Student Research Symposium Program Portal

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Submission Number: 178

Submission ID: 9026

Submission UUID: 187730a3-1c30-4804-87f5-ffe7559931f1

Submission URI: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal

Submission Update: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?token=JN3UWNwDeGDYXzQnxoPxChYDypCjWfsX6E-kUemeLgg

Created: Sun, 01/25/2026 - 08:19 PM

Completed: Sun, 01/25/2026 - 08:22 PM

Changed: Sun, 01/25/2026 - 08:22 PM

Remote IP address: 2600:1701:407:ad80:9d78:38f7:af1a:a6ca

Submitted by: Anonymous

Language: English

Is draft: No

Webform: Research Symposium Program Portal WF

Submitted to: Student Research Symposium Program Portal

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Landers Photo_0.jpg115.86 KB

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Luke A. Landers is a graduate student in Systems Engineering at Florida State University, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA and is completing a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Leadership. His academic interests center on model-based systems engineering, defense acquisition, decision analysis, and the integration of technical and organizational systems to support complex programs.

Alongside his graduate studies, Luke works as an Operations Research Analyst with the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base. His professional experience supports large-scale defense programs through analytical modeling, cost analysis, and decision support for senior leadership.

Luke’s academic and professional work reflects a strong interest in applying systems thinking to real-world engineering and acquisition challenges, particularly within high-consequence, mission-critical environments. He is expected to complete his master’s degree in May 2026 and intends to continue advancing systems engineering practices within the Department of Defense.

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Benjamin R. Rich was an American aerospace engineer and senior executive whose leadership played a defining role in shaping modern military aviation and systems engineering practice. Best known as the second director of Lockheed’s Advanced Development Projects division, commonly referred to as the Skunk Works, Rich assumed leadership during a period marked by organizational uncertainty, fiscal constraint, and evolving national security demands. This paper examines Rich’s leadership through the lens of contemporary leadership theory, with particular emphasis on traits, behaviors, and leader–follower relationships. Drawing upon concepts from The Leadership Experience, the analysis explores how Rich’s integrity, technical credibility, collaborative leadership style, and emphasis on trust enabled innovation within one of the most complex socio-technical environments of the Cold War. By applying behavioral and relational leadership frameworks, this paper demonstrates how Rich’s approach to leadership extended beyond engineering excellence to cultivate organizational resilience, sustained performance, and transformational technological outcomes.

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