BREAKING NEWS: Florida Tech’s assistant professor of aerospace, Danilo Branco, has just been awarded the highly esteemed 2025 Faculty Advisor Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). This recognition places Branco among an elite group of six recipients honored for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to mentoring students in the aerospace field.
Branco is the only recipient from Florida, with fellow honorees representing Santa Clara University, University of South Carolina, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and University of Texas at Dallas. This award underscores Branco’s significant impact on student engagement, especially in his role as faculty advisor for Florida Tech’s AIAA student chapter.
Branco, who joined Florida Tech in 2024 and is a veteran first lieutenant engineer from the Brazilian Air Force, oversees students involved in projects at the Panther Rocket Lab (PRL) and the university’s radio-controlled airplane team. His mentorship extends to students participating in the upcoming AIAA Southeastern Regional Student Conference.
In a statement, Branco expressed his gratitude, stating, “Working with Florida Tech’s AIAA student branch has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a Florida Tech faculty member. I continue to be inspired by the dedication, creativity, and passion of our students, and it has been a privilege to support their growth and achievements.”
The AIAA has a global reach, with 263 student branches and over 9,000 students involved worldwide. Each branch cultivates collaboration and innovation among engineering students, with faculty advisors like Branco playing a crucial role in ensuring their success.
AIAA CEO Clay Mowry emphasized the importance of faculty advisors, stating, “They are the backbone of our student branches. Their passion is igniting the next generation. They are propelling students beyond the lecture halls and labs to achieve the breakthroughs that will shape the future of aerospace.”
The six award recipients will be honored at the AIAA’s 2026 SciTech Forum in Orlando this coming January, and they will also receive recognition from their local AIAA professional sections. This award not only highlights Branco’s achievements but also showcases Florida Tech’s commitment to fostering an engaged and innovative academic community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the impact of Branco’s mentorship on future aerospace leaders.
