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What makes a 20 Twenty?
Aviation Week Network honors 20 students in their Twenties each year currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). The 20 Twenties program was established by Aviation Week Network in 2013 to recognize talented individuals who are on course to change the face of the aerospace and defense industry. Criteria is based on academic performance, public/community involvement, personal challenges and how they communicate the value of your individual research/design project.
Click HERE to learn the qualities that make a 20 Twenty
Nominations open April 1, 2023. Deadline to nominate by October 15, 2023.
Congratulations to the 20 Twenties Class of 2022
Hailey Nichols The University of Texas at AustinM.S. Aerospace Engineering | Class of 2022 | The University of Texas at Austin
B.S. Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Information Technology | Class of 2019 | Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWhile researching developments to enable the safe autonomous flight of drones, Nichols founded a startup called Locus Lock that aims to provide low-cost, precise positioning technology to the commercial sector. Her startup has developed a software-defined technique using GPS and global navigation satellite systems, which she says will be key for emerging technologies such as urban air mobility vehicles, since existing aviation-certified GPS receivers are costly, heavy and do not provide the accuracy needed for urban environments.
Nichols has interned at Lockheed Martin and Kitty Hawk, and she has worked as a UAV software engineer at Aurora Flight Sciences. She was captain of MIT’s varsity women’s soccer team and volunteered as a tutor for the Petey Green Program, which provides supplemental education in correctional institutions.
- Emily Herrmann Georgia Institute of Technology
Graduate Student, Aerospace Engineering | Class of 2022 | Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering | Class of 2020 | Case Western Reserve UniversityAt the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, Herrmann is involved in NASA’s Subsonic Flight Demonstrator study to assess future civil transport aircraft designs within the context of reducing the environmental impact of aviation. She also is researching the feasibility of creating new mobility low-cost attritable aircraft for U.S. Air Force applications and how to connect manufacturing considerations to preliminary design of hypersonic glide vehicles.
Herrmann worked as an associate systems engineer at Northrop Grumman and has interned at Textron Systems, Comsat Architects and Bell Flight. She has volunteered through the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable to teach STEM activities to local Girl Scout troops. She is earning a private pilot license through the Yellow Jacket Flying Club as well.
- Angie Zhang Purdue University
B.S. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | Class of 2022 | Purdue University
Zhang’s FAA-sponsored research at Purdue helped to demonstrate the viability of profitable supersonic commercial flight using complex simulation and airline data. She completed three aerospace engineering internships at Lockheed Martin and one at Northrop Grumman, where she worked on projects such as electrical test procedures for satellite programs, analyzing risks in aircraft breathing systems and testing for modifications in aircraft software and hardware.
Zhang was president of Purdue’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, through which she led efforts toward improved diversity and equity in STEM. She was also an ambassador for the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation, where she led tours and information sessions to support prospective students.
Recognition & Awards Ceremony
The 20 students chosen for the 2022 awards were honored at the 20 Twenties Luncheon and at Aviation Week Network’s annual Laureates Awards and Banquet on November 3, 2022 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. In addition, all winners have been highlighted in Aviation Week & Space Technology and will receive a free digital subscription to the magazine.
photos: Nathan Mitchell Photography
The Top 20
Universities around the world nominate their top students who are working to solve challenges within the industry.
Now in its 9th year, the prestigious awards program received a total of 635 nominations from exceptional students worldwide earning university STEM degrees and awarded 180 of them as 20 Twenties winners.
A total of 149 different colleges and universities around the world have participated in the program since 2013 by nominating students on the basis of their academic performance, broader civic contribution, and the value of their research or design project.
Most importantly, the program brings together technology hiring managers, students, and faculty worldwide to recognize what’s needed for business and academic growth and success. The students begin building a network comprised of the technical experts who have built the industry, the universities gain visibility for high-quality education provided to the students, and hiring managers gain knowledge about the best of the best in the next generation of aerospace talent.
The 2022 nomination program brought in a total of 61 total qualified nominations from 26 different universities representing five countries. Five new nominator schools participated in the program this year.
The schools representing the 20 Twenties class of 2022 include:
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By supporting tomorrow’s leaders, you’ll receive widespread recognition throughout the industry and direct access to these rising stars. On March 14, 2024, sponsors and the 20 Twenties winners will be recognized at an Awards Luncheon as well as the Laureates Awards Banquet.
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Hear from Past Winners
"In both the Luncheon and Dinner, I built numerous professional relationships that I hope to sustain and grow over the rest of my career. Celebrating exceptional technological leaps and incredible individual contributions across all industry sectors was an amazing experience. I was honored and delighted to take part in the 20 Twenties events, and am very grateful for the support of Aviation Week and event sponsors."
"Overall, I really enjoyed the experience of being a 20 Twenty! I can confidently say that the networking opportunities allowed me to build connections that have helped me immensely as I start my career. For that I would like to say thank you. Also, I found the experience to be highly motivating too. It was incredible to see the amazing projects my fellow 20 Twenties are working on and the projects occurring within industry. Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of this amazing program."
“It was a rare opportunity to be surrounded by so many game changers in the industry who are contributing to developments in aerospace I had only previously read about and aspired to do someday. Interacting with them and hearing their stories has only reaffirmed my love for aerospace and my drive to carry on their work in the future."
"The 20 Twenties award will hold immense value in my young career as an engineer. It encouraged me to continue pursuing my dreams and demonstrated that I was truly making an impact on others. The award also helped me connect with future aerospace leaders and current aerospace leaders to not only advance my own development, but also create partnerships and friendships. The 20 Twenties Award Luncheon and Dinner by Aviation Week Network was an incredible experience that I will cherish at the beginning of my budding career!"
"The 20 Twenties Luncheon and Laureates Awards Dinner was a very worthwhile experience that gave me the opportunity to meet and network with not only current aerospace industry leaders, but also with other 20 Twenties award winners."
Nominations open April 1, 2023. Deadline to nominate by October 15, 2023.
Partner:
Premier Sponsor: 
The 20 Twenties program reflects the best within the next generation of talent entering the aerospace and defense industries. As a global leader in advanced composites technology, Hexcel applauds these awardees for their outstanding academic accomplishments, and we are inspired by their passion. We look forward to working with them as together, we usher in a new era of cutting-edge advancements in aeronautics. I thank Aviation Week for the opportunity for us to meet these honorees and to participate in encouraging them as they reach for new heights.
Colleen Pritchard, Hexcel
Premier Sponsor:
Sponsor: 
As a sponsor and attendee for the 20 Twenties program, it was an excellent engagement with some of the brightest minds in aerospace and defense. Even more than the energy and vision they provide for our industry, the inspiring message and enthusiasm they bring to our talent pipeline is much needed as we compete with others sectors.
Scott Drach, Boeing
Have a Question?
For all General Questions:
Email Anna Dariotis with the subject line
“20 Twenties”
For all Sponsorship Questions:
Email Anna Dariotis with the subject line
“20 Twenties Sponsorship Inquiry”
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