Adam Gorrell

Adam Gorrell serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas, leveraging 20 years of distinguished United States Air Force service as a Command Pilot with over 2,000 flight hours on platforms including the supersonic B-1B Lancer and MQ-9 Reaper.

His research spans propulsion systems, astronautics, and unmanned aerial systems, with recent publications revealing expertise in nuclear thermal propulsion reactor dynamics and military strategy applications. Key themes include hydrogen behavior in reactor environments and innovative swarming tactics for aerospace operations.

His notable recognitions include:

• Distinguished Graduate, Air Command and Staff College (2015)
• Engineering Division Award, US Air Force Academy (2014)
• Flight Commander of the Year, US Air Force Warfare Center (2012)
• Distinguished Graduate, B-1B Lancer Qualification Course (2006)

Dr. Gorrell brings extensive instructional experience from teaching over 330 cadets at the US Air Force Academy in courses like Introduction to Astronautics and Rocket Propulsion, emphasizing clear, compelling presentations that maintain scientific integrity while inspiring next-generation aerospace engineers for air and space systems development.