The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) will host a reception for UTSI graduates in the auditorium of the Academic Building from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2017. Ron Litchford, Principal Technologist for Propulsion, Space Technology Mission Directorate, National Aerospace & Space Administration (NASA), will be the guest speaker.

Litchford received his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1987 and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical & aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute in 1989 and 1992, respectively. His professional experiences broadly encompass aerospace propulsion & power systems and advanced energy applications. This includes 2 years (1987-1989) as a NASA Graduate Research Fellow; 5 years (1989-1994) as a Research Engineer with the UT-Calspan Center for Space Transportation and Applied Research, a NASA Center for the Commercial Development of Space; 5 years (1994-1999) as Advanced Projects Manager within the R&D Division of ERC Inc., an aerospace engineering and research service company; and 18 years (1999-2017) within NASA devoted to research and technology development for launch and spacecraft vehicle systems.

UTSI was established in 1964 primarily to offer AEDC engineers and scientists an opportunity to earn graduate degrees. The Institute’s graduates hail from all over the United States as well as from various other countries. UTSI is focused on defense and aerospace as well as automotive industries.

The event will include presentations to the graduate students and a reception will follow in the main lobby. The event is free and the public is invited. Please contact Clara Ferguson at 931-393-7228 for additional information.