Florida Tech assistant professor of aerospace Danilo Branco has been recognized with a prestigious 2025 Faculty Advisor Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Branco was one of six recipients honored for exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to AIAA student mentorship over the last year.
Branco is the sole Florida winner; his co-recipients hail from Santa Clara University, University of South Carolina, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and University of Texas at Dallas.
Branco, a veteran who served as a first lieutenant engineer in the Brazilian Air Force, started at Florida Tech in 2024. He is the current faculty advisor for Florida Tech’s AIAA student chapter. He mentors students who work in the Panther Rocket Lab (PRL), compete on the radio-controlled airplane team and participate in the AIAA Southeastern Regional Student Conference.
Branco describes the award as an honor and says he is deeply grateful to be a part of Florida Tech’s “engaged and forward-thinking academic and professional community.”
“Working with Florida Tech’s AIAA student branch has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a Florida Tech faculty member,” Branco said. “I continue to be inspired by the dedication, creativity and passion of our students, and it has been a privilege to support their growth and achievements.”
AIAA has 263 student branches worldwide involving more than 9,000 students. Each branch fosters opportunities for collaboration between engineering students on campus. The faculty advisor plays a critical role in sustaining student branches and encouraging their growth and success.
“Faculty advisors are the backbone of our student branches,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. “Their passion is igniting the next generation. They are propelling students beyond the lecture halls and labs to achieve the breakthroughs that will shape the future of aerospace.”
The six award recipients were recognized during AIAA’s 2026 SciTech Forum in Orlando in January and will be recognized locally by their AIAA professional sections.
