Please contact Dr. Works (keworks@fsu.eu) for additional help: Submission navigation links for Research Symposium Program Portal WF ‹ Previous submission Next submission › Submission information Submission Number: 164 Submission ID: 9012 Submission UUID: dc3a7b13-1e5e-4ef5-b6ce-b1476f095b97 Submission URI: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal Submission Update: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?token=x7b6u5VEXDDjs28LANLkYbqZ56MmLlW7x6rkPeg5tkg Created: Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:28 PM Completed: Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:42 PM Changed: Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:42 PM Remote IP address: 69.162.242.46 Submitted by: Anonymous Language: English Is draft: No Webform: Research Symposium Program Portal WF Submitted to: Student Research Symposium Program Portal Primary Student Contact First Name Primary Student Contact Last Name Pronouns Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email Photo of all individuals presenting this work Headshot FIT.jpg24.67 KB Remove Upload requirementsOne file only.2 MB limit. Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work 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 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 Research Mentor's College (or High School) Research Mentor's Department (or Subject) Research Mentor's Email Additional Research Mentor(s) Co-presenter(s) Keywords Poster Session/Number Work Complete Exploratory (the research question has been identified and design of approach is outlined) Presentation Modality Face to Face Poster session Synchronous Online Presentation Asynchronous Online Presentation Poster PDF Upload Upload requirementsOne file only.100 MB limit. Poster Thumbnail Please take a screenshot of your poster to be a thumbnail on your Symposium Program Profile. Upload Upload requirementsOne file only.2 MB limit. I will be printing my poster CAPTCHA What code is in the image? Enter the characters shown in the image. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Save Leave this field blank
