Student Research Symposium Program Portal

Please contact Dr. Works (keworks@fsu.eu) for additional help:

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: Fri, 04/10/2026 - 03:46 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

Upload requirements

One 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 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.

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 or Powerpoint

Upload requirements

One file only.
100 MB limit.

Poster Thumbnail

Please take a screenshot of your poster to be a thumbnail on your Symposium Program Profile.

Upload requirements

One 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.