Huy Tran

Huy Tran is the Director of Aeronautics at NASA Ames Research Center, a position she has held since May 2016.2 Here are some key details about her career and accomplishments:

Professional Experience

Huy Tran has had a long and distinguished career at NASA Ames Research Center:

• Director of Aeronautics (May 2016 - Present)
• Deputy Director of Aeronautics (May 2008 - May 2016)
• Director, Program Integration and Analysis Office (January 2000 - June 2007)
• Research Engineer (February 1990 - January 2000)2

Responsibilities

As Director of Aeronautics, Huy Tran:

• Provides technical and management oversight for various research disciplines including air traffic management, airspace simulation, autonomous systems, and wind tunnel operations.1
• Manages an annual budget of over $200 million and oversees a staff of 250 civil servants and over 300 contractors.1
• Ensures safe operations of the world's largest wind tunnels and Vertical Motion Simulator.13
• Works closely with NASA leadership to develop strategic plans for Aeronautics initiatives.3

Notable Achievements

• Lead inventor of the Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), a heat shield material used in multiple NASA missions and SpaceX Dragon capsules.123
• Recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal (May 2024).2
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies (January 2023).2

Education

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University
• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Materials Engineering/Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University2

Huy Tran's career at NASA spans over three decades, during which she has made significant contributions to aerospace technology and research management.