MEMS alumna recognized by Society of Women Engineers for impact on space exploration

PITTSBURGH (December 20, 2017) ... Alumna Theresa (Terri) Taylor was recognized by the Society of Women Engineers this fall with the Resnik Challenger Medal for "For advances in spacecraft momentum control systems; for setting high standards for critical parts and systems; and for establishing a world-class testing lab for bearings used in spacecraft." Ms. Taylor, senior engineering manager for Honeywell Aerospace, earned here bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering in 1982.

Established in 1986 to honor SWE’s Dr. Judith A. Resnik, NASA Mission Specialist on the ill-fated Challenger space shuttle flight on January 28, 1986. It is awarded only as merited for visionary contributions to space exploration to individuals with at least ten (10) years of service. This award acknowledges a specific engineering breakthrough or achievement that has expanded the horizons of space exploration. The Resnik Challenger Medal is not presented annually, and was last awarded in 2013.

According to an announcement from Honeywell, "This award acknowledges Taylor's achievement of expanding space exploration through her invention of the application of spin-bearing technology for attitude control systems that steer, stabilize and point a spacecraft. Her contributions to the technology over the past 27 years have provided reliable, longer-life spacecraft. From the Space Station to imagery satellite to weather satellites, along with undisclosed missions of national importance, Taylor's impact cannot be overstated. Her passion has helped shape the way space is explored, and Taylor is just as passionate about helping to encourage and mentor young female engineers."

The Resnick Challenger Medal was presented as part SWE's annual award program which recognizes innovators and leaders who are supporting the enrichment and advancement of women in the engineering community from industry to education. SWE award recipients include professionals and collegiates from influential businesses, corporations and universities across the globe.

“The men and women recognized this year have made significant contributions to the engineering community,” said Jonna Gerken, president of SWE. “They are leaders, inspiring the current and future generation of STEM professionals, and paving the way to empowerment for women engineers everywhere.”

This year’s award recipients were recognized at WE17, the world’s largest conference and career fair for women engineers, Oct. 26-28, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The conference gathers over 11,000 professional and collegiate men and women for professional development, education and networking.

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