Dr. Wanda Austin

Biography

Wanda M. Austin became the interim president of the University of Southern California on August 7, 2018. In January 2008, she assumed the role of president and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation. Prior to this position, she served as senior vice president of the National Systems Group based in Chantilly, Virginia, where she supported national security space and the intelligence community in acquisition, launch, and orbital operation of advanced technology space systems and ground data stations. She also held the position of senior vice president for Special Studies from January 2004 to April 2004 and for the Engineering Technology Group from June 2001 to December 2003, directing a staff of 1,000 engineers and scientists working across a wide range of space-related disciplines. Additionally, she was the general manager of the Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Division, responsible for systems engineering support for Air Force architecture and development of advanced satellite communications systems. Before joining Aerospace, Dr. Austin was a member of the technical staff at Rockwell International and is recognized internationally for her work in satellite payload system acquisition and systems engineering system simulation.

Research Interests