Upon graduation from Texas A&M University, Dr. Merri Sanchez went to work at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. She was selected to the NASA Senior Executive Service in 2009. Sanchez joined Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space System’s Group as the Senior Director for Space Exploration Systems in July 2010, where she manages the Dream Chaser Program, a lifting-body design of a commercial human spacecraft. Dr. Sanchez has distinguished herself through over 30 years of service as an aerospace engineer in service to our nation’s space program. With roles as Space Shuttle integration test engineer, X-38 spacecraft deputy project manager, Space Station increment manager, NASA executive liaison to the U.S. Air Force, and manager of a team building a human spacecraft for NASA, she is recognized for her superior achievement and service to the aerospace profession. Sanchez currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Aerospace Engineering.