AIAA Foundation Making an Impact: AIAA Diversity Scholars at AIAA AVIATION Forum

AIAA Diversity Scholars at the 2023 AIAA AVIATION Forum. Credit: AIAA

Eighteen AIAA Diversity Scholars attended AIAA AVIATION Forum, 12–16 June, in San Diego. A collaboration between the AIAA Foundation and The Boeing Company, the AIAA Diversity Scholarship was created to provide networking and engagement opportunities at AIAA events to students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the industry. These students receive round-trip airfare, a complimentary hotel stay, event registration, and additional targeted programming that may help them succeed in the aerospace industry. They also receive a complimentary AIAA student membership.

Scholars at AIAA AVIATION Forum attended the plenary and Forum 360 sessions, as well as the Rising Leaders in Aerospace events and other special sessions targeted specifically for the scholars.

Diversity scholarships will be offered at the upcoming ASCEND space event and 2024 AIAA SciTech Forum. AIAA welcomes applications from minority students in all disciplines with an interest in aerospace, including but not limited to STEM fields, communications, law, industrial design, journalism, and political science. Please visit aiaa.org/diversity scholars for more information.

AIAA Foundation AIAA Sections Host Students To Launch Program

Students participating in S2L Hub events in Massachusetts and Maryland. Credit: AIAA

On 20 May, two local AIAA sections hosted Students To Launch (S2L) Hub events in their communities. Sponsored by the AIAA Foundation, S2L focuses on inspiring middle school students from underrepresented communities to learn more about aerospace, aviation, and STEM fields and careers. Local AIAA section members joined the fun and participated as volunteers as students built and launched water bottle rockets.

Cedric Turner, a 2022 recipient of the Trailblazing STEM Educator Award, is leading STEM efforts and activities in his community through his non-profit, Empower Yourself LTD. Sixty-eight middle school students attended the Hub event at Brockton High School, Brockton, MA, with support from the AIAA New England Section.

Robin Houston, a volunteer on the AIAA STEM K-12 Outreach Committee and founder of the FIRE Rocket Challenge, hosted 52 middle school students at Capitol Technology University, Laurel, MD. Members of the AIAA National Capital Section and Mid-Atlantic Section helped support this event.

Students To Launch works with informal educational institutions across the country call “S2L Hubs.” Middle school students are invited to participate in hands-on role-playing challenges to complete NASA-inspired missions together in small teams under the guidance of the program leaders, called Mission Directors. For more information please visit aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students/students-to-launch.

AIAA Foundation Are You Teaching Model Rocketry to Your Elementary School Students? Would You Like to?

AIAA and our partners, Estes Education and National Science Teaching Association, are excited to announce three new lesson plans for elementary-aged students. Dive into the new Weather and Model Rockets Playlist, especially designed to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for model rockets, while also promoting equitable learning experiences, and aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards.

Every lesson is free! Students will dive into scientific concepts related to forces and motion, climate, and weather for successful model rocket launches. They will ask and discover the answers to questions like, “How can weather conditions affect the flight of a rocket?”, “How can we predict and measure weather conditions to choose a safe launch date?”, and “How can we plan a safe and successful model rocket launch?”

View all the free lessons at nsta.org/exploration-generation.

AIAA Announcements Nominations for Speaker of the AIAA Council of Directors Are Being Accepted Through 15 September 2023

The Institute is currently seeing nominations for the Speaker of the AIAA Council of Directors for the term May 2024–May 2027. AIAA members may self-nominate or nominate members qualified for the open position. The AIAA Council of Directors Nominating Committee will compile a list of potential nominees for the Speaker of the AIAA Council of Directors; this list will include nominees who will be selected to go to the next step of competency review held by the nominating committee. The nominating committee will select specific candidates for the Speaker position who will be voted on by the AIAA Council of Directors in January 2024.

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Council of Directors and is the point of contact between the Council of Directors and the Board of Trustees, thus providing the communication conduit between the membership and the Board. The Speaker is responsible for developing the agenda for the Council and leading all Council meetings. The Speaker works with the Council to ensure implementation of the Institute’s strategic initiatives as well as integration of activities across the Regional Engagement Activities Division (READ), Technical Activities Division (TAD), and Integration and Outreach Division (IOD). The Speaker works closely with the AIAA President, AIAA Executive Director, and AIAA Governance Administrator to ensure coordination of volunteer and staff activities throughout the Institute.

