Tag: Orlando

Career Accelerator Ignites Student Momentum at AIAA SciTech Forum

FROM THE INSTITUTE
At AIAA SciTech Forum, a new student-focused career development program made a powerful debut—drawing packed rooms, buzzing conversations, and a palpable sense of momentum for the next generation of aerospace leaders. Designed as a full-day immersive experience, the Career Accelerator Program put university students front and center, equipping them with practical tools, inspiration, and direct access to industry leaders.

Meet Jenna Eppink, 2026 AIAA Engineer of the Year

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Jenna Eppink was recognized as the 2026 Engineer of the Year at AIAA SciTech Forum in January in Orlando. She received the award for her significant contributions to flow measurement and near-body flow physics. As part of NASA Langley’s Flow Physics and Control Branch, Eppink’s technical innovation is expanding NASA’s research capabilities and setting new standards in experimental aerodynamics.

Hands-On Aerospace: Technical Committees Bring STEM to Middle School Classrooms

FROM THE INSTITUTE
During AIAA SciTech Forum, three AIAA technical committees, the Structural Dynamics TC, Structures TC, and Aerodynamics Measurement Technologies TC, along with representatives from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future partnered with Southwest Middle School in Orlando, for an off-site STEM outreach event.

Space Funding Picture Mixed Heading into 2026

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The future of U.S. research funding was debated Tuesday at AIAA SciTech Forum, where academic, industry, and startup space leaders expressed cautious optimism for America’s science and technology innovation pipeline. The budget picture for NASA and the U.S. Space Force in 2025 saw yearlong continuing resolutions and DOGE canceling or pausing contracts, which together “make it difficult to talk about 2026 relative to 2025,” said Carissa Christensen, founder and CEO of BryceTech.

In the Race Against China, U.S. AI Leadership Depends on High-Quality Data, the Right Use Cases, and People Owning Validation of AI Output

FROM THE INSTITUTE
In today’s race with China for AI superiority, the United States must use quality data, lean into the right use cases, and keep humans front and center when validating results, urged Craig Martell, vice president and chief technology officer at Lockheed Martin, at AIAA SciTech Forum on Wednesday. “The Department [of Defense] is right in pushing hard for AI,” said Martell, referring to the latest memos calling for Pentagon-wide adoption of AI.

AIAA SciTech Goes Inside the High-Tech World of Formula 1

“You’re driving a car on adrenaline and playing a chess game at the same time. That’s what wins most of these races.” That’s how Arbi Karapetian, Formula 1’s new director of Innovation & Technology, described the highly competitive, tech-driven world of F1 racing on the second day of AIAA SciTech Forum.

AIAA Welcomes RTX as an AIAA Corporate Partner

AIAA announced today that RTX has elevated its engagement with the world’s largest aerospace technical institute to the Corporate Partner level. RTX joins Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman in an elite group of Corporate Partners – the highest level of support and engagement in AIAA.

Celebrating 30 Years of the AIAA Foundation

FROM THE INSTITUTE
For three decades, the AIAA Foundation has promoted aerospace education, recognized excellence, and inspired future aerospace professionals. “The AIAA Foundation has been a powerful force in helping countless students and educators discover the wonder of aerospace,” remarked AIAA President Dan Hastings. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, we recognize that strong support by AIAA members has enabled the Foundation to achieve significant impact. We invite you to explore our Silent Auction in the HUB at AIAA SciTech Forum to continue your support. Bids must be in by 10 am on Thursday.