Dr. Rhea Liem Named AIAA Associate Fellow in 2026 Class

Dr. Rhea Liem of Imperial College London named AIAA Associate Fellow 2026 for her aerospace engineering leadership and research excellence.

Dr. Rhea Liem of Imperial College London has been named an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), joining the prestigious Class of 2026. This honour recognises her outstanding contributions to aerospace engineering and her leadership in advancing the field.

Dr. Liem is a Reader in Sustainable Aviation at the Department of Aeronautics, and a member of the Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation. Her research focuses on aerospace computation, specifically in the application of computational science and advanced computing capabilities to support sustainable aviation goals through innovations in aircraft design and air transportation, while taking their interdependence into account.

The AIAA Associate Fellow distinction is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics. Candidates must be Senior Members of AIAA in good standing, with at least 12 years of professional experience, and be endorsed by three current AIAA members.

Dr. Liem is among a select group of aerospace professionals from academia, industry, and government recognized this year for their exceptional achievements. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during the AIAA Associate Fellows Induction Ceremony and Dinner on January 14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, as part of the AIAA SciTech Forum.

AIAA President Dan Hastings praised the new class, stating, “This distinguished group of professionals has performed extraordinary work and advanced the state of science and technology in aeronautics and astronautics. They exemplify a dedication to excellence in their specific technical disciplines. We are proud of their achievements as they shape the future of aerospace”.

Dr. Liem’s recognition as an Associate Fellow highlights her impactful research and leadership in aerospace systems design and optimisation, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers.

For more information about the AIAA Honors Program and the full list of 2026 Associate Fellows, visit AIAA’s official announcement.