Aerospace alum delivers keynote address at Homecoming '25
Keynote speaker Jessica Schafer, director of staff at U.S. Space Command and an aerospace engineering alum, tells breakfast attendees that the university’s pioneering spirit is invaluable.
Aerospace engineering alum Jessica Schafer delivered the keynote address at the College of Engineering's 62nd Engineers Breakfast on Nov. 7. A 2002 graduate with more than 20 years of Air Force service, Schafer directs staff in the Department of Defense’s U.S. Space Command. She emphasized Engineering’s rapid response to military partnerships.
The college was the first partner in the division’s Academic Engagement Enterprise, focused on workforce training and research in national security and space exploration.
“The vital research happening at the UA makes it a valuable partner,” said Schafer, adding, “The Space4 Center is working on novel AI techniques to improve space traffic.”
Space4 Center is a $7.5 million Air Force-funded, international endeavor tracking objects in space between Earth and the moon.
“It’s crucial we protect and preserve space for continued use,” Schafer said.