Dr. Christina Bloebaum, interim chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University, has been named director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Vice President for Research Sarah M. Nusser announced Tuesday. Dr. Bloebaum, the Dennis and Rebecca Muilenburg Professor of aerospace engineering, replaces Dr. Rich Wlezien, who departs after one year as director.
Dr. Bloebaum has been at Iowa State for five years, conducting research in the design of large-scale complex engineered systems. Prior to joining Iowa State, she was the Program Director for the Engineering and Systems Design and Systems Science programs at the National Science Foundation from 2009-2012.
“I am excited to begin working with my colleagues at NASA and around Iowa to inspire STEM research and education throughout the state,” Dr. Bloebaum said. “Iowa’s universities and organizations are full of talented people and together, we can advance NASA’s mission and impact the future of aeronautics research and space exploration.”
Dr. Bloebaum is the 2012 recipient of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Award and a Fellow of the AIAA. During her time at Iowa State, she has served as Director of Graduate Educations as well as Associate Chair for Research.
The ISGC supports STEM research, education, and outreach activities for students and researchers throughout Iowa. The Iowa Space Grant Consortium also strives to inspire Iowa’s future scientists and engineers using NASA resources by funding internships, fellowships, and scholarships, as well as student and faculty research projects and travel to NASA Centers.