2022 Distinguished Engineering Alumni


Photo David D. Thompson

David D. Thompson

Vice Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
MSAAE '89

“Do not be afraid to ask questions that risk showing your lack of knowledge or understanding. Failure to ask questions is the greatest barrier to learning and to developing in one's profession and as a leader. More often than not, there are many others in the room with similar questions.”

Photo Mark S. Geyer

Mark S. Geyer (1958-2021)

Director, Johnson Space Center, NASA
BSAAE '82, MSAAE '84

“We were not only bridging engineering challenges but also cultural and language challenges working with the Russian space team. We had to learn their culture as well as their engineering techniques in order to negotiate sound choices for the finished plan.”