Joins aerospace pioneers Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and Kelly Johnson, designer of the SR-71 Blackbird, among those recognized for early career contributions in aeronautics
NISKAYUNA, New York - November 7, 2008 -- GE Global Research, the technology development arm of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and a pioneer in aviation and aerospace research, today announced that Adam Rasheed, a senior aerospace engineer, will be recognized with the 2009 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)'s Lawrence Sperry Award. This distinguished award honors prominent contributions made by a young person, age 35 or under, in the field of aeronautics and astronautics.
Rasheed will receive the award at an awards luncheon on 6 January 2009 as part of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' 47th annual Aerospace Sciences Meeting, held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida.
Rasheed was recognized for his significant contributions to hypersonics, pulse detonation engines and for innovative research in propulsion. He joins an elite group of aerospace professionals who have been honored with this award. Past winners include: Sally Ride (1984 winner), the first U.S. woman in space, Eugene Kranz (1967 winner), famed NASA Flight Director from the Apollo program, and current Lockheed Martin Chairman, Daniel M. Tellep (1964 winner). The award, named after American inventor and aviation pioneer Lawrence Sperry, has been given annually since 1936.
AIAA President George Muellner stated: "Dr. Rasheed's selection for the Sperry Award confirms that hard work and passion for ones field of research brings recognition. By winning the award, Rasheed continues the long tradition of young engineers making a real difference in the aerospace community, through their innovation, desire, and hard work. His work in propulsion will stand to inspire future young engineers and have a lasting impact on the evolution of engine technology. "
"Adam is highly deserving of the Lawrence Sperry Award, as his accomplishments in pulse detonation engines and hypersonics, at any age, are remarkable," said Gary Leonard, Leader of the Energy & Propulsion Technologies at GE Global Research "To see such talent and dedication so early on in an individual's career is truly commendable and we are excited for his continued development as an engineer at GE Global Research. "
"To say I am deeply honored by the award is an understatement. To be included amongst a group who have contributed profound amounts to the field of aerospace is truly humbling," said Adam Rasheed, on receiving the Lawrence Sperry Award. "I can only hope to accomplish even a fraction of what they went on to achieve. "
Rasheed leads an experimental effort of the Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) Advanced Technology program at GE Global Research. He joined Global Research in 2001, where his work has focused primarily on propulsion and energy technologies.
PDE is a technology in which repeated detonations of fuel-air mixtures create a pressure-rise combustion, potentially offering significantly lower fuel consumption and reduction in emissions. PDE represents the next evolution in aerospace propulsion. PDE has the potential to break the paradigm of today's engine technology and set a whole new standard of performance and efficiency.
Rasheed received his Ph.D (2001) and M.S. (1998) in Aeronautics from Caltech where he focused on hypervelocity aerothermodynamics. He received his B.Eng. (Aerospace) from Carleton University in 1995. He serves on the AIAA High Speed Air Breathing Technical Committee.
The advancements Rasheed has made in the areas of pulse detonation engines and hypervelocity aerothermodynamics has captured the attention of many, as he has previously been named to Technology Review Magazine's 2005 list of the world's Top 35 Young Innovators (TR35) and participated in the National Academy of Engineering's annual Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (2006).
About GE Global Research
GE Global Research is one of the world's most diversified industrial research labs, providing innovative technology for all of GE's businesses. Global Research has been the cornerstone of GE technology for more than 100 years, developing breakthrough innovations in areas such as medical imaging, energy generation technology, jet engines and lighting. GE Global Research is headquartered in Niskayuna, New York and has facilities in Bangalore, India, Shanghai, China and Munich, Germany. Visit GE Global Research at www.ge.com/research.
About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com/. GE is Imagination at Work.
Todd Alhart
GE
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