Chair's Corner - David Brandt
Dear NCS members - at long last, we've finally held a speaker event and it was a great showcase not only of an important national security customer's messages, but great insights for our student branch members on how a non-traditional leader has made her way to a fascinating career. Paula Trimble, the Space Development Agency's policy chief, legislative affairs, and small business leader told the students about her career path and provided insights for our members about SDA's progress. Many thanks to Paula for agreeing to speak, and to our George Washington University student branch leaders (tip of the helmet visor to Syl, Yaz, and Zac!) for hosting us at the GWU Engineering School. Next up is a social hour event associated with the annual Satellite 2024 Conference to be held at the DC Convention Center on March 19th. See details in this newsletter.
Your NCS Council leaders have been joined online during our monthly meetings of late by a few of our members at large; we've heard from some long-time AIAAers who now make the DMV home, and a few new members. See the invite in this newsletter about how to join those calls. We enjoy hearing from you, but most importantly we hope this will bring some fresh ideas, and active participants in your Section. We are planning for our Annual Honors and Awards event later this Spring (details available soon); and for nominations for awards, member advancement, and officer nominations.
Finally, thanks to all who've signed up to serve as judges for the regional scholastic Science Fairs. We already have a date for the winners to visit NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center this Summer as their prize. This is an annual highlight of our calendar, as we have learned that past participants have gone on to careers in our chosen field. Onward and upward!
SATELLITE 2024 Happy Hour!
Tuesday, March 19, 6-8PM, Free State Bar, 501B G St NW, near Gallery Place Metro
Come meet up with your AIAA National Capital Section after the SATELLITE 2024 conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown DC. (If you want a free exhibit hall pass, indicate that when you register at the link below.) Whether you'll be at the conference or not, join us for networking and to learn about how to get involved in the local section this year!
Drinks available for purchase, feel free to invite colleagues, must be 21+ to attend
REGISTER HERE
Call for Council Officer Nomination Petitions!
Every 2 years, the AIAA NCS membership elects their senior officers of the leadership council according to the process documented in the AIAA READ by-laws. The election of the senior officers for the 2024-26 term is fast approaching. Petitions for nomination will be open between 8:00 AM ET on Friday March 1st, and 11:59 PM ET on Sunday March 31st. Petitions for self-nomination or nominations will be accepted.
The National Capital Section is the AIAA's largest section with nearly two thousand professional members, approximately 160 Educator Associates, and 240 Student Members covering an area including Washington, D.C. and portions of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you would like to get involved with the leadership of your council, please complete and submit THIS form.
Nominations Now Open for Member Advancement
Do you know a National Capitol Section AIAA member who has made outstanding contributions to the aerospace industry? Help us shine a spotlight on their stellar leadership and contributions by nominating them for member advancement and elevate them to an elite class of AIAA members. Full nomination criteria and links to the nomination forms can be found on the AIAA Honors homepage.
Nomination Categories
Associate Fellow Candidates are persons 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 arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics.
15 April: Nominations due
15 May: References due
Fellow Candidates are persons of distinction in aeronautics or astronautics and have made notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences, or technologies thereof.
1 June: Nominations due
1 July: References due
Honorary Fellow Candidates are persons of eminence in aeronautics or astronautics and are recognized for having a long and highly contributive career in the arts, sciences, or technologies thereof.
1 June: Nominations due
1 July: References due
If you need any help in putting together a nomination or help in identifying references, the AIAA NCS Leadership team is available to help at aiaa.natcap@gmail.com. POC at AIAA HQ is Patricia A. Carr.
Get Involved at a Council Meeting!
The AIAA National Capital Section is inviting all members to attend our monthly virtual section council meetings as we work to continue to increase AIAA activity and engagement in the coming year. Meetings are held monthly on second Mondays from 8pm to 9:30. Members are invited to address the council for up to 2 minutes at the beginning of the meeting: 8pm-8:15pm. Members are then invited to listen to committee/officer reports and council discussion.
The next meeting is THIS Monday, March 11. If you would like to join us, please email Michael Barton by 7pm of the meeting date for a virtual meeting link.
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Michael Barton
NCS Secretary
a.i. solutions, Inc.
Washington DC
(901)485-1464
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