Currently, Dr. Seng is the Chief of the Structures and Materials Division of the Research & Technology Directorate at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Division is comprised of 200 managers and staff performing research and developing technology in metallic, polymeric and ceramic materials and their composites, protective coatings, verified modeling and analysis tools for response prediction and lifing, advanced materials and structural concepts, drive systems, seals, bearings, and tribological systems. The Division serves all four of NASA’s technical missions.
In 2005 and early 2006, Dr. Seng served as the Chief of the Aeronautics Division. In this position, his responsibilities included all aeronautics projects managed by the Center, as well as supervision of the project staff. Aeronautics projects involved research and technology efforts that spanned multiple disciplines including propulsion, power, materials, structures, controls, instrumentation and communications, and included work that ranged from modeling and simulation through validation experiments. In 2006, he also served for six months as the Acting Chief of the Power and Electric Propulsion Division, in the Research & Technology Directorate.
From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Seng served as a senior executive at the center through membership on the Director’s Leadership Team and the Director’s Strategic Management Team. During this period, he was Director of the Aeropropulsion Research Program Office and managed the Aerospace Propulsion and Power Program under the auspices of NASA’s Aerospace Technology Enterprise. The mission of the Aerospace Propulsion and Power Program was to provide leadership and support for the development of breakthrough aerospace technologies to maintain U.S. technological and environmental superiority in propulsion and power systems. The program involved aeronautics and space technology fundamental research and technology development, and supported over 700 scientists/engineers working 13 diverse projects.
From 1997 to 2001, Dr. Seng was Deputy Manager of the High Speed Systems Office. In this position he was responsible for the supervision of office personnel and project management associated with Phase II of the High Speed Research Program, as well as providing senior leadership for the Phase IIA supersonic transport propulsion system demonstrator effort.
From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Seng was the Advanced Subsonic Office Deputy for Fly-by-Light/Power-by-Wire. In this capacity, he managed all aspects of this multi-center aeronautics program to develop fiber-optic based control systems and all-electric secondary power systems, which were leap-frog technologies for aerospace vehicles.
Prior to his project management positions, Dr. Seng served for eight years as Chief of the Engine Sensor Technology Branch. The Branch performed research in two major areas—fiber-optic based controls and high temperature electronics/sensors. This work included early, revolutionary investigations of MEMS and integrated optics technologies. For his contributions to the success of this research, he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1993.
Dr. Seng began his NASA career as a researcher in the Aerothermodynamics and Fuels Division, Fuels Branch from 1978 until 1985, where he studied alternative fuels for use in aircraft.
Dr. Seng entered NASA in 1978 after receiving his doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from Michigan State University. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Purdue University (awarded at IUPUI) in 1973.
