Dear Lawrence,

Given the significance of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during the last week of February, I want to use this monthly message to share the statement the Institute issued. AIAA calls for an immediate and just end to this dangerous and unprovoked attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all who are affected by this conflict.

While AIAA is gravely concerned for the health and safety of our members, as well as their livelihoods, I want to ensure that our members receive the timely news of the Institute so you can continue to advance our profession. The following information for the monthly “From Dan’s Desk” message was prepared prior to the Ukraine invasion.

During the last week of February, we recognized Engineers Week. We are pleased to acknowledge the aerospace engineers who dedicate their careers to expanding humanity’s horizons. Local AIAA sections and student branches have played a key role in Engineers Week outreach this year, inspiring the next generation to consider a career in engineering.

Earlier this month, I was honored to join six other experienced AIAA mentors for a webinar where we discussed best practices in cultivating meaningful mentoring relationships through the AIAA Mentor Match program. It was a productive dialogue and we left equipped with new ideas to support our mentees. We also recruited several new mentors to join the program–welcome! Mentoring relationships take many different forms and the invaluable information exchanged throughout these relationships goes both ways. I believe everyone has something to offer. 

Also in February, our Diversity Working Group helped ensure that we encourage participation and collaboration across all genders, ethnicities, and races, and enhance diverse representation in the entire industry. We were pleased to recognize Black History Month by featuring AIAA members and their career achievements on our social media channels and on Engage.

AIAA Is An Advocate For Aerospace

• During February, we heard from Bhavya Lal about NASA technology, policy, and strategy during the ASCEND policy webinar. She discussed her newly established office’s responsibilities and how it supports the Biden Administration’s space priorities. Watch the replay if you missed it.

• On behalf of the aerospace community, I will deliver a testimony during the rescheduled hearing on 1 March titled, “Keeping Our Sights on Mars Part 3: A Status Update and Review of NASA’s Artemis Initiative,” before the House Subcommittee on Science, Space, and Technology. I look forward to sharing information based on my previous experience as a NASA program manager.

• Members have the invaluable opportunity to meet virtually with national decision makers and discuss critical community issues in aeronautics, astronautics, and defense during the 24th annual Congressional Visits Day, the week of 14 March.

AIAA Is Shaping the Future of Aerospace Through Student Programs

Register now to attend the 2022 AIAA Regional Student Conferences. Students will present their research in a formal technical meeting atmosphere, exchange ideas, and discussing programs with students from other schools in their region.

Shape the Conversation at ASCEND

Connect to ASCEND’s theme of “Building Our Off-World Future” and respond to the Call for Papers and Call for Sessions by 31 March.

Where Will We See You This Spring?

We are pleased to be able to offer several in-person events this spring. We continue to plan our events with appropriate onsite health and safety protocols according to current federal and local guidance.

The 2022 AIAA DEFENSE Forum will explore how the science and technology community can advance research and development to rapidly provide operationally relevant capabilities to the warfighter.

Our reimagined AIAA Awards Gala will take place under the stars outdoors at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. We will recognize individuals who have made tremendous achievements during their careers and continue to shape the aerospace industry.

Join us in Houston for ASCENDxTexas, a new event designed to grow the Texas space ecosystem and our off-world future. In our first ASCEND event of 2022, we are excited to be working with our partners to bring the Texas space community together.

Get Involved With AIAA at the Local Level

Check out the calendar on AIAA Engage to read about the many programs being planned for members by AIAA sections and student branches in the coming weeks.

AIAA Will Celebrate Women’s History Month in March

Plan to attend a special webinar, Women Driving Aviation: Innovations in Breaking the Sound Barrier, featuring Christine Darden, a 40-year NASA veteran who focused on sonic boom minimization. She will discuss her life’s work and how she advocates for equity for women in engineering. This free webinar is a part of the annual Mary Jackson Lecture Series hosted by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the AIAA Diversity Working Group in collaboration with NSBE Aerospace Special Interest Group.

All the best,

Dan Dumbacher

Executive Director, AIAA