys.

About Challenger Center
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

About AIAA Foundation
The AIAA Foundation inspires and supports the next generation of aerospace professionals. From classroom to career, the AIAA Foundation enables innovative K-12 and university programming, including STEM classroom grants, scholarships, conferences, and hands-on competitions. Founded in 1996, the AIAA Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization connected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Contact:
AIAA: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell
Challenger Center: Lisa Vernal, [email protected], 412-337-3880

2022 AIAA Dryden Lectureship in Research Awarded to Anthony M. Waas

Lecture will be Delivered on 5 January, During 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum

January 3, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the 2022 AIAA Dryden Lectureship in Research is awarded to Anthony M. Waas, the Richard A. Auhll Department Chair of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Waas will deliver his lecture, “Digital Tools for Design and Analysis of Composite Aerostructures,” Wednesday, 5 January, 1800 hrs PT, during the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum, San Diego and online, 3-7 January. Registration is still open to attend in San Diego in person, or online. Journalists can request a Press Pass here.

The Dryden Lecture in Research is one of the most prestigious lectures bestowed by the Institute. Since the inaugural lecture in 1961, it has been a catalyst for sharing research advancements and knowledge. This premier lecture is named in honor of Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, a renowned aerospace leader and the director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or NACA, as well as the first deputy administrator of NASA when the agency was created in 1958. The award emphasizes the importance of basic research in advancing aeronautics and astronautics.

Waas has been with the University of Michigan since 2018. Prior to that he was the Boeing Egtvedt Endowed Chair Professor and Department Chair in the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Washington, Seattle. Waas was the Felix Pawlowski Collegiate Chair Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and the Director, Composite Structures Laboratory, at the University of Michigan, from 1988 to 2014, prior to joining the University of Washington in 2015.

Waas is a Fellow of AIAA. He also is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, the American Society for Composites, the American Academy of Mechanics and the Royal Aeronautical Society, UK. In 2017, Waas was elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences, and in 2018 to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He is also the recipient of the 2020 AIAA ICME Prize and the 2020 ASME Warner T. Koiter Medal. Recently, Waas was elected to the U.S. National Academies Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board.

For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, contact Patricia A. Carr at [email protected].

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, APR, [email protected], 804.397.5270 (cell)

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA to Present Premier Lectures and Technical Excellence Awards During 2021 ASCEND

UPDATED October 11, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the premier lectureships and technical excellence awards. The lectures and awards will be presented during 2021 ASCEND, the centerpiece event of the interdisciplinary community focused on building humanity’s off-world future faster. 2021 ASCEND will be held 8–10 and 15–17 November; registration is open now.

2021 David W. Thompson Lecture in Space Commerce: “Birth of the Remote Sensing Industry” PLEASE NOTE DR. SCOTT’S LECTURE NAME IS UPDATED

  • Walter Scott, Chief Technology Officer, Maxar
  • Monday, 15 November, 1830–1930 hrs PT
  • This lecture will be given live and in person at 2021 ASCEND in Las Vegas, as well as recorded and available on demand.
  • Dr. Scott also will participate in the Space Founders Panel during 2021 ASCEND, Tuesday, 16 November, 1730 hrs PT.

2021 von Kármán Lecture in Astronautics: “Multi-Domain Convergence of Space and Near-Space ”

  • David Van Wie, Head, Air and Missile Defense Sector, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
  • Tuesday, 16 November, 1200–1300 hrs PT
  • This lecture will be given live and in person at 2021 ASCEND in Las Vegas, as well as recorded and available on demand.

David W. Thompson Lectureship in Space Commerce
The 2021 David W. Thompson Lectureship in Space Commerce has been awarded to Walter Scott, Chief Technology Officer, Maxar. The lectureship recognizes a prominent industry leader or senior management team who has created or grown a space-related business and generated substantial economic benefits and market value. The award was endowed by Orbital ATK Inc. to commemorate the long and distinguished career of commercial space pioneer, David W. Thompson.

