Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #164

serial: '164'
sid: '9012'
uuid: dc3a7b13-1e5e-4ef5-b6ce-b1476f095b97
uri: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal
created: '1769138884'
completed: '1769139721'
changed: '1772669466'
in_draft: '0'
current_page: ''
remote_addr: 69.162.242.46
uid: '0'
langcode: en
webform_id: research_portal
entity_type: node
entity_id: '14501'
locked: '0'
sticky: '0'
notes: ''
metatag: meta
data:
  abstract: |-
    This paper examines the leadership legacy of Neil Armstrong through the lens of contemporary 
    leadership theory and motivational research. Although widely recognized for commanding the 
    Apollo Eleven mission, Armstrong’s influence extended far beyond a single historic event. His 
    leadership was grounded in disciplined judgment, ethical responsibility, and technical mastery 
    developed through naval aviation, experimental flight testing, and human spaceflight. Using 
    frameworks related to visionary, learner, team oriented, achiever, optimizer, and key contributor 
    motivations, this analysis demonstrates how Armstrong consistently aligned internal motivation 
    with observable behavior. His calm decision-making during Gemini Eight and Apollo Eleven 
    illustrates ethical climate reinforcement, emotional intelligence, and values-based courage under 
    pressure. Additionally, his emphasis on collective achievement and openness to technical input 
    contributed to a culture of trust, accountability, and constructive dialogue. By integrating 
    motivation theory, ethical leadership research, and systems-based leadership principles, this 
    paper argues that Armstrong exemplified quiet authority in extreme environments. His leadership 
    model offers a durable framework for ethical, disciplined, and purpose driven influence in 
    modern high risk and technically complex organizations.
  additional_research_mentor: ''
  annual_description: '5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025'
  co_presenters: ''
  first_name: Nathan
  i_will_be_printing_my_poster: ''
  keywords: 'Leadership, Teamwork, Discipline, Moon Landing, Mission Focus'
  last_name: Cerletty
  major: 'MS Systems Engineering'
  poster_pdf: ''
  poster_session_number: ''
  poster_thumbnail: ''
  presentation_modality: 'Asynchronous Online Presentation'
  pronouns: ''
  research_mentor: 'Dr. Georgiadis'
  research_mentor_s_college: 'College of Engineering'
  research_mentor_s_department: IME
  research_mentor_s_email: dgeorgiadis@eng.famu.fsu.edu
  student_bio: |-
    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.
  student_email: njc24e@fsu.edu
  student_photo: '72802'
  title: 'Quiet Authority in Extreme Environments: The Leadership Legacy of Neil Armstrong'
  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'
  work: Complete
  year: '2026'