Kristi Morgansen

Kristi Morgansen is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington, with an adjunct appointment in Electrical & Computer Engineering. She leads research in nonlinear systems, bio-inspired autonomous vehicles, and human-cognition integration in control systems through labs including the Nonlinear Dynamics and Control Lab, Autonomous Flight Systems Lab, and Distributed Space Systems Lab.

• Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences (Harvard, 1999), MS in Mechanical Engineering (Boston University, 1994), BS in Mechanical Engineering (Boston University, 1993)

Her work spans traditional aerospace systems (fixed-wing aircraft, underwater gliders) and novel bio-inspired systems (neural engineering, agile flight), addressing challenges like communication delays in multi-vehicle control and sensor placement optimization.

Scientific honors include election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences (2021), AIAA Fellowship, and leadership roles in the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium and UW Space Policy and Research Center. She also contributes to aerospace workforce development through cross-disciplinary initiatives.