Congratulations to #NCStateMAE Hall of Fame member Richard Wahls on receiving the 2025 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aerodynamics Award! This honor recognizes notable contributions in the development, application and evaluation of aerodynamic concepts and methods. He was presented at the AIAA Awards Recognition Ceremony in Las Vegas on July 22, 2025.

“I’m truly honored to receive the prestigious AIAA Aerodynamics Award,” said Wahls. “The technical and leadership contributions that form the basis of this recognition would not have been possible without collaboration and partnership with many passionate experts throughout my career, nor without the opportunities presented to achieve by my NASA leadership and the AIAA community – especially the Applied Aerodynamics Technical Committee.”

Wahls is an internationally recognized leader and technical authority in aerodynamics, ground testing and the development of advanced aircraft concepts and technologies. Wahls received his B.S. (‘84), M.S. (‘86) and Ph.D. (‘89) in Aerospace Engineering from NC State before embarking on a decades-long career at NASA.

Wahls has authored or co-authored dozens of technical publications and served in a number of influential leadership positions, including 14 years as Assistant Head of Langley’s Configuration Aerodynamics Branch. He is a fellow of both the Royal Aeronautical Society and the AIAA, and has received numerous awards, including two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals. Wahls currently serves as NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership (SFNP) Mission Integration Manager for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). In this position, he is responsible for long-range strategic technical planning and coordination of projects alongside industry, academia and governmental agencies.

“The NC State MAE community is proud of our three time alumnus,” said Department Head Srinath Ekkad. “His many contributions to aerospace technology showcase the oversized impact of our alumni, both at NASA and to the nation as a whole.”