As Maxar’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Scott is responsible for the company’s next-generation commercial remote sensing systems, R&D, software architecture, and government relations/public policy. He founded DigitalGlobe in 1992, which became part of Maxar in 2017, and received the first high resolution commercial remote sensing license from the U.S. government. Today, Maxar operates a four-satellite imaging constellation with the best resolution, revisit, accuracy, and greatest capacity in the industry.

From 1986 through 1992, Dr. Scott was with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where he led the “Brilliant Pebbles” program, a constellation of small (microsat) space-based interceptors for the Strategic Defense Initiative. Prior to LLNL, Dr. Scott founded Scott Consulting, where he developed Unix networking subsystems, and a pioneering email system utilizing public key encryption.

Dr. Scott was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2004 for the Rocky Mountain Region in the Emerging Technology category. He serves on the board of the SSPI (Space & Satellite Professionals International), and is a member of the Landsat Advisory Group, supporting the United States Geological Survey, and on the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate Independent Advisory Team.

von Kármán Lectureship in Astronautics
David Van Wie, Head of the Air and Missile Defense Sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), has been awarded the 2021 von Kármán Lectureship in Astronautics. Named in honor of Theodore von Kármán, a world-famous authority on aerospace sciences, the lectureship honors an individual who has performed notably and distinguished themselves technically in the field of astronautics.

At JHUAPL, Dr. Van Wie is responsible for strategic planning and execution of programs advancing the ability of the United States to defend itself and its allies against surface, air, hypersonic, and ballistic threats. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Mission Area Executive for Precision Strike, focusing on advanced weapon development, electromagnetic spectrum dominance, and novel long-range detection and targeting systems.

Dr. Van Wie is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, an AIAA Fellow, and a recipient of the Air Force Award for Meritorious Civilian Service. He served as a member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, and has conducted studies for the Defense Science Board, Air Force Studies Board, and Naval Studies Board.

An active member of the U.S. science and technology community, Dr. Van Wie has published more than 140 papers in the fields of hypersonics, high-temperature fluid dynamics, airbreathing propulsion, and plasma aerodynamics.

AIAA Technical Excellence Awards
The following aerospace professionals will be recognized throughout 2021 ASCEND for their outstanding contributions in their field, having been chosen by their peers from related AIAA technical committees (TC). AIAA is committed to ensuring that aerospace professionals are recognized and celebrated for their achievements, innovations, and discoveries that make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous. Visit AIAA’s Honors and Awards Program for more information.

AIAA Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Award
Dr. Steven H. Walker, Lockheed Martin Corporation, has been awarded the 2021 AIAA Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Award for “outstanding leadership in the furthering of Hypersonic Technology by initiating and managing novel flight demonstrators providing the maturity necessary to transition to operational systems.”

The award recognizes sustained contributions and achievements in enabling technologies and/or the integration of technologies for system applications in the advancement of hypersonic flight.

The award will be presented at the 24th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference Awards Reception taking place during 2021 ASCEND (16 November 1700 hrs PT).

AIAA Space Systems Award
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is being presented with the 2021 AIAA Space Systems Award for “the design and flight test validation of the first helicopter designed for flight at Mars.” This award will be accepted by Håvard F. Grip, Ingenuity Chief Pilot and lead for the Mars Helicopter Flight Control & Aerodynamics, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of space systems.

Dr. Grip also will join Jennifer Trosper, Mars Perseverance Project Manager, NASA, to deliver the William H. Pickering Lecture during 2021 ASCEND (16 November, 1830-1930 hrs PT). The lecture is named for the former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director, to honor his initiation and leadership of America’s unmanned scientific space program, from Explorer I in 1958 through the development of the Viking orbiters and the Voyager outer planet and interstellar missions.

