Biography
Jonathan Sandys is the great-grandson of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston
Churchill, and is an internationally recognised public speaker and freelance journalist.
Jonathan reaches out to students and adults alike, communicating the morals and values
of his great-grandfather and those of that “Greatest Generation” in a vibrant and
interactive way, bringing history to life in an exciting and vibrant way.
Though born ten years after his illustrious relative’s passing, Jonathan very much credits
his legacy as a major positive influence in his life. As a result, Jonathan found the never
never never give in attitude of Churchill, was what made it possible for him to rise above
the challenges of dyslexia and social isolation as a child and become a successful and
happy adult.
Jonathan’s life mission is to use both the experiences of his great-grandfather and his own
to encourage and inspire people of all ages and walks of life to “Never Surrender”!
Jonathan currently serves on the Board of Opera Vista, and organisation dedicated to
introducing young people to the world of modern opera.
Jonathan also serves as the President of the International Churchill Foundation,
dedicated to educating the next generation and highlighting the importance of accurate
historical knowledge, while tying the past to the present and reflecting on both as a guide
to the future.
One of Jonathan’s greatest passions, since moving to Houston in 2009, has been NASA,
the Shuttle Program and the future of space exploration both in the public and private
sector. “The future of mankind is beyond our atmosphere and if we don’t start planning
for it now, when our population has grown exponentially, we will not be in a position to
expand our focus, colonise Mars, and travel further than man has gone before.”
Candidate Statement
Jonathan’s passion for NASA and the future of space exploration, has grown in the three
years he has been in Houston, due to the many intelligent and wonderful men and
women, who tirelessly serve to enable mankind to go beyond the barriers of our
atmosphere, land on the Moon, design and develop and International Space Station, and
stand as the founders of many common day products; including the use of velcro, satellite
television and phones and treatments of many previously incurable diseases.
Jonathan’s passionate defence of NASA and the vital role the organisation will play in
the future of space exploration; has offered him the opportunity to represent AIAA at
Johnson Space Center on several occasions, and he has often commented on the
wonderful abilities the NASA community has, and also, drawing attention to the urgent
need for America to remain in space.
In 2011, Jonathan worked with a group of young students; tasked to create a plan for
terraforming Mars, and taught them business and presentation skills, sourced from the
lessons and example of his great-grandfather, to help them succeed and be determined to
face any challenge with a NEVER SURRENDER! attitude.
“I very much enjoy speaking on behalf of AIAA, and would enjoy the honour of serving
on their Board in a capacity where I may continue too support their mission in a more
hands-on role.”
Biography
Dr. Satya Pilla is the current Vice Chair – Technical, for the AIAA Houston Section. In
this position he led the planning and execution of the very successful Annual Technical
Symposia (ATS) for the section. From his team’s committed efforts, the ATS gained
steady momentum and attracted increasing participation from the aerospace community.
Dr. Pilla is currently leading the stage-gate process implementation for integrating
Boeing’s DDT&E effort for building the cryogenic stages on the NASA Space Launch
Systems program for deep-space exploration. Prior to this, he led the Space Shuttle
Integration Engineering for Boeing at the NASA Johnson Space Center until the end of
the program. As the manager of Space Shuttle Engineering Integration team, Dr. Pilla
provided oversight to the Avionics, Electrical, Structural, Mechanical, and Systems
Engineering disciplines. His team at Boeing was responsible for executing the Design
and Verification analysis, leading to the Certification of Flight Readiness for the Space
Shuttle flights. His demonstrated leadership spans strategic planning, project
management, technology integration, subcontractor management, risk management, and
employee development.
A proven subject matter expert in establishing and certifying Quality Management
Systems, Dr. Pilla served as Deputy Director with the Bureau of Indian Standards in New
Delhi, and coordinated as a Special Officer for the Quality Assurance on the Technology
Missions of the Department of Science and Technology. A lifelong practitioner for
Quality Improvement, Dr. Pilla has Lead Auditor certification from the American Society
for Quality (ASQ), as well as a Lean & Six-Sigma Black Belt from the Villanova
University.
Dr. Pilla is also an adjunct Professor at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
Houston Campus, where he teaches graduate level courses. He holds an undergraduate in Civil Engineering from the Andhra University College of Engineering, a Masters in Civil
Engineering from Rice University, a Masters in Systems Architecture & Engineering
from the University of Southern California, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of
Maryland. Dr. Pilla presented and published in many national and international forums,
in the broad areas of engineering and management.
