Mr. Robert Pearce is the Associate Administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). He manages the agency’s aeronautics research portfolio and guides its strategic direction, including research in advanced air vehicle concepts, airspace operations and safety, integrated aviation systems, and the nurturing and development of transformative concepts for aviation. Bob has experience in all aspects of aviation R&D, including serving as Deputy Director of the FAA-led Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). Bob began his career as a design engineer at the Grumman Corporation, working on such projects as the Navy’s F-14 Tomcat fighter and DARPA’s X-29 Forward Swept Wing Demonstrator. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science degree in technology and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.