The Speaker should possess an understanding of the AIAA governance structure and operation and have a working knowledge of the operations within the three functional divisions (READ, TAD, and IOD) that operate under the Council of Directors. The Speaker must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Please go to AIAA Nominations and Elections to learn more and submit nominations no later than 15 September 2023, 1800 hrs ET.

Award Announcements Johnson Receives Guggenheim Medal

Mike Hirschberg, Vertical Flight Society, presenting Wayne Johnson (right) with the Daniel Guggenheim Medal. Credit: VFS photo by Warren Liebmann.

On 18 May, the Vertical Flight Society held its awards ceremony at the 79th Annual Forum & Technology Display. The Daniel Guggenheim Medal was presented to Wayne Johnson for his landmark contributions to vertical flight aeronautics and resulting computational codes enabling the design of tiltrotor aircraft, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity.

The Guggenheim Medal was established in 1929 to honor innovators who make notable achievements in the advancement of aeronautics, and is jointly sponsored by AIAA, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), SAE International, and the Vertical Flight Society.

AIAA Announcements AIAA Awards Special Service Citations to Members

Emily Matula (l) and Humberto “Tito” Silva III (r). Credit: Matula/Silva

The Regional Engagement Activities Division (READ) awarded two Special Service Citations to volunteer leaders who have gone above and beyond in serving AIAA.

Emily Matula, NASA Johnson Space Center
For inspiring future engineers through exemplary STEM outreach to students and outstanding mentorship and engagement of engineers and teachers in STEM.

Humberto “Tito” Silva III, Sandia National Laboratories
For outstanding service in identifying active regional student branches and creating a regional student conference rotation order for advance planning.

Section News AIAA LA-LV Section Members Attend AIAA Fellow Aldrins’ Honorary Appointment to Brigadier General

(Left) Aldrin reaffirms his military oath, administered by Maj. Gen. Guetlein, before he spoke to the ceremony attendees about space exploration (right top). (Right bottom) Members of the LA-LV Section attending the ceremony: (l to r) Rick Garcia, Ken Lui, Jeff Puschell, and Ben Price. Credit: AIAA LA-LV Section

By Kenneth Lui, Rick Garcia, and Jeff Puschell, AIAA LA-LV Section

On 5 May, members of the AIAA Los Angeles-Las Vegas (LA-LV) Section attended a ceremony honoring Apollo 11 astronaut and fighter pilot Buzz Aldrin’s honorary appointment as U.S. Air Force Brigadier General. Maj. Gen. Michael Guetlein, USSF, Commander of Space Systems Command, gave the opening remarks before Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA-41) explained the process for making the promotion proposal. Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF (Ret.) highlighted the importance of pursuing the sciences, engineering, and research fields in astronautics and space studies, noting how crucial they are as an essential pathway for U.S. Air Force Airmen and Space Force Guardians to excel.

The placement of Aldrin’s new Brigadier General’s shoulder patches was done by his wife, Anca Aldrin, and another family member. Maj. Gen. Guetlein then reaffirmed the military oath with Aldrin on his promotion to (Honorary) Brigadier General (USAF) from his previous USAF Colonel rank (retired).

Aldrin spoke next, mentioning the legacy of our American space heritage and the challenges in venturing from the aerospace to astronautic realms. He also discussed his involvement with the National Space Council in outlining the new NASA Gateway program, which will serve as a multi-purpose outpost orbiting the moon providing essential support for long-term human return to the lunar surface and a staging point for deep space exploration. The ceremony also included a special flyover of two F-18 and a reception.

Outreach and community engagement are essential activities of the AIAA LA-LV Section and on this occasion a few members of the U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command expressed interest in the Institute and its section activities. Engagement with the men and women of the U. S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and DoD components during these prized events provides us an integral part in building an aerospace community. As a result, we are continuously able to socialize the value, impact and foster AIAA membership.

