Dr. Wanda Austin Selected to Serve on President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

Wanda Austin, Ph.D., Aerospace Corporation president and CEO, has been selected by President Barack Obama to serve on President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Austin also serves on the Space Foundation Board of Directors.

PCAST is an advisory group of the nation's leading scientists and engineers who directly advise the President and the Executive Office of the President. PCAST makes policy recommendations in the many areas where understanding of science, technology and innovation is key to strengthening our economy and forming policy that works for the American people. PCAST also plays an important role in developing support for the President's ST&I priorities and initiatives, which includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

"I am deeply honored to serve with such an esteemed and talented group of our country's leading scientists and engineers," said Austin.

PCAST is comprised of distinguished leaders from high-tech industry, universities, and the national academies. The group complements the Administration's in-house science and technology expertise and helps connect the President and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy with the wider ST&I communities. As part of PCAST's responsibilities, they conduct in-depth studies requested by the President on policy-relevant ST&I topics where the group's deep experience, multi-sectorial diversity, and independence are particularly germane.

The Aerospace Corporation is a California nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center and has approximately 3,500 employees. It provides guidance and advice to military, civil, and commercial customers to ensure the success of complex, technology-based programs. The Aerospace Corporation is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., with multiple locations across the United States.