Tag: Institute

AIAA Announces 2024 Election Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has released the results of its recent 2024 elections. The newly elected AIAA officials will take office in May.

“We are proud to announce the newest AIAA leaders who will play key roles in serving our membership and driving the implementation of our strategy,” said Laura McGill, AIAA president. “I am grateful to each of the candidates for their willingness to lead important activities that benefit our profession. Thank you to all our candidates, as well as the members who took the time to get to know them and cast their vote. Congratulations to our new leaders.”

2024 Election Results for Council of Directors

    Speaker
    Dan Jensen, Rolls-Royce

2024 Election Results for Integration and Outreach Activities Division

    Director-Elect–Young Professional Group

    Taylor Fazzini, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

2024 Election Results for Regional Engagement Activities Division

    Director–Region III
    Peggy Cornell, NASA Glenn Research Center
    Director–Region VI
    Oleg Yakimenko, Naval Postgraduate School

2024 Election Results for Integration and Outreach Activities Division

    Director-Elect–Young Professional Group
    Taylor Fazzini, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
    Director–Aerospace Sciences Group
    Martiqua Post, U.S. Air Force Academy

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, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

AIAA Announces 2023 Election Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced today the results of its recent 2023 elections. The newly elected AIAA officials will take office in May.

“We are proud to announce the newest AIAA leaders who will play key roles in serving our membership and driving the implementation of our strategy,” said Laura McGill, AIAA president. “I am grateful to each of the candidates for your willingness to drive important activities that benefit our profession. Thank you to all our candidates, as well as the members who took the time to get to know them and cast their vote. Congratulations to our new President-Elect, Directors, and Chiefs.”

President-Elect

Daniel E. Hastings

    , Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2023 Election Results for Integration and Outreach Activities Division

Director–Business and Management Group
Gustavo Ordonez

    , Icarus Management Consulting, and University of California

Director–International Activities Group
Robert Winn

    , Engineering Systems, Inc.

Director-Elect Young Professional Group
Bryan Kowalczyk

    , University of Cincinnati

2023 Election Results for Regional Engagement Activities Division

Director–Region I
Kyle Zittle

    , Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Director–Region II
Ryan Sherrill

    , Air Force Research Laboratory

Director–Region VII
Cees Bil

    , RMIT University

2023 Election Results for Technical Activities Division

Director–Aircraft Technology, Integration, and Operations Group
David Maroney

    , The MITRE Corporation

Director–Space and Missiles Group
Stephen Blanchette

    , The Aerospace Corporation

Elections also were held for division chiefs.

Chief–Regional Engagement Activities Division
L. Jane Hansen,

    Cateni Consulting

Chief–Technical Activities Division
Lesley Weitz,

    The MITRE Corporation

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, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

AIAA Announces 2023 International Student Conference Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the undergraduate, team, and master’s winners of the 2023 International Student Conference, held during the 2023 AIAA SciTech Forum, National Harbor, Maryland, 23–27 January.

Nineteen technical paper first-place finalists from all seven 2022 AIAA Regional Student Conferences presented their research papers related to aeronautics and astronautics. A volunteer panel of AIAA members reviewed their technical content and clarity of communication. In partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation, AIAA sponsors the International Student Conference annually at the forum.

“Congratulations to these exemplary students on their accomplishments. Preparing the next generation of aerospace innovators is part of our commitment to the aerospace community,” said Basil Hassan, chair, AIAA Foundation. “The students recognized here are some of our industry’s next leaders and problem-solvers. We are proud to call them AIAA student members and we look forward to seeing how they shape the future of aerospace.”

Since 2018, Lockheed Martin Corporation’s generous donation to the AIAA Foundation has supported the International Student Conference and sponsored student attendees who presented their papers. The AIAA Foundation awards three $1,000 cash prizes to each category’s first-place winners. All participants’ papers are published as part of the AIAA SciTech Forum proceedings.

2023 International Student Conference Winners

Undergraduate Category
1st place: “Experimental Verification of the USAFA 1-DOF Dynamic Stability Characterization Capability and Future 3-DOF Cross Coupling Enhancements,” by Molly Ellinger, Jacob Szymanski, Casey P. Fagley, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

Master’s Category
1st place: “Optimization of Heat Release within a Dual-Mode Ramjet Using Ignition Delay Energy Source Terms,” by Francis Centlivre, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio

Team Category
1st place: “Design of Large-Scale 3D Printed Components for UAV Cargo Transport,” by Cody Watson, Caroline Dixon, Nate Kuczun, and Dr. Jade Morton, University of Colorado Boulder (presented by Cody Watson)

The International Student Conference is an invitation-only student conference where first-place winners from each of the previous year’s AIAA Regional Student Conferences present their winning papers. Since 2018, Lockheed Martin Corporation’s generous donation to the AIAA Foundation has supported the International Student Conference and sponsored student attendees who presented their papers.

