Laura Stiles (AeroEngr MS'11, PhD'13)
LauraÌýStilesÌýreceived a BS in Engineering Physics with a concentration in Aerospace Systems from the University of Kansas in 2008. She received an MS and PhD from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ in Aerospace Engineering Sciences in 2011 and 2013, respectively, in the Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation focus area.
Her dissertation topic was the investigation of electrostatic inflation for deployment of membrane space structures. While in school, Stiles participated in internships at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Air Force Research Lab, Raytheon Aircraft, built detector hardware for nuclear physics experiments at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and was very active in the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space.Ìý
Stiles is currently an aerospace engineer at the private human spaceflight company Blue Origin near Seattle, WA. At Blue Origin, she has worked in mechanical systems design, integrated vehicle test, and launch operations. Her experience in the design realm includes technical and programmatic management of multiple vehicle subsystems on the Crew Capsule - including the capsule parachutes.
In 2018, she joined the senior management team for a newly created organization within Blue Origin: New Shepard Launch Operations. In this role, Stiles built a team from the ground up and led the design of the launch operation (crew, process, procedures) - moving from development & test through human flight certification in 2021.
She had filled multiple launch crew roles, including serving as a Flight Controller for more than a dozen launches. Stiles now holds the role of CrewMember 7 for the New Shepard program, responsible for astronaut training and crewed launch operations. CrewMember 7 represents Blue Origin to the customer astronauts, ensuring operational excellence in mission execution. Additionally, she leads several Technical Evaluation Committees for the Blue Origin Lunar Mission Operations team.Ìý
Outside of work, Sties has participated extensively in mentoring and coaching of university level and early career engineers, particularly focusing on supporting women in the field.
She is an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast in her free time - hiking, paddling, and competing in triathlons. Stiles is also a skydiving instructor, has competed at the National level, and holds 2 World Records in the large-formation disciple of skydiving.
