Aerospace Corporation's Dr. Wanda Austin Appointed to Defense Science Board

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., January 5, 2010 - Dr. Wanda Austin has been appointed to the Defense Science Board, a federal advisory board that provides the secretary of defense, deputy secretary and under secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics with independent, informed advice in science, technology and other areas. Austin is the president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to serve my country," stated Austin. "The Defense Science Board plays an important role in strengthening our national defense and I look forward to working with such a distinguished group of people."

The chairman of the Defense Science Board is Paul G. Kaminski and the vice chairman is Retired Air Force Gen. Lester L. Lyles. Austin is one of 39 new members to the board.

Austin has been with The Aerospace Corporation for 31 years and is internationally recognized for her work in satellite and payload system acquisition, systems engineering and system simulation.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College, master’s degrees in systems engineering and mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a doctorate in systems engineering from the University of Southern California. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. In 2009 she was named Black Engineer of the Year. In 2009 Austin also served as a member of the White House commissioned U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee.

Contact Pam Keeton, 703-812-0648 or Pamela.V.Keeton@aero.org.