AIAA Committees SAT OC and the 2023 Activities

(L) Dianne Chong, Ph.D., AIAA Associate Fellow; Gohardani speaks to Neil deGrasse Tyson on Space Talk. Credit: Chong/Gohardani

By: Amir S. Gohardani, SAT OC Chair

The AIAA Society and Aerospace Technology Outreach Committee (SAT OC) recently held a committee meeting to greet new committee members, update the membership about ongoing endeavors, and focus on new initiatives and the need for further planning. With its membership at an all-time high, SAT OC is becoming increasingly involved in upcoming technical conferences. For AIAA forums, the SAT OC typically solicits papers for the Society and Aerospace Technology track that examine the societal benefits of aerospace technologies/products, as well as the relationship between aerospace and society, culture, and the arts. The committee has seen significant interest in this track during planning for the 2024 AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, FL. Contemplating the impact of aerospace technology on society is an ongoing process, and the SAT OC is pleased to provide a forum for discussions about this topic.

Continuous outreach and formation of subcommittees is also one of the many activities of this committee. SAT OC welcomes new opportunities to engage with other AIAA committees in pursuit of its committee goals. One of the latest outreach activities has been to underline aerospace-related activities in collaboration with other organizations outside of AIAA, including on Space Talk by the American Astronautical Society. Space Talk’s episodes are planned to spread knowledge about space-related activities to anyone with Internet access, free of charge. As the host of Space Talk, I recently had the opportunity to speak to Neil deGrasse Tyson about several topics including his new book, Starry Messenger. SAT OC continues to look for opportunities to serve the community and bring important aerospace-related topics to light.

Diversity Corner

Name: Dianne Chong, Ph.D.
Notable Contributions: Chong was the vice president in The Boeing Company’s Engineering, Operations & Technology organization, where she managed materials and manufacturing processes, as well as program integration. In 2019, she received an award for alumna achievement from the University of Illinois and she has received numerous other technical and diversity awards. Chong earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from the University of Illinois. She also holds master’s degrees in physiology and metallurgical engineering. In 1986, Chong received her doctorate in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois. She has an Executive Master of Manufacturing Management degree from Washington University and a green belt in Six Sigma.
Potential Societal Impact of Contributions: In 2017, Chong was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the Washington State Academy of Science. She is a member of the NAE Council, co-chairs EngineerGirl, and serves on multiple NAE committees. Chong is also a member of the National Academies’ Governing Board and a member of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Advisory. She is the past-president of ABET and serves on its Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advisory Council. Chong has served on the ASM International board, is a fellow of ASM, and was elected its first female president (2007–2008). Additionally, Chong is the immediate past president of SME and a Fellow of SME.

*In collaboration with the AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and Claudine Phaire, SAT OC is highlighting prominent members of the wider aerospace community in the Diversity Corner.

Section News AIAA New England Section Hosts Honors & Awards Event

Speakers at the New England Section: (l) Amanda Simpson, vice president, Research and Technology, Airbus Americas; (top right)Tony Kourepenis, vice president, Engineering, Draper; and Christian North, a founder of the Model Aviation Club (bottom right). Credit: AIAA New England Section

On 19 April, the AIAA New England Section hosted an Honors & Awards event at Draper Laboratory to recognize members of the New England aerospace community for their contributions in engineering and education. Amanda Simpson, vice president, Research and Technology, Airbus Americas, gave a keynote focusing on sustainable aviation and Airbus’ role in developing sustainable technologies and solutions.

Tony Kourepenis, vice president, Engineering, Draper, gave an overview of his organization and recognized the contributions of AIAA Associate Fellows, Fellows, and volunteers. Christian North, a founder of the Model Aviation Club (funded with the support of the New England Section) also gave a talk on his entrepreneurial journey in building the club, sharing the passion in aerospace with his peers, and expanding the programs across the high schools in New England.

The New England Section also presented two new awards. The Young Professional Award was presented to Anthony Hazlett, GE Aerospace, for his contributions in hypersonic propulsion. The STEM Educator of the Year Award recognized three individuals from the New England region who took strong initiatives and showed consistent efforts and commitment to promote STEM education, mentorship, diversity, and equity during the past year: Durgesh Chandel, founder, WeLEAP Aerospace – Global; Nancy Gifford, educator, Middle School Science and Robotics at Monomoy Middle School; and Yiannis Levendis, Distinguished Professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University. The awards ceremony was moderated by Shreyas Hegde, incoming section chair.

