Cochran Named AIAA Fellow

John Cochran, department head and professor of aerospace engineering, has been elected as a 2005 fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He joined the AIAA more than 35 years ago as a member of the student chapter at Auburn University.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering from Auburn and attended the University of Texas at Austin on a National Science Foundation scholarship, receiving his doctorate in 1970. A member of Auburn's aerospace engineering faculty since 1968, he became head of the department in 1993. As a researcher, Cochran's interests include the computer simulation, dynamics, guidance, stability, and control of aerospace vehicles.

The AIAA appointed Cochran as a fellow for his seminal contributions to aerospace vehicle dynamics and control, and to aerospace education.

"Dr. Cochran has done much to keep aerospace engineering at Auburn in the forefront of the field," said Dean of Engineering Larry Benefield of Cochran's recognition as fellow. "Enrollments in the department indicate that we have a strong program attracting a wide variety of students."

A fellow of the American Astronautical Society since 1992, Cochran, also an attorney, said his goal is "to make the department as good as it can be and make our students the best they can be." Of his nomination Cochran stated, "The criteria are such that it is difficult for academics to be nominated as fellows. I consider it a great honor."