AFRL chief scientist co-authors paper, receives award

  • Published
  • By Rex Swenson
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs
Dr. Bob Sierakowski, Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate chief scientist, recently received an award for co-authoring a paper selected as the best of more than 1,900 entries.

The technical paper entitled, "A Study of Impacted Electromechanically Loaded Composite Plates," was named the 2007 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boeing Best Paper by the ASME Aerospace Division's Structure and Materials Committee.

Dr. Sierakowski and co-author, Dr. Olesya Zhupanska of the University of Florida, received the prestigious award at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 23-26.

"The Institute is the world's largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense," said Bob Dickman, AIAA executive director. For more than 75 years, the AIAA has been the principal society of the aerospace engineer and scientist.

When asked how he feels about the selection, Dr. Sierakowski said, "I am truly honored to be recognized by this organization."

As chief scientist of the Munitions Directorate, Dr. Sierakowski provides scientific guidance and advice to the director of the Munitions Directorate as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory commander on research plans and programs in conventional weapon system and armament basic research. He advises on the relative status of scientific and technical competence within the directorate, the employment of
consultants and experts, as well as the state of technology available from sources outside of the directorate.

Prior to this juncture in his long and prestigious career, Dr. Sierakowski functioned in several positions within the engineering community, but his forte is as an educator and consultant and advisor to military organizations. Due to his superior abilities in these areas, he was chosen to fill his present position in 1997.

The Connecticut native has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications including five technical books.

This body of work parallels the AIAA's primary purpose, which is to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics and to foster and promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits, said Stewart.

Although founded and based in the United States, AIAA is a global organization that serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA is the U.S. representative on the International Astronautical Federation and the International Council on the Aeronautical Sciences.