Ms. Trosper will describe the challenges of the development and operations of the most complex robotic vehicle ever sent to the Red Planet along with some initial scientific findings of the mission. Dr. Grip will discuss how Ingenuity graduated from a short-lived flight experiment into a fully operationalized reconnaissance platform.

AIAA Sustained Service Awards
Michel D. Ingham, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been awarded the 2021 AIAA Sustained Service Award for his “tireless commitment to AIAA technical activities, particularly the Information Systems Group, Deputy Director, Intelligent Systems Technical Committee Chair, Conference Technical Chair, and Digital Engineering Integration Committee Member.”

Frank K. Lu, University of Texas at Arlington, has also been awarded the 2021 AIAA Sustained Service Award for “sustained and diverse leadership in student branch, local section, technical committee, editorial and publications activities.”

This service award recognizes sustained, significant service and contributions to AIAA members. It is truly a unique recognition for those AIAA members who have given their time, dedication, and efforts to AIAA.

AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
Fuk K. Li, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is being presented with the 2021 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management for “sustained excellence in management of NASA’s New Millennium and Mars Exploration Programs, achieving major breakthroughs in space technology and Mars exploration objectives.”

The award gives national recognition to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant space or space-related program or project. The award honors Dr. Wernher von Braun, who was one of the world’s first and foremost rocket engineers and a leading authority on space travel.

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Recognizes Excellence in Aerospace with Awards to be Presented During the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of awards to be presented during the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum, to be held virtually 11–15 and 19–21 January. The Awards Ceremony to fully recognize these award winners is set for Wednesday, 20 January at 1630 hrs ET. The Awards Ceremony is free virtual event. Visit the 2021 AIAA SciTech Recognition page for more information.

“We are proud to recognize these exemplary professionals for their accomplishments in the aerospace profession, outstanding merit, and contributions to the art, science, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics. They motivate and inspire us,” said Daniel Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “The AIAA community is fueled by visionaries, technological leaders, and accomplished professionals like those recognized here, all working together to build a better world.”

In addition to these awards, AIAA Sustained Service Awardees, best professional and student papers winners, and student paper competition winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony.

For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, contact Patricia A. Carr at [email protected].

Education Awards

Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement in Aeronautics
The Zarem Award was established by AIAA and Dr. Abe Zarem as a means for students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s level candidates) in aeronautics to showcase their talent and work.

Nathan T. Crane, Georgia Institute of Technology
Paper titled,“Preliminary Active Subspace Investigation of a Commercial Supersonic Design Space”

Abe M. Zarem Educator Award in Aeronautics
The faculty advisor of the student winner of the Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement (Aeronautics) is recognized for his role in guiding and mentoring the student.

 

Dimitri Mavris, Georgia Institute of Technology, Advisor to Nathan T. Crane

Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement in Astronautics
The Zarem Student Award was established by AIAA and Dr. Abe Zarem as a means for students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s level candidates) in astronautics to showcase their talent and work.

 

Aaron Afriat and Sandeep Baskar, Purdue University
Paper titled, “Atmospheric Breathing Solid-Fuel Ramjet for Martian Descent Missions”

Abe M. Zarem Educator Award in Astronautics
The faculty advisor of the student winner of the Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement (Astronautics) is recognized for his role in guiding and mentoring the student.

 

Stephen Heister, Purdue University, Advisor to Aaron Afriat and Sandeep Baskar

2020 AIAA-ASEE J. Leland Atwood Award
This award recognizes a recent outstanding educational achievement and encourages innovative improvements in aerospace education.

 

Byron D. Tapley, University of Texas at Austin
For the lasting influence of his recent contributions to aerospace engineering education.

Publication Awards

2021 AIAA Children’s Literature Award
This award is presented for an outstanding, significant, and original book in aeronautics and astronautics published within the last two years.

 

Billie Holladay Skelley, Goldminds Publishing, Amphorae Publishing
Ruth Law: The Queen of the Air

2021 AIAA Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award
The award is presented for the best original contribution to the field of aeronautical or astronautical non-fiction literature published in the last five years dealing with the science, technology, and/or impact of aeronautics or astronautics on society.

