Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #164

Primary Student Contact First Name: Nathan
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Cerletty
Pronouns: {Empty}
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: njc24e@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9012/Headshot%20FIT.jpg
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: MS Systems Engineering
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
I am an aerospace engineering professional focused on systems integration, verification and validation along with cross-functional leadership within defense programs. I earned my BS in Aerospace Engineering, Cum Laude, from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2023, with concentrations in astronautics, propulsion, aerodynamics, and orbital mechanics. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in space operations and the ground support infrastructure that enables launch and missile systems.

Since August 2023, I have served as a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, where I support the definition, integration, and documentation of special test equipment for high-value aerospace programs. In this role, I have led a three-engineer team developing system architecture and test plans exceeding 20 million dollars, collaborated closely with the Office of the Chief Engineer, and helped align technical execution with evolving customer and contractual requirements while reducing program risk.

In parallel, I am completing a Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Florida State University, expected in May 2026, along with a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Leadership. My prior experience includes internships at Lockheed Martin supporting multiple fixed- and rotary-wing platforms. My career goal is to combine technical rigor and leadership to deliver reliable, mission-critical aerospace systems.

Poster Title: Quiet Authority in Extreme Environments: The Leadership Legacy of Neil Armstrong
Abstract:
This paper examines the leadership legacy of Neil Armstrong through the lens of quiet authority exercised in extreme and uncertain environments. Armstrong is most widely known as the first human to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, yet his broader significance lies in how he exemplified leadership grounded in competence, discipline, and sound judgment rather than charisma or positional power. Drawing on historical accounts, aerospace documentation, and leadership research, this study explores how Armstrong’s personal traits and professional behaviors shaped his effectiveness as a leader.
The paper highlights key characteristics that defined Armstrong’s leadership, including emotional control under pressure, technical mastery, risk awareness, and a consistent commitment to mission success and team safety. Through analysis of pivotal moments such as the Gemini 8 emergency and the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the paper illustrates how Armstrong translated these traits into decisive action when standard procedures were insufficient. Equally important is his behavior beyond moments of crisis, particularly his humility, team orientation, and resistance to personal glorification, which reinforced trust and collective responsibility within NASA.
By focusing on Armstrong’s career as a naval aviator, test pilot, astronaut, and educator, this paper demonstrates that effective leadership in extreme environments emerges from the interaction of stable personal traits and disciplined professional behavior developed over time. Armstrong’s legacy offers enduring lessons for leaders operating in complex, high consequence domains, emphasizing that quiet authority, ethical restraint, and technical credibility can be more influential than overt displays of power or status.

Research Mentor Name: Dr. Georgiadis
Research Mentor's College (or High School): College of Engineering
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): IME
Research Mentor's Email: dgeorgiadis@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: Leadership, Teamwork, Discipline, Moon Landing, Mission Focus
Poster Session/Number: {Empty}
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Asynchronous Online Presentation
Year: 2026
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=x7b6u5VEXDDjs28LANLkYbqZ56MmLlW7x6rkPeg5tkg
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