This event also served as a platform for students to network with AIAA professional members and hear about aerospace career. The students also learned more about AIAA and its role in informing and supporting their academic and professional development, and honing their professional skills.

Thank you to the event team for their significant contributions: Draper team: Jimmy Wetzel and Matt Damaniaco; AIAA team: Shreyas Hegde, Hiro Endo, Osa Osaretin, and Charlie Wilson.

AIAA Announcements AIAA New Standards Project Approved and Call for Experts

The AIAA Standards Steering Committee (SSC) recently approved a new project, AIAA S-158, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) and On Orbit Servicing (OOS) – Prepared Free-Flyer Capture and Release. This document provides current industry best practices for functional and operational requirements and norms associated with the design, testing, and operations of prepared Free-Flyer Capture between Servicing Vehicle and a Client Space Object. The intent is to provide guidance to developers and operators of both the Servicing Vehicle and the Client Space Object. If you wish to participate as an expert on the committee or if you have questions, please contact Nick Tongson (nickt@aiaa.org).

Obituary AIAA Associate Fellow Bruyette Died in August 2020

Gerald (Jerry) W. Bruyette Credit: Bruyette Family

Gerald (Jerry) W. Bruyette died on 8 August 2020. He was 95 years old.

Bruyette enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1941 and served as an aviator on the USS Princeton during World War II. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Bruyette attended Syracuse University. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1950.

Bruyette held many roles at McDonnell Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas throughout his career, including serving as Senior Engineer for Project Mercury Field Operations at Langley and Wallops Island, Virginia. There he helped conduct simulated flight missions in support of the manned flight program launched from Cape Canaveral. He served as Senior Group Engineer on the F-111 escape module and served as Branch Chief for the F-15 and F-18 test programs.

Obituary AIAA Senior Member Schuyler Died in April 2023

Fred Schuyler died on 5 April. He was 86 years old.

Schuyler attended Brooklyn Technical High School and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He received his Ph.D. from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Upon completion of that degree, Schuyler moved to Pennsylvania where he worked for the General Electric Company in programs serving NASA’s projects in designing heat shields for the manned space program. In 1969, he moved to Washington and joined the federal workforce; he retired from the Department of Energy in early 1997.

Obituary AIAA Fellow Klineberg Died in December 2022

John Klineberg, whose 25-year senior management career at NASA helped usher in many groundbreaking aeronautics and space science advances, including repairing the Hubble telescope, died on 31 December. He was 84 years old.

In 1960, Klineberg earned a B.S. in engineering from Princeton University and, in 1968, an M.S. and Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology. Like many talented engineers at the time, Klineberg was drawn to the space program, inspired by President Kennedy’s call to public service as a noble endeavor for America’s best and brightest, especially to fulfill his ambitious goals for manned spaceflight.

Klineberg’s career at NASA began at Ames Research Center and Headquarters in Washington, DC, where among other achievements, he championed several aeronautics research projects, and was credited with advances like new airplane wing designs, turbulence detectors, more fuel-efficient engines and research on wingtip devices that reduce drag and improve fuel consumption. In 1987 he was appointed director of NASA Lewis Research Center, a position he held until 1990 when he was appointed director of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, winning numerous medals and awards of distinction, including an Emmy, the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive, and Meritorious Executive.

More importantly, in these roles, Klineberg worked with his large team, politicians, businessmen, and local union leaders to establish partnerships with local universities and businesses to source talent, support local communities, and re-invigorate investment in basic research, including aeronautics. Under his leadership, the GOES satellite network was launched to measure the impact of humans on our environment, and a successful mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope was conducted.

In 1995, Klineberg left NASA and continued to make significant contributions to aeronautics and space systems through private industry, including at Space Systems/Loral where he lead the development and deployment of the Globalstar satellite constellation and at Swales Aerospace as interim CEO.

In addition, he continued to serve our nation as the chair of several bipartisan Congressional committees for the National Academy of Sciences and as a member of the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board until his retirement in 2010.