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Michael Patterson Elected as an AIAA 2024 Associate Fellow

The Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD)  is pleased to announce that Michael Patterson has been elected to The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Class of 2024 Associate Fellows.

Dr. Patterson’s citation reads, “In recognition of an exemplary career replete with exceptional leadership and innovative contributions in the emerging field of advanced air mobility (AAM) both within NASA and AIAA.” 

Michael has been with NASA since 2015, and currently serves as the Lead for Emerging Applications and Technologies with the Aeronautics Systems Analysis Branch (ASAB).

His portfolio includes work on innovative aircraft designs, including the X-57, the LA-8, and a modular unmanned aircraft for which he holds two patents. He has provided guidance and technical leadership to a NASA team that has designed multiple urban air mobility reference aircraft for the AAM community. As a primary architect of strategic analyses for AAM, Dr. Patterson identified challenges and technology solutions, helping develop concepts of operation and assisting in NASA’s strategic planning. His leadership has contributed to the development and maturation of an overall AAM strategy and vision, growing the prominence of AAM within both NASA and the AIAA. 

Only one of every 150 AAIA members is selected as an Associate Fellow each year by the Review Committee. Associate Fellows are recognized, according to the Institute’s Constitution, as, “persons who have accomplished or been in charge of important engineering or scientific work, or who have done work of outstanding merit or have otherwise made outstanding contributions to the arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics.” 

AIAA will formally honor and induct the class at the AIAA Associate Fellows Induction Ceremony and Reception in January during the 2024 AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida.                                                                                                                 


In recognition of an exemplary career replete with exceptional leadership and innovative contributions in the emerging field of advanced air mobility (AAM) both within NASA and AIAA.” 



Author: Sondra Woodward
Published: October 2023

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