Azad M. Madni and Srinath Ekkad have received prestigious recognitions from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Laura McGill, president of AIAA, described the Class of 2024 AIAA Honorary Fellows and Fellows as esteemed figures within the aerospace field, lauding their remarkable contributions and standing within the science and engineering community.
AIAA defines honorary fellows as individuals who have achieved eminence in the aerospace industry, embodying the highest standards in aeronautics and astronautics. Azad M. Madni, bestowed with the title of honorary fellow, holds professorial positions at the University of Southern California, including the Northrop Grumman Fred O’Green chair in engineering. Additionally, he serves as the executive director of USC’s systems architecting and engineering program, with affiliations across multiple departments and institutes.
Srinath Ekkad, recognized as a fellow by AIAA, currently leads the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University. His appointment reflects significant contributions to the fields of aeronautics and astronautics, building upon his prior roles such as the Rolls-Royce professor for Aerospace Systems at Virginia Tech.
Both Madni and Ekkad have garnered acclaim beyond AIAA, with Ekkad being elected as a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dan Dumbacher, CEO of AIAA, expressed pride in honoring the Class of 2024, emphasizing their enduring impact on the aerospace community.
The induction ceremony for the honorees is scheduled for May 14 in Washington, DC, followed by the AIAA Awards Gala on May 15 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as announced by AIAA.
