Dr. Sandy Magnus is the Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and a renowned astronaut. Dr. Magnus flew in space on the STS- 112 shuttle mission in 2002, and on the final shuttle flight, STS-135, in 2011. In addition, she flew to the International Space Station on STS-126 in November 2008, served as flight engineer and science officer on Expedition 18, and returned home on STS-119 after four and a half months on board. Following her assignment on Station, she served at NASA Headquarters in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Her last duty at NASA, after STS-135, was as the deputy chief of the Astronaut Office. Dr. Magnus has received numerous awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the 40 at 40 Award. Dr. Magnus’ brings her NASA experience of working extensively with the international community to AIAA, the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. Dr. Magnus is a strong supporter of STEM education and participates in STEM events as a speaker. She is also leading the changes in AIAA Foundation to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Dr. Magnus received her Ph.D. degree from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. She is a Fellow of the AIAA.