Purdue University faculty members Sally Bane and Brandon Chynoweth have been elected to the 2027 class of Associate Fellows by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The Associate Fellow designation is reserved for individuals “who have accomplished or been in charge of important engineering or scientific work, or who have done original work of outstanding merit, or who have otherwise made outstanding contributions” to the field. 

2027 Honorees:

      Sally Bane, Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Director of Laboratory & Hands-on Education

      Brandon Chynoweth, Research Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics 

Bane was credited for her original experimental contributions to plasma-flow interaction and high-speed aerodynamics, and for sustained leadership and service to the aerospace research community. 

Her nomination credited her for “pioneering experimental measurements of plasma induced flow field” and developing “advanced spectroscopic diagnostics for nanosecond pulsed plasmas, including streak-based optical emission spectroscopy techniques,” among other novel and groundbreaking achievements. She is also leading interdisciplinary research in hypersonics as the founder of the newly-established Center for Integrated Physics of Hypersonics and Extreme Regimes (CIPHER) at Purdue, which brings together faculty across disciplines to pursue coordinated, long-horizon research.

Chynoweth was nominated for his contributions to the development and operation of low-disturbance, hypersonic quiet wind tunnels, and support of hypersonic ground testing efforts.

Nomination documents cited Chynoweth’s impact in experimental hypersonic aerothermodynamics: “His PhD dissertation and subsequent publications established foundational measurements of second-mode waves on flared cones in Mach-6 quiet flow, providing benchmark data that has shaped computational and theoretical transition models across the international hypersonics community.”

Of the AIAA membership, only 17% are ever selected for this grade, with selection determined by current standing as a senior member, at least 12 years of professional experience, and nomination support from other AIAA members.

“Congratulations to each member of the Class of 2027 Associate Fellows,” said AIAA President Keoki Jackson. “This distinguished group has advanced the state of science and technology in aeronautics and astronautics, breaking some of our industry’s most challenging barriers along the way. Their sustained excellence and technical leadership reflect the caliber of talent shaping the future of aerospace. We are proud to recognize their achievements and their impact on aerospace.”

The class will be formally honored for accomplishments on January 13, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando during AIAA SciTech Forum 2027.

Details on the award and a complete list of this year’s honorees can be found on AIAA's website.