LOGAN, Utah, February 27, 2015 – Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory director of civil space, Jed J. Hancock was honored yesterday by Utah Business Magazine for his contributions to industry as one of Utah’s Forty Under 40.
As director of the civil space at the Space Dynamics Laboratory, Hancock has led efforts to capture high-profile contracts with NASA and other agencies valued at over $20 million over the past two years. He is responsible for programs at SDL that are helping scientists better understand space, and mission planners to better prepare for space exploration. These programs include providing critical cameras for a spacecraft bound for an asteroid that will bring back samples to Earth, and building space-based sensors that answers questions of how Earth’s weather and space weather interact with each other.
“Our customers have come to trust and respect Jed’s unequivocal technical talent as a talented engineer and view him as a partner,” said Niel Holt, director of the Space Dynamics Laboratory. “Beyond his academic credentials and his hands-on leadership style, Jed is one of those unique individuals who combines those traits with the ability to develop professional relationships with others based on dependability and honesty.”
Hancock received an undergraduate degree and a Master’s of Science in electrical engineering from Utah State University. He earned an additional Master’s of Science degree in optical sciences and received a PhD from the University of Arizona, Tucson where he was valedictorian in 2012.
According to Utah Business Magazine the Forty Under 40 program is now in its’ 12th year and highlights Utah’s up-and-coming professionals from industries in government and nonprofit, to entrepreneurs and c-level executives in the corporate world. For a list and description of all the honorees, visit www.utahbusiness.com.
A unit of the Utah State University Research Foundation, the Space Dynamics Laboratory is one of 14 University Affiliated Research Centers in the nation. Charged with applying basic research to the technology challenges presented in the military and science arenas, SDL has developed revolutionary solutions that are changing the way the world collects and uses data. SDL’s core competencies are electro-optical sensor systems, calibration, thermal management, reconnaissance systems, and small satellite technologies. Headquartered in North Logan, Utah, SDL has operations