A long-term member of the institute, Dr. Pilla’s is currently an Associate Fellow of
AIAA. His contribution to Engineering excellence earned him several awards and
recognition including, the nomination for the Rotary National Award for Excellence in
Engineering Leadership, the NASA Public Service Award, the Johnson Space Center
Director’s Award for Superior Engineering Contributions, and the AIAA Award for
Career and Workforce Development
Candidate Statement
I will be honored to be on the team to pursue the goals of the executive committee. I will
endeavor to help AIAA reach out to a broader aerospace technical community, as well as
the people enthusiastic about the aerospace arena. Interaction with the community is
invaluable for every professional for both learning and networking. I will be looking
forward to serving the aerospace professionals in the Houston area.
Biography
I currently work for NASA at the Johnson Space Center as a Liquid Propulsion Systems
Engineer where I am focused on research and development activities on future
spaceflight propulsion systems, specifically liquid oxygen/liquid methane systems. I
have been very active in the development of the Morpheus 1-G Vertical Testbed and
propulsion subsystem on the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV).
Before joining NASA full-time I was a co-op in the Nondestructive Evaluation group and
Constellation Project. I’ve also interned with the Boeing Company as a sub-contractor on
the Space Shuttle. I have been active member of AIAA for over eight years now and
currently hold the position of councilor.
Candidate Statement
I believe the heart of an organization such as AIAA is technical excellence. We are
fortunate to have an excellent, multi-disciplinary, technical community in the Houston
area; however, we can do a better job of mobilizing this community and enabling them to
work collaboratively to enable a better future for Aerospace in the Houston area.
While at JSC I have had the opportunity to work on many highly technical, multidisciplinary
projects as mentioned in my biography. These experiences and others have
allowed me to form a very strong, though wide network with the top technical leaders at
the Johnson Space Center which I will leverage to strengthen the technical committees
and revitalize those which have grown weak. Furthermore, I plan to use my network
bring new blood into the Section through the technical committees which will help
revitalize involvement and the value of the lunch-n-learns and more importantly the
annual technical symposium.
Biography
Michael Frostad has been interested in Space Exploration since Middle School. As he
read and grew older that interest became a passion and he followed it to the University of
Washington in Seattle. There he studied and applied for the Aeronautics and Astronautics
program. Once in the program he completed his Bachelors of Science in 2004 and went
on to complete his Masters of Science in 2006 focusing on control systems. An interview
later and he was on his way to Houston to support the Human Space Flight program at
NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Since that time he has served with ERC on the ESCG
contract supporting the Engineering Directorate on both the Space Shuttle and now the
Orion MPCV.
Candidate Statement
The Houston Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics just
celebrated its 50th Anniversary as a section. This organization has served the Houston
Aerospace community for that long by providing a forum for technical exchange, a place
to connect with others of ones specific discipline, and a way to weave the many different
disciplines together to help accomplish the mission of exploring space, the world around
us and ourselves. It is my wish to continue this tradition and expand upon it and thus I
submit my name for the Vice Chair of Operations. I have been a member the American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2003 and most recently I have served as
the Young Professionals Chair for the Houston Section (2010-2012). It is my hope to
serve as Vice Chair of Operations for the Houston Section of AIAA and ensure quality
communication, events, and structure for the Houston Aerospace Community. Thank you
for your consideration.
Biography
Soon-to-be Dr. Michael Martin has been Chair of the Greater New Orleans AIAA section
(2008-2010), a Senior Design Engineer on the Orion project with Lockheed Martin, and a
Test Engineer at NASA Stennis Space Center. He achieved his Bachelors and Masters
degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Orleans and will be
graduating from Texas A&M University in December with a Ph.D. His research has
included determining the ablation rate of HTPB hybrid rocket fuel using a particle image
velocimeter and the interaction of plasma particles ejected by the VASIMR engine with
spacecraft. His work in industry has included assisting in the testing of the TRW 650k
Pintle engine and the Boeing – Lockheed Martin 250k Hybrid motor, construction of the
Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and experimental work in P-24 at the Los Alamos
National Laboratory.
