June 7, 2021
John-Paul Clarke, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). The grade of fellow is the highest level of membership within the professional society, which was established in 1866 to provide a central forum for advancing knowledge in the aerospace and aeronautical community. Recipients of this honor must show that they have “made outstanding contributions in the profession of aeronautics, attained a position of high responsibility in the profession of aeronautics, and had long experience of high quality in the profession of aeronautics.”
Clarke is world-renowned for his work on aircraft trajectory prediction and optimization, particularly as it relates to improving flight procedures that reduce the environmental impact of aviation. He is also an expert in the development and use of stochastic models and optimization algorithms to improve the efficiency and robustness of airline, airport and air traffic operations. Clarke’s work has influenced air transportation theory, policy and practice both at the national and international level. His current research interests include urban air mobility (UAM) and the development of autonomous aircraft, including air traffic management and control for these systems. He testified before Congress to the House Science Committee in 2018 about the challenges of UAM.
Clarke joined the Cockrell School of Engineering faculty in January 2021 where he holds the Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Memorial Chair in Engineering. His research and contributions to aerospace have earned him many honors, including the 1999 AIAA/AAAE/ACC Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award, the 2003 FAA Excellence in Aviation Award, the 2006 National Academy of Engineering Gilbreth Lectureship and the 2012 AIAA/SAE William Littlewood Lectureship. He is also a Fellow of the AIAA, and is a member of AGIFORS, INFORMS and Sigma Xi.
Learn more about Clarke’s background, research and teaching in this Q&A.
