UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jacqueline O’Connor, professor and associate head for faculty in the Penn State Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected to receive the Aerospace Educator University Award from Women in Aerospace (WIA).
The award recognizes O’Connor’s leadership and impact in aerospace education and mentorship and will be presented at WIA’s 40th Annual Awards Dinner & Ceremony on Oct. 9 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.
“Being recognized by Women in Aerospace is a great honor,” O’Connor said. “It reflects my deep commitment to service and teaching in the aerospace community, including activities in the classroom, in my research mentorship and in my professional societies.”
O’Connor has held several leadership roles within the College of Engineering. She is the founding director of the Center for Gas Turbine Research Education and Outreach and leads the Reacting Flow Dynamics Laboratory. She was named associate director of the Penn State Climate Consortium, a University-wide initiative that fosters interdisciplinary solutions to challenges arising from climate change, in 2024 and was most recently named the acting director for the 2025-26 academic year.
“One of the great joys of being an educator is the opportunity to work with fantastic students,” O'Connor said. “I’ve been very lucky to have great students at Penn State, including in my classes and in my research group. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity to have led an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates site that focused on propulsion and power technologies, which has allowed me to meet so many fantastic students from across the U.S. and help them achieve their research goals.”
O’Connor’s contributions extend beyond the classroom and laboratory. She has served in leadership roles within national professional organizations that serve the aerospace and energy communities, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Combustion Institute.
“I’m particularly proud of the ways in which I’ve had the opportunity to translate my ‘educator mindset’ to activities within my professional societies,” O'Connor said. “All three communities have greatly supported my career and so it’s extra special to be able to give back.”
Douglas E. Wolfe, associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives at Penn State, said the recognition is well deserved.
“Dr. O’Connor’s recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, groundbreaking research and unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers,” Wolfe said. “At Penn State, we are proud to have faculty like Dr. O’Connor whose work not only advances aerospace science but also shapes a more inclusive and innovative future for the field.”