It was great to begin this year seeing so many of you at the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum in San Diego. The energy there was incredible, from the impressive plenary session speakers, to the recognition events for career excellence, to the thousands of technical papers presented. We were excited to host over 5,000 attendees: more than 3,000 people in person and more than 2,000 people virtually. Students were a key group, with more than 1,900 participating. We were enriched by the knowledge, vision, and inspiration shared during the forum. Join the Executive Steering Committee to explore the key takeaways during the SciTechxWebinar: 2022 Forum Perspectives, Inspiration, and Lessons Learned on 9 February.
Also during January, we were thrilled to welcome two new AIAA Student Branches: the University of Calgary and Cedarville University, Ohio!
These two universities bring the total of AIAA Student Branches to 240.
Photo Credit: AIAA Dayton-Cincinnati Section
The late winter season gives us the opportunity to focus intensely on public policy. The Public Policy Committee (PPC) just released the 2022 Key Issues, has planned a very timely policy webinar in February, and has organized the Congressional Visits Day (CVD) program for March.
Join the ASCENDxWebinar: Policy Discussion with Bhavya Lal, Tuesday, 15 February. We are eager to hear Bhavya Lal speak about NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy—its responsibilities and how it will support the Biden Administration’s space priorities—as well as review other agency activities.
Sign up for the 24th annual Congressional Visits Day the week of 14 March to meet virtually with national decision makers and discuss critical community issues in aeronautics, astronautics, and defense. Your involvement in CVD is invaluable as the aerospace and defense industry and its supply chain continues to be impacted by the prolonged pandemic.
This year, AIAA will call on lawmakers to address the ongoing needs of the aerospace and defense industry included in the 2022 Key Issues.
Accelerating the establishment of policies that facilitate the commercialization of space for U.S. technological competitiveness, economic growth, and national security benefits.
Supporting the growth, evolution, and diversification of the 21st-century workforce to fill the job needs in the industry.
Supporting long-term, robust investments in research and technologies that drive innovation and sustainability across the A&D industry.
Supporting initiatives with associated funding for the recovery and advancement of the A&D industry—including workforce, infrastructure, and technology advancements.
I have been asked to testify before the House Subcommittee on Science, Space, and Technology during an upcoming hearing titled, “Keeping Our Sights on Mars Part 3: A Status Update and Review of NASA’s Artemis Initiative.” Their inquiry is on the status of progress on NASA’s Artemis initiative, reviewing challenges related to the implementation of those activities, and considering the factors that contribute to the overall success in the nation’s moon to Mars efforts. I look forward to representing the aerospace community and sharing information based on my previous experience as a NASA program manager.
The 2022 AIAA Election is open. Make your voice heard by voting for candidates running for the AIAA Council of Directors. Vote right here, right now. Learn more about each of the candidates in the 2022 AIAA Election Guide.
Learn about mentoring. Join me this Friday, 28 January, for a workshop we’re hosting for members who want to become a great mentor.
Our Mentor Match program has attracted hundreds of mentees looking for someone committed to investing time supporting their career journey in aerospace. You could be that someone.
Maximize your AIAA membership benefit. Leverage these opportunities to advance your career goals.
Join the Resume Sweepstakes—upload your anonymous resume to the AIAA Career Center for your chance to win either complimentary online access to an AIAA forum or an on-demand course—valued at $500–$1,200. The deadline was extended to 27 January.
Submit a design proposal for AIAA’s undergraduate or graduate team design competitions: Missile Systems, Aircraft, and Space Design. The deadline to submit a proposal is 13 February.
Present your research in a formal technical atmosphere at the AIAA Regional Student Conferences. It’s an important opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss programs with students from other schools in your region. Abstract deadlines are now through early February.
Apply to become an AIAA Diversity Scholar. University students attending school in the United States or one of its dependent territories can apply by 24 March if they are interested in attending the 2022 AIAA AVIATION Forum, 27 June–1 July.
Support our future workforce. Nominate a teacher by 30 January for the Trailblazing STEM Educator Award, a new award presented by AIAA and Challenger Center.
Celebrate our stars. We will again recognize individuals who have made tremendous accomplishments in their careers and continue to advance the aerospace industry at the AIAA Awards Gala, 27 April, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, DC. This special evening will inspire us all as we honor our premier award winners and recognize our Class of 2022 AIAA Honorary Fellows and AIAA Fellows. Make plans now to join us. Ticket sales open this week.
Together we remember. Each January NASA honors those who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1 and the Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia. We join with NASA and the aerospace community to remember our commitment to safety and why we explore.
On this week more than most, let us remember our AIAA core value of being purpose driven. We dare greatly in all we do as we embody the tenets of curiosity, perseverance, and courage. By daring greatly, we must remember the risks inherent in exploration. Let’s use the inspiration of our discoveries to honor the memories of our fallen heroes.
All the best,
Dan Dumbacher
Executive Director, AIAA
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive • Reston, VA 20191-5807 • 1.800.639.AIAA (2422)
