Aerospace Seminar Series: Dr. Robert J. Shaw

Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has responsibility for leading our country's efforts in the exploration of space as well as conducting space science and aeronautics research. This talk will briefly overview the 50+ year history of NASA in the areas of space exploration, science, and aeronautics and then look to the future as the Obama Administration seeks to fundamentally redefine how the US will conduct space exploration in the future. 

Bio: Dr. Robert J. Shaw is Associate Director for Partnership Programs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Glenn Research. His position entails responsibility for providing executive leadership for advocacy, planning, and execution of all Center partnerships with other Government agencies, academia, and industry in support of the NASA mission and vision. 

In 1970, Dr. Shaw joined NASA Glenn as an aerospace engineer and has assumed increasing responsibilities working in subsonic and supersonic inlet technology projects as well as in aircraft icing efforts at Glenn. His prior management positions included managing the propulsion element of the High Speed Research Program, which resulted in major technology advancements in supersonic aircraft technology and the Ultra Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) program, now part of NASA’s Vehicle Systems Program. 

Dr Shaw has been a member of the airbreathing propulsion and atmospheric environment technical subcommittees of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is also past chairman of the AC-9C aircraft icing subcommittee of the Society for Automotive Engineers. He continues to serve as a member of the IHPTET/VAATE Steering Committee. 

In 1996, in recognition of his contributions to leadership in the High Speed Research Program, Dr. Shaw was awarded the prestigious NASA Exceptional Leadership Medal. Additionally, he received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1990 and the Ohio State University College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus award in 1993. 

Dr. Shaw received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in aeronautical-astronautical engineering from The Ohio State University. 

Dr. Shaw and his wife, Loretta, reside in Fairview Park, Ohio. They have one daughter, Cynthia, who resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.