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 Mourns the Passing of Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement by AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher:

“The AIAA community is saddened to learn of the passing of Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, USAF. As a pilot who pushed the boundaries of air and space, he contributed in profound ways to our body of technical knowledge, as well as through his decades of leadership. He was a giant in the aerospace community and future generations will continue to stand on his shoulders. We were thrilled to name him an AIAA Fellow in 1977. It has been an extreme honor to work with Lt. Gen. Stafford over the years. His knowledge and superlative leadership influenced the future of space exploration and aerospace for decades to come.

Lt. Gen. Stafford’s leadership and participation in the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project were celebrated by the Institute with distinguished awards. He personally won the AIAA Chanute Flight Test Award in 1976 “for outstanding contribution as the commander of Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in furthering peaceful cooperation in the use of space in the international arena. ”

He and fellow NASA astronauts, Vance Brand and Deke Slayton, won the AIAA Haley Space Flight Award in 1978 “for outstanding performance as the United States flight crew during the Apollo Soyuz space flight, the first international manned space mission. Through their efforts, it was possible to carry out a significant cooperative venture with the Soviet Union in a space flight that successfully demonstrated joint orbital operations and tested a universal docking system, opening the way for mutual assistance in the exploration of the universe.”

His contributions as the commander of the Apollo 10 mission – piloting the lunar module near the moon’s surface and commanding the fastest vehicle known to humans at nearly 25,000 mph – directly led to placing humans on the moon. His legacy forms the basis for today’s Artemis program and returning humans to the moon.

The AIAA community sends our condolences to Lt. Gen. Stafford’s family and friends. We are immensely grateful for his contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

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, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

2024 AIAA DEFENSE Forum to Focus on Accelerating Technology Transition for Battlespace Dominance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has announced its three-day program for the 2024 AIAA DEFENSE Forum, 16–18 April at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland. This year’s program will explore the critical role of the science and technology community in providing innovative and operationally relevant capabilities to dominate the battlespace. This Secret/NOFORN event provides the ideal venue for leaders from government, military, industry, and academia to advance and accelerate innovation. Registration for the 2024 AIAA DEFENSE Forum is open to the national security community.

“We believe it’s more important than ever for the science and technology community to gather for the 2024 AIAA DEFENSE Forum for discussion and debate on the most pressing strategic, programmatic, and technical topics and national security policy issues. The intimate, classified discussions and interaction among sectors are crucial to developing and fielding solutions for the warfighter,” said AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher.

The speakers and panelists participating in the 2024 AIAA DEFENSE Forum are proven leaders and innovators within the industry. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Angela Ambrose, GM Defense
  • Samuel Bendett, CNA
  • Kimberly Caldwell, Spirit AeroSystems
  • Anthony Di Stasio, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
  • Jay Dryer, Strategic Capabilities Office
  • Col. Edward Ferguson, USAF, U.S. Space Command
  • Shawn Fetterolf, Intel Federal
  • Mark Glenn, Joint Hypersonic Transition Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (OASD(S&T))
  • Maynard A. Holliday, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
  • Marcia Holmes, U.S. Department of Defense
  • George Ka’iliwai III, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
  • Aaron Kofford, DARPA
  • Khoi Nguyen, U.S. Cyber Command
  • Heidi C. Perry, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
  • Col. Ryan Simms, USAF, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs
  • Sonny Tahiliani, RTX Ventures
  • Robert Taylor, U.S. Strategic Command
  • Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood, USA (Ret.), Anduril Industries

The forum technical sessions will provide an in-depth discussion of technical topics, including Strategic Missile Systems; Digital Engineering; Guidance, Navigation, Control and Estimation; High-Maneuverability and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies; and Autonomy, Collaborative Engagement, Machine Intelligence, and Robotic and Uncrewed Systems.

For the most up-to-date program and registration information, visit aiaa.org/defense.

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, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

AIAA Names Clay Mowry as Chief Executive Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced today that its Board of Trustees has selected Clay Mowry as the Institute’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Mowry is a globally recognized space industry executive with experience across the international aerospace community. He will join the Institute effective 1 October 2024. Mowry succeeds Dan Dumbacher, who will leave the Institute on 30 September 2024.

Mowry is an executive with a proven track record leading space companies and industry associations. He is tasked with delivering membership growth and transforming services for AIAA’s 30,000 members. Mowry will focus on engaging students and young professionals, expanding AIAA’s international reach, and reimagining Institute services delivered across the career arc for aerospace engineers, scientists, educators, civil servants, and executives.