 

Slava Gerovitch, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Soviet Space Mythologies: Public Images, Private Memories, andthe Making of a Cultural Identity

2021 AIAA Pendray Aerospace Literature Award
This award is presented for an outstanding contribution or contributions to aeronautical and astronautical literature in the relatively recent past.

 

Tim C. Lieuwen, Georgia Institute of Technology
For outstanding contributions to the development of aerospace literature in combustion and propulsion, particularly in unsteady combustor physics, gas turbine emissions, and synthesis gas combustion.

2021 AIAA Summerfield Book Award
The award is presented to the author of the best book recently published (within the last five years) by AIAA.
John D. Anderson, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, Third Edition

Service Award

2021 AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award recognizes an individual or group within AIAA who has devoted time and effort and made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within the Institute.

 

Dexter Johnson, NASA Glenn Research Center
For your significant contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the aerospace and astronautics community through your AIAA collaborations with students and industry partners.

Technical Awards

2020 AIAA Aerodynamics Award
This award is presented for meritorious achievement in the field of applied aerodynamics, recognizing notable contributions in the development, application, and evaluation of aerodynamic concepts and methods.

 

Mark D. Maughmer, Pennsylvania State University
For foundational developments in airfoil and wing design, advancement of novel airfoil  configurations, and contributions to rotorcraft aeromechanics.

2020 AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Award
This awardis presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the development and/or application of techniques of multidisciplinary design optimization in the context of aerospace engineering.

 

Raymond M. Kolonay, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
For visionary leadership in the MDO community and development of nonlinear unsteady aeroelastic optimization methods and collaborative/distributed architectures enabling large-scale multidisciplinary aircraft design.

2020 AIAA Propellants & Combustion Award
This award is is presented for outstanding technical contributions to aeronautical or astronautical combustion engineering.

 

Meredith B. Colket, III, United Technologies Research Center (retired)
For pioneering contributions in the development of endothermic fuels leading to demonstration of the X-51 and coordinating technology programs supporting certification of alternative jet fuels.

2021 AIAA Ashley Award for Aeroelasticity
This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the understanding and application of aeroelastic phenomena.

 

Eli Livne, University of Washington
For carrying out foundational works for aeroservoelastic optimization; leadership in maturing active flutter suppression to practice; and for major contributions to dissemination of aeroelastic knowledge.

2021 AIAA-ASC James H. Starnes Jr. Award
This award recognizes significant contribution to and demonstrated promotion of the field of structural mechanics over an extended period of time emphasizing practical solutions, and acknowledges high professionalism and the strong mentoring of and influence on colleagues, especially younger colleagues.

 

David Bushnell, Lockheed Martin Corporation (retired)
For pioneering contributions to the analysis and design of thin-shell structures and enduring leadership in the application and preservation of that knowledge for future generations.

2021 AIAA Information Systems Award
This award recognizes outstanding technical and/or management contributions in space and aeronautics computer, sensing, and fusion aspects of information technology and science.

 

Erik P. Blasch, Air Force Office of Scientific Research
For technical leadership and innovation in information fusion systems for avionics, space situational awareness, and airborne sensing

2021 AIAA Mechanics and Control of Flight Award 
This award is presented for an outstanding recent technical or scientific contribution by an individual in the mechanics, guidance, or control of flight in space or the atmosphere.

 

Fred Y. Hadaegh, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
For extraordinary contributions for advances in the theory, computation, and implementation of autonomous guidance, navigation, and control of single and distributed spacecraft systems.

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA Announces Winners of Prestigious Zarem Graduate Student Awards in Aeronautics and Astronautics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brian Talbot
703.980.4132
[email protected]

Recent Graduates, Student from Georgia Tech and Purdue University

September 18, 2020 – Reston, Va. – AIAA is pleased to announce the winners of the Zarem Graduate Student Awards for Distinguished Achievement.

