Dr. Robert D. Braun has more than 35 years experience as a space systems engineer, technologist & organization leader. He’s contributed to the formulation, development, and operation of multiple space flight missions and is a recognized authority in hypersonics technology and the development of and entry, descent and landing systems.

Dr. Braun serves on the executive leadership team of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory as Head of the Space Exploration Sector. He previously served as Director for Planetary Science at the Jet Propulsion Lab (2020- 2022), Dean of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Colorado (2017-2020),  faculty of the Georgia Institute of Technology (2003-2016) and on the technical staff of the NASA Langley Research Center (1989-2003). He has served as a tenured professor at Georgia Tech, CU Boulder & Caltech.

In 2010-2011, Dr. Braun served as the first NASA Chief Technologist in more than a decade. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing NASA technology & innovation policy & programs. He created and led the initial implementation of a spectrum of NASA technology programs designed to build the capabilities required for our nation’s future space missions. This activity spanned all ten NASA Centers, industry and academia, and fostered partnerships between NASA and other government agencies.

Dr. Braun is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the AIAA and AAS, and the author or co-author of over 300 technical publications.