Mowry’s career has spanned the commercial launch and satellite sectors as a senior executive for leading space companies. Mowry also currently serves as president of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the world’s largest space nonprofit comprising 513 member organizations from 77 countries. He will continue in this volunteer role through October 2025. Mowry recently served as an advisor to space habitation technology company Vast, as chief revenue officer at Voyager Space, and as head of global sales at Blue Origin. For 15 years, Mowry served as president and chairman of Arianespace, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a leading global launch services company. In the 1990s, Mowry helped establish the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) and served as its founding executive director.

Mowry is the founder and chairman emeritus of the Future Space Leaders Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the career development of young space and satellite industry professionals. He received his master’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in politics and government from Ohio Wesleyan University. Mowry is a lifetime AIAA member and was elected as an AIAA Fellow in February 2024.

“On behalf of the AIAA Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to welcome Clay into this pivotal role as CEO at the Institute. As a proven, dynamic, and innovative leader, he brings a depth of operational experience as well as a global perspective that will propel the aerospace community’s premier Institute into the future,” said AIAA President Dan Hastings.

“Clay is an aerospace visionary, with a distinguished track record of driving organizations to achieve incredible goals,” Hastings continued. “We are confident he will advance the Institute’s influence and impact on the issues and challenges confronting our community. We welcome his unparalleled passion for building the next generation of international aerospace explorers and leaders.”

Mowry stated, “I am thrilled to join AIAA at this exciting time for the aerospace community as we push the boundaries of air and space. AIAA has tremendous potential energy. Today’s Institute is propelled by decades of remarkable advances in aeronautics and astronautics produced by our members. Modern aviation capabilities and space exploration missions are possible due to AIAA members’ purpose-driven pursuits. My task is to harness and unleash our members’ collective energy, to engage the current and next generations of aerospace professionals, and to better serve them throughout their careers.”

Mowry continued, “It’s a privilege to help shape the future of aerospace, leading the Institute and empowering members to achieve the next breakthroughs that will enable us to fly farther, faster, smarter, and safer in the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond the Kármán Line. I look forward to all we’ll do together.”

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca 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, or follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Space4All Space STEM Awareness Campaign Launches Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. Department of Education and four nonprofit space organizations are spotlighting
the benefits of space and STEM career opportunities

April 17, 2024 – WASHINGTON – Women in Aerospace (WIA), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Club for the Future, and Space Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, are launching a new national space STEM awareness campaign, Space4All, that aims to increase understanding about the benefits of space for life on Earth. The campaign was first announced on April 8 when Vice President Kamala Harris issued a Call to Action to bring the benefits of space to communities across America. The campaign will spotlight the relevance, impact, and accessibility of space and highlight pathways to success in space-related STEM education and careers. There will be a specific focus on reaching underrepresented communities to ensure equitable, diverse, and inclusive growth within the space industry.

The five-year public awareness campaign was initiated by the National Space Council and aligns to the Interagency Roadmap to Support Space-Related STEM Education and Workforce with the goal to Inspire, Prepare and Employ a diverse space workforce. The campaign is now spearheaded through a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Education and these four nonprofit space organizations. More than 150 additional corporate, federal, and community-based organizations have joined the campaign as Space Champions.

As the lead government partner, the U.S. Department of Education adds expertise in connecting with students and preparing them for future success. “Our nation prospers when all students know and understand that they belong in STEM fields and that careers in space offer boundless opportunities for their success,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten.

“The Space4All awareness campaign is historic, inclusive, and mission-specific – fill the workforce gap in space,” said WIA Board Chair and SAIC Vice President of Business Development Transformation Bridget Chatman. “WIA and SAIC are fully committed to working alongside our partners and the government to develop a STEM- and space-literate nation. We will continue to lead by addressing the student pipeline and workforce gaps that our nation faces today in real and impactful ways.”

AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher stressed the timeliness of this initiative, pointing out that “By 2025, the U.S. STEM workforce will need 3.5 million new workers. We need to attract all of the brightest minds to join this exciting industry, especially from traditionally underrepresented communities. Today, only 16 percent of aerospace and defense workers are Black and Hispanic. The aerospace industry can do better, and we must address the lack of STEM-literate workers immediately with long-term solutions.”

“Our mission at Club for the Future is to inspire and mobilize future generations to pursue STEM careers to harness space for the benefit of Earth. We’re excited to partner with likeminded organizations to create opportunities for students to join the future space workforce,” said Michael Edmonds, President of Blue Origin’s Club for the Future.

