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Kathleen Connor Howell 2022ASCEND 1
August 4, 2022

Kathleen Connor Howell

Professor Kathleen Connor Howell is the Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics in the College of Engineering at Purdue University. She earned her B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University; her…
August 2, 2022

Bryan K. Smith

Bryan K. Smith is director of Facilities, Test and Manufacturing at the NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. In this capacity, Smith is responsible for the facility infrastructure and operation of all test facilities at…
July 28, 2022

Kathy Laurini

Kathy Laurini works for Dynetics in roles that include human spaceflight strategy and Human Landing System design and development. She is also leading the Dynetics HLS commercialization strategy development. During her 35-year NASA career, Ms.…
July 28, 2022

John Reed

John Reed is United Launch Alliance’s Chief Rocket Scientist, and former Senior Technical Fellow for Guidance Navigation and Control. Mr. Reed manages the Technical Fellows program at ULA. He is currently focused on a wide…
Jonathan Cirtain HS 2026
July 27, 2022

Jonathan Cirtain

An accomplished physicist and technology executive, Dr. Cirtain brings extensive experience spanning both the space and nuclear industries. Prior to joining IBX, he spent seven years at BWX Technologies (BWXT), where he held senior leadership…
July 26, 2022

Kate Kelly

Kate H. Kelly is the director for Space and Emerging programs of BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT), leading the strategy and execution of the space and advanced manufacturing portfolio.…
July 26, 2022

Lt. Col. Tommy Nix, USSF

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Nix, United States Space Force, JETSON Project Lead and Senior Military Advisor, Spacecraft Technology Division (RVS), Air Force Research Laboratory( AFRL), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. As Senior Military Advisor, Lieutenant Colonel Nix…
July 26, 2022

Adam Schilffarth

As the Director of Strategy, Adam Schilffarth defines and leads the execution of growth strategies that are central to the health and profitability of USNC’s space portfolio. He oversees all business development and strategic activities,…