Nathan Crane, who graduated in 2020 with his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, won the aeronautics award for “Preliminary Active Subspace Investigation of a Commercial Supersonic Design Space.”

Aaron Afriat and Sandeep Baskar jointly won the astronautics award for “Atmospheric Breathing Solid-Fuel Ramjet for Martian Descent Missions.” Afriat is a graduate research assistant at the Purdue Energetics Research Center and Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Baskar graduated from Purdue with two bachelor’s degrees, in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Physics, in spring 2020. Afriat and Baskar will be presenting their paper at the virtual International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2020), 12-14 October.

AIAA Honorary Fellow Dr. Abe Zarem, founder and managing director of Frontier Associates, established the Abe M. Zarem Graduate Awards for Distinguished Achievement to annually recognize graduate students in aeronautics and astronautics who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in their field.

 

Nathan-Crane
Nathan Crane, 2020 AIAA Foundation Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award Winner for Distinguished Achievement in Aeronautics
Aaron-Afriat
Aaron Afriat, 2020 AIAA Foundation Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award Winner for Distinguished Achievement in Astronautics
Sandeep-Baskar
Sandeep Baskar, 2020 AIAA Foundation Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award Winner for Distinguished Achievement in Astronautics

Crane is currently an Aerospace Technologist at NASA Langley Research Center. He graduated with his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach in 2018, and his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2020. While at Georgia Tech, he was a part of the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, where his research concentrated on commercial supersonic conceptual design and aerodynamics. He completed a thesis focusing on incorporating high fidelity analysis into the supersonic conceptual design process while concurrently reducing computational time.

“Although I grew up not knowing any engineers, I decided early in my childhood that I wanted to pursue aerospace engineering and design aircraft,” he said. “After many years working to earn the opportunity to study and research aircraft design, it is an incredible honor to be awarded for my work in aeronautics. It is a great feeling to know that I have contributed to the field and encourages me to continue my passion into the future.”

Crane’s faculty advisor, Dimitri Mavris, is the Director of the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is the Boeing Chaired Professor of Advanced Aerospace Systems Analysis in Georgia Tech’s School of Aerospace Engineering, Regents Professor, and an S.P. Langley NIA Distinguished Professor. He also serves as the Executive Director of Georgia Tech’s Professional Master’s Applied Systems Engineering program. He is an AIAA Fellow and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Afriat’s research focuses on additive manufacturing and characterizing high-performance, environmentally friendly propellants. His interests lie in designing the next generation of spacecraft engines, and eventually pioneering the exploration of Mars. He received his B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering with concentrations in Propulsion and Systems Design from Purdue University in May 2019.

“My remote background as a Caribbean Islander filled me with childhood dreams of space exploration that I can now proudly say I have partaken in,” he said. “Organizations like AIAA, through recognitions and worldwide spread of technical information, enabled me and others alike to strive for our dream; something I am incredibly thankful for. I believe that this wealth of information, while bringing us closer together as a scientific community, also brings humanity ever closer to spreading beyond Earth’s horizon.”

After receiving his B.S. degrees in the spring, Baskar is now a Flight Dynamics Analyst at Dynetics. His undergraduate work and internship experience involved trajectory analysis, vehicle design, and mission design. His work at Dynetics focuses on trajectory optimization and mission design for the Artemis Human Lander System project. Unsurprisingly, his interests are in the realm of human spaceflight and astrodynamics to assist in human exploration of deep space.

Afriat’s and Baskar’s faculty advisor is Stephen Heister, Raisbeck Distinguished Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Heister has published extensively and has advised over 100 Purdue graduate students. He is an AIAA Fellow, a Purdue University Faculty Scholar, and a five-time winner of the E. F. Bruhn Teaching Award for the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

For more information on the Abe M. Zarem Graduate Awards for Distinguished Achievement, please contact Michael Lagana at [email protected] or 703.264.7503.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.