“This is a pivotal moment for the space industry,” added Heather Pringle, CEO of the Space Foundation. “Commercial and government space entities face a complex and demanding future, with an accelerating space economy coupled with a shrinking talent pool and fierce competition for individuals with the right skills and experience. When we also consider the declining number of students pursuing STEM degrees, we need all hands on deck. Space Foundation is proud to collaborate with the Space4All campaign to raise awareness of our ongoing efforts and amplify our recent partnership with Space Workforce 2030 so we include more audiences in the many exciting opportunities throughout the space industry.”

Corporate champions are including the Space4All message in their ongoing activities and community outreach. The campaign is also attracting commercial champions that are not traditionally involved in space, including BET News and Documentaries and 23XI Racing, among others. Early efforts will bring an immediate boost to visibility and reach for the campaign.

    • On April 21, Leidos, 23XI Racing, and AIAA will help promote Space4All during the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega, introducing the campaign to a crowd of approximately 100,000 at the track and 4.5M viewing the broadcast.

 

  • On May 3, National Space Day, fourth and fifth grade classes across the country can join in exploring the wonders of space through a 45-minute broadcast through YouTube at 1 p.m. ET, supported by a special curriculum packet and educational materials. This event, led by Space Workforce 2030, will include a Q&A between kids and America’s space experts.

In addition, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Association of Science and Technology Centers will be key champions in reaching students and families across the country, especially those in underrepresented communities. Boys & Girls Clubs serve 3.3 million young people each year, and ASTC represents more than 600 museums and science centers that engage more than 110 million people annually. The Space4All campaign and its corporate champions will work with these and numerous other nonprofit organizations to offer support and resources to increase focus on space STEM content and hands-on activities.

The campaign will also work with influencers and celebrities to further the reach of the Space4All message. Notable names include Emily Calandrelli (The Space Gal), Leland Melvin, Maynard Okereke (Hip Hop MD), Dr. Sian Proctor, and William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr.

Dr. Sian Proctor, Inspiration4 mission pilot and first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft, helped launch the campaign with this video. As the Space4All movement accelerates, resources and events will be added to the campaign website, Space4All.us.

Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected]

About Space4All
Space4All is a national space STEM awareness campaign, managed through a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Education and four nonprofit organizations – Women in Aerospace, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Blue Origin’s Club for the Future, and Space Foundation. Space4All was developed around these essential themes:

  • Space holds the keys to solving global challenges, discovering life-changing scientific breakthroughs, and creating leading-edge technologies that revolutionize life here on Earth.
  • Space is an important part of our lives, our communities, and our future.
  • Space offers inspiring and financially rewarding careers for all types of skills and occupations including scientists, engineers, software developers, architects, physicians, machinists, technicians, welders, seamstresses, fashion designers, financial professionals, and many more.

For more information, visit Space4All.us.

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.

AIAA Announces 2025 Election Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has released the results of its recent elections. The newly elected AIAA officials will take office in May.

“We are proud to announce the newest AIAA leaders who will play key roles in serving our members and advancing the Institute,” said AIAA President Daniel Hastings. “I am grateful to each of the candidates for their willingness to lead important activities that benefit our profession. Their service is essential to the smooth functioning of the Institute. Congratulations to our new leaders.”

Read about all members of the Board of Trustees here. Read about all members of the Council of Directors here.

2025 ELECTION RESULTS FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dana “Keoki” Jackson, The MITRE Corporation, was chosen as AIAA President-Elect for 2025-2026. He will serve as AIAA President 2026-2028.

In January, the Board of Trustees elected three Members-At-Large:

  • Michael Gazarik, University of Colorado Boulder
  • Tina Ghataore, Aerospacelab
  • Jill Marlowe, Retired

Ben Linder, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, also was elected to fulfill an unexpired term.

2025 ELECTION RESULTS FOR COUNCIL OF DIRECTORS

Integration and Outreach Activities Division (IOD)

  • Chief: Jeanette Domber, BAE Systems
  • Director–Aerospace Outreach Group: Sofia Russi, Denmar Technical Services
  • Director–Integration Group: Abdollah Khodadoust, The Boeing Company
  • Director-Elect–Young Professionals Group: Nathan Crane, Advanced Development Programs, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Regional Engagement Activities Division (READ)

  • Director–Region IV: Ellen Gillespie, Jacobs Engineering
  • Director–Region V: James Guglielmo, Boeing Defense, Space & Security

Technical Activities Division (TAD)

  • Director–Information Systems: Michel Ingham, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • Director–Propulsion & Energy: Rusty Powell, Axient

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, LinkedIn, or Instagram.