The ARMD 2024 Associate Administrator Awards have recently been bestowed upon a distinguished group of NASA employees, contractors, and students or interns. These awards recognize individuals and groups who have excelled in their respective fields, demonstrating exceptional commitment and innovation in their work over the past year. This annual event serves to highlight the outstanding achievements and contributions made towards advancing NASA’s aeronautics research and development goals.
### Overview of ARMD NASA Centers
The awards are associated with various NASA centers, each playing a vital role in aeronautical research. These centers include:
– Ames Research Center (ARC)
– Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC)
– Glenn Research Center (GRC)
– NASA Headquarters (HQ)
– Langley Research Center (LaRC)
### Individual Honoree: Kenneth R. Lyons, ARC
Kenneth R. Lyons of the Ames Research Center was recognized for his pioneering work in advancing NASA’s unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) experimental measurements in wind tunnels. Lyons played a crucial role in the development of innovative data processing capabilities, such as custom software drivers that efficiently transfer high-speed uPSP data from wind tunnels to NASA’s High-End Computer facility. His contributions were described by the principal investigator as a “masterpiece” in modernizing legacy systems.
### Group Honoree: NASA GRX-810 Licensing Team
The NASA GRX-810 Licensing Team demonstrated exceptional performance by developing a technologically significant new material. This team successfully navigated the challenges of rapid evaluation and commercialization, leading to the licensing of their innovation to multiple parties. By employing co-exclusive licenses, they fostered increased market competition and incentivized faster product development. This approach represents a novel strategy for NASA, showcasing their commitment to industry collaboration and technological advancement. The team was led by Dr. Timothy M. Smith from the Glenn Research Center.
### Honorable Mention: Shishir Pandya, ARC
Shishir Pandya’s work in the Propulsion/Airframe Integration (PAI) technical challenge was instrumental in formulating a project plan that examines complex aerodynamic interactions between new propulsor technologies, such as open rotor concepts. His efforts in defining the roles and responsibilities of NASA, General Electric, and Boeing were pivotal in advancing open fan integration studies, both computationally and experimentally, laying the groundwork for future sustainable aviation technologies.
### Honorable Mention (Group): eVTOL Propulsion Team
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Propulsion Team from the Revolutionary Vertical Lift and Technology project achieved significant milestones in improving propulsion system component reliability. They demonstrated enhancements in 100-kilowatt electric motors through interdisciplinary collaboration and external partnerships. Their work supports NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission, pushing the boundaries of electric propulsion technology. The team was led by Mark Valco from the Glenn Research Center.
### Honorable Mention (Group): Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren Team
The Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren Team made strides in aeronautics research with their innovative Schlieren system for high-speed flow visualization. This non-intrusive optical measurement technique dramatically improves the efficiency of visualizing complex airflows around advanced aerospace vehicles. Their work represents a significant leap forward in terms of capability and ease of use, eliminating the cumbersome alignment procedures required by traditional Schlieren systems. The team was led by Brett Bathel at Langley Research Center.
### Individual Honoree: Anthony Nerone, GRC
Anthony Nerone of the Glenn Research Center was honored for his leadership in the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core project. His effective management and strategic vision set a benchmark for other aeronautics projects, accelerating the development of advanced engine technologies. This initiative maintains the United States’ leadership in sustainable aviation by pushing the boundaries of engine efficiency and environmental stewardship.
### Individual Honoree: Diana Fitzgerald, LaRC
Diana Fitzgerald from Booz Allen Hamilton, working with the Langley Research Center, demonstrated innovation and impact in the Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) project. Her enhancements to TTT’s communication processes significantly improved operational efficiency and strategic partnerships within the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Her contributions have had a measurable impact, earning her widespread recognition.
### Group Honoree: Airspace Operations Safety Program (AOSP) Resource Analyst Group
The AOSP Resource Analyst Group excelled in their rigorous review and analysis of the NASA Aeronautics budget. Their meticulous work in program planning, budgeting, and execution ensured a smooth and transparent annual budget process. This team, led by Michele Dodson and Jeffrey Farlin from NASA Headquarters, exemplified commitment and precision in their support of NASA’s mission.
### Honorable Mention: Shannon Eichorn, GRC
Shannon Eichorn from the Glenn Research Center envisioned an inspiring future for NASA’s aeronautics research. Her creative vision encompassed future technologies, workforce synergies, and enhanced research quality. Her presentations sparked enthusiasm and led to productive discussions across NASA, inspiring teams to align their efforts with her forward-looking goals for the agency.
### Individual Honoree: Matthew Webster, LaRC
Matthew Webster of the Langley Research Center showcased his technical prowess and leadership in the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions and Transformational Tools and Technologies projects. His ability to adapt and apply expertise across various projects facilitated the achievement of technical goals, fostering a collaborative team environment.
### Honorable Mention: Dahlia Pham, ARC
Dahlia Pham from the Ames Research Center excelled as a system analyst and researcher in electrified aircraft propulsion. Her problem-solving skills, coupled with her ability to communicate complex results and mentor peers, have established her as a leader among her colleagues. Her work continues to propel NASA’s efforts in sustainable aviation technologies.
### Individual Honoree: Salvatore Buccellato, LaRC
Salvatore Buccellato at Langley Research Center identified strategic opportunities for collaboration in hypersonics research. By leveraging expertise and resources from NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Buccellato advanced hypersonic technologies through ground and flight tests. His efforts have strengthened partnerships and are expected to lead to further collaborative endeavors.
### Group Honoree: Advanced Power Electronics Team, GRC
The Advanced Power Electronics Team from the Glenn Research Center made significant advancements in designing a prototype electric motor drive for aviation. Their work in power density, efficiency, and quality is a cornerstone towards future megawatt-level motor drives. The successful tests and subsequent publications from this team are breaking barriers in the electrified aircraft industry. The team was led by Matthew G. Granger.
These awards not only celebrate individual and group achievements but also highlight NASA’s commitment to innovation and excellence in aeronautics. By fostering a culture of collaboration and pushing technological boundaries, NASA continues to lead in the advancement of aerospace technologies and sustainable aviation solutions. For those interested in more details, NASA has made available a comprehensive PDF of the 2024 AA Award Honorees and more information can be found on the official ARMD Associate Administrator Award page on the NASA website.
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