Marla Perez-Davis - Her Journey from Military, to NASA, to Academia All While Looking to Improve the Future of Space Travel

Midwest Momentum

How can academia, industry, and government collaborate to inspire the next generation of space explorers? Join us at the Ohio Space Forum in Cleveland, where we sit down with Marla Perez-Davis, former director of the NASA Glenn Research Center and current director at Kent State University's Division of Aeronautics and Engineering. Marla provides a wealth of knowledge on the importance of an inclusive educational pipeline and the critical need for hands-on experience through internships and grants. We discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on the space industry and emphasize Ohio's robust supply chain as a backbone for space sector growth.
In our second half, we highlight the significant role diversity plays in driving innovation within the space industry. Marla shares her journey from directing a NASA center to Directing the aeronautical space and engineering program at Kent State University in Ohio. Then hear from Katie Horn, a student at Kent State, who gives us an inside look at her groundbreaking research projects, from preventing drone engine fires to electrifying airports. Katie also reveals her aspirations to become a fighter pilot. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the rapid pace of technological advancements, the future commercialization of space, and how these developments could lead to life-changing advancements on Earth and beyond.

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1. Inspiring the Future of Space Exploration (00:00:00)

2. Embracing Diversity in Space Innovation (00:11:47)

3. Student's Aeronautics Research and Aspirations (00:20:50)