1982 AAE Distinguished Engineering Alumnus

Bruce A. Reese

Chief Scientist
Arnold Engineering Development Center
MSME ’48, PhD ’53

Dr. Reese has been chief scientist at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), one of the world's largest and most advanced aerodynamic test facilities, since 1979. He succeeded to his post as principle assistant and advisor to the commander after a notable career as student and faculty member at Purdue. Entering Purdue in 1946 as research fellow and instructor, he was appointed professor of mechanical engineering in 1957, Director of the Jet Propulsion Center in 1966, and head of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1973. On leave from Purdue in the early 1960s, he was technical director of the Nike Zeus and Nike X Projects, with responsibility for technical supervision of all the U.S. Army's R&D activities in ballistic missile defense. Recognized for his service on the scientific advisory boards of all three military services and twice awarded the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, he has assisted in development of most of the present weapons systems in the U.S.

Technically, Dr. Reese's DEA was awarded by the School of Mechanical Engineering, but since he was head of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics from 1973 to 1979, he is included here among AAE's Distinguished Alumni