Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #165

Primary Student Contact First Name: Raymond
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Seth IV
Pronouns: {Empty}
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: rgs25b@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9013/1755306852401_0.png
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: Systems Engineering
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Raymond Seth IV is a current graduate student at Florida State University pursuing a Master of Science in Systems engineering online while working full time as a test and integration engineer where he tests communication systems.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. Raymond is passionate about aerospace engineering topics including hypersonics, space systems, and space travel technology. Raymond hopes to pivot his work from testing communication systems to spacecraft and propulsion systems testing in the future to help humanity get to the moon and beyond. 

Poster Title: Gene Kranz: A Leadership Biography
Abstract:
Eugene F. Kranz is widely regarded as a defining leadership figure in the early era of human spaceflight, most notably through his work as a NASA flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs. This research focuses on Kranz’s leadership biography to understand how his professional experiences and personal values shaped decision-making within Mission Control. Using publicly available NASA documentation, historical accounts of the Apollo missions, and leadership analyses centered on Apollo 13, the research explores the principles that guided Kranz’s approach, including accountability, discipline, empowerment of team members, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. The study highlights how Kranz emphasized shared responsibility and structured problem-solving, especially during high-risk and time-critical situations. Rather than focusing on individual authority, his leadership style relied on working together with expert teams and maintaining clarity under pressure. The study demonstrates that Kranz’s leadership legacy offers practical lessons for engineering and systems leadership, particularly in environments where technical complexity and risk are well experienced. 

Research Mentor Name: Dr. Daniel R. Georgiadis 'Dr. G'
Research Mentor's College (or High School): Panama City Campus Master of  Science Systems Engineering Program
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject):  Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering (IME) Department, MSSE Program Coordinator
Research Mentor's Email: dgeorgiadis@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: Kranz Leadership Apollo Biography Controller Space
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=81df853gQEdY4pixF_DqhO-lcrw3UI3jwxnfS2ZfqBc
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