Candidate Statement
I will continue to support the incredible work being done by our volunteers in reaching
out to members, the public, and college students. I plan to expand the website and attract
more young professionals by assisting the YP officer with engaging tours of JSC and nearby aerospace sites. I remember attending one such tour of the Apollo era Mission
Control room many years ago and that, among other things, attracted me to this section. I
want to restart this for our future members. I will also help our section advertise using
new media sources with the experience I gained as Public Relations officer for a recent
conference.
Biography
Robert Plunkett is a Lead Payload Integration Engineer working for MEI Technologies,
Inc. in the Department of Defense Human Spaceflight Payloads Office, Johnson Space
Center, Houston, Texas. His role is to lead the integration, launch, and on-orbit
operations of multiple DoD experiments and payload complements. Previously, Robert
served 8 years in the United States Air Force, culminating in rank as a Captain before an
honorable separation. Robert’s last Air Force assignment was as a Payload Manager with
the Space Test Program at JSC, performing the government responsibilities for the high
priority DoD Payloads on NASA human-rated missions. Robert was born in Houston,
Texas on 8 February 1980. He attended Texas A&M University earning a Bachelors of
Science in Aerospace Engineering while completing ROTC through the Corps of Cadets.
He subsequently earned a Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering from North
Carolina State University in December 2009. He was commissioned in the Air Force in
March 2004 and was first assigned to the 341st Space Wing, 341st Maintenance Group,
Malmstrom AFB, Montana. At Malmstrom AFB, he served in a variety of positions,
including Assistant Officer In Charge of Technical Engineering and Officer In Charge of
the Missile Maintenance Operations Center and Plans and Scheduling. Robert is a
member of the Knights of Columbus, American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, National Eagle Scout Association and spends time mentoring and
promoting educational opportunities for local schools. His military awards include the
Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force
Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one device, the
National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Air
Force Longevity Service and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
Candidate Statement
I have spent a short amount of time as a councilor in the Houston section and have had
some time to get to know the section and work with the EC. I want to continue
contributing to our AIAA society and section. I firmly believe community service is a
key component of any professional career and personal life, and I want to now lead
efforts to give back to AIAA and the community. I want to make our chapter stronger
through volunteering my time and talent to tasks that need the efforts, and will step up
when needed to make things happen. I would be honored to serve the Houston Section as the Secretary and welcome the challenges that will come with the responsibility.
Biography
Clay Stangle attended Purdue University and graduated with a B.S. in Aeronautical
Engineering in 2005. Upon graduation, he started working on the ISS for Boeing in
Houston. He has since worked several programs including the 787, 747, and now
docking systems for the ISS.
Candidate Statement
As the current treasurer of the AIAA Houston Section, a position I took over in August of
2011, I believe I can continue to be an excellent steward of the section’s finances. I have
gotten a debit card to provide easier transaction to and from the section. I facilitated the
change of the section’s fiscal year to match Nationals to avoid reporting conflicts. I have
successfully held 90% of this years functions maintaining a positive margin
including being able to find extra money to help celebrate the Houston Section’s 50th
Anniversary.
Biography
Shirley had worked in Robotics for Jacobs Technology. She has served as Program Chair
of AIAA, Houston Section, as well as of AIAA, Long Island, New York Section. Shirley
has actively retained a seat as Councilor on both of these sections. Additionally Shirley
was elected as Chair Elect and subsequently is a Past Chair of the AIAA Houston
Section.
Currently, she is the Deputy Director for Honors and Awards for Region IV. Also,
Shirley is on the National Associate Fellow Committee and a member of the National
Systems Engineer Technical Committee, where she serves as Secretary.
Candidate Statement
I want to serve as a Councilor because I would like to share with the section, my
experience that I have on the local level, as well as Region and National level.
Biography
I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1967, with a double
major in physics and math. I earned a Ph.D. at Rice University in 1974 in space physics
and astronomy. I spent a year of post-doc work at the University of Georgia 1974-75. I
began work for Johnson Space Center contractors in 1976, first for McDonnell Douglas,
then for Lockheed Martin, with brief intervals of employment with other contractors,
until I was laid off in 1998. I have taught as an adjunct instructor at Galveston College
(teaching physics) 1998-99, then at the University of Houston at Clear Lake starting in
2000 (teaching physics and astronomy).
Candidate Statement
I have been a member of AIAA and the Houston Section since 1989. I am an Associate
Fellow of the AIAA. I have served the Houston Section at various times as a Councilor,
as Chair of the Astronomy Technical Committee, and most recently as Vice Chair for
Operations. When Irene sent out her call for candidates, it occurred to me that it might be
my turn once again to offer myself as a candidate for Councilor.
Biography
Sarah Shull works at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where she is presently Deputy
Project Manager for the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Water Processing and
AES Logistics Reduction and Repurposing projects. Prior to these roles, Sarah worked
for 10 years in JSC’s Mission Operations Directorate supporting Space Shuttle and ISS
missions. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University
of Michigan and a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Over the past 10 years Sarah has been
extensively involved with AIAA at both the local and national levels serving at the
Houston Section YP Chair, Secretary and finally Chair in 2010-11 and as a member of
the national Young Professionals Committee, Space Logistics Technical Committee and
as the YP Liaison to the Board of Directors from 2008-2010.
Candidate Statement
I would like to opportunity to serve as a councilor to build upon my long-standing history
of service to the AIAA Houston Section. I bring to the role a wealth of experience
running the section as well as connections and exposure at the AIAA National level
through my positions on the YP Committee, the Space Logistics Technical Committee
and my past role on the Board of Directors. I am proud of the accomplishments of the
Houston Section over the past 50 years and look forward to helping the section grow and
evolve over the coming years.
Biography
Christopher Davila had been interested in the aerospace industry since he was in middle
school: his father was always intrigued in the Space Shuttle Program and his brother was
(and continues to be) employed in the aerospace industry working in the area of Space
Station Telemetry and Command. Outside of family influence on Christopher’s space
interest, he has generally been fascinated with human exploration beyond low-earth orbit
and the advancing technologies, which will allow us to reach beyond our solar system.
Christopher graduated from the University of Houston at Clear Lake in 2007 with a
Bachelors of Science in Mathematical Sciences. Also, he was a member of the National
Science Foundation chapter of the university. Shortly after graduation, Christopher found
employment with Barrios Technology as a Space Shuttle Communication Instructor: this
position provided him with proficiency in such skills as leadership, teamwork, situation adaptability, and self-accountability. This position only further fueled Christopher’s interest in human space exploration. With the end of the Space Shuttle Program,
Christopher was fortunate that Barrios Technology allowed him to continue his aerospace
career as a Consumables Engineer in the International Space Station (ISS) Program
Office where he continues to make his contribution to the aerospace industry tracking
critical consumables to sustain continued human presence on-board the ISS. For
Christopher’s efforts within the ISS Program Office, he recently received the Silver
BEAR Award from Barrios Technology for outstanding performance and
accomplishments. Outside of his career in the aerospace industry, Christopher has
volunteered his time to organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE),
Special Olympics, the Mars Rover Competition, and the Future Cities Competition, and
he enjoys attending events such as aerospace-related lectures hosted by AIAA.
Christopher is committed to provide his greatest effort in promoting aerospace and
continued U.S. space presence.
Candidate Statement
I am honored to be considered for the role of councilor. I do not take the position lightly,
and I will make my best efforts to contribute to AIAA programs, educational outreach,
and professional development. I believe the experience and skills I have gained while
employed in the aerospace industry will allow me to be a valuable asset to the AIAA
Houston Section, and as I plan to continue my career for a long time to come, I plan to
continue my efforts with AIAA.
Biography
Alan Sisson is a relative newcomer to the Houston Section of the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics, but he has been involved with AIAA for a number of
years. In college, Alan served as an officer in the University of Texas (UT) student
section of AIAA for three years; first as social chair, then treasurer, then vice-president.
After completing his undergrad, Alan requested to join the AIAA Houston Section, and
was appointed programs chair by section chair Sean Carter. As programs chair, Alan
organized Nicholas Johnson’s dinner meeting, Douglas Terrier’s dinner meeting, the 50th
Anniversary Celebration, and is currently organizing the end-of-year awards ceremony.
Alan is deeply passionate about the field of aerospace, and is highly dedicated to AIAA;
he hopes to be an active contributor to the organization for many years to come.
Candidate Statement
I have enjoyed my time as programs chair very much. I have worked hard this past year
to ensure that the AIAA Houston Section’s dinner events go well, and I have received
numerous compliments and congratulations from attendees of every one of these events.
This organization is very important to me, and I would like to continue to contribute to
the AIAA Houston Section and its many future endeavors.
Please do not forget to vote at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T8M82HJ by Monday, June 25, 11:59pm.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the elections or candidates please e-mail Irene Chan (secretary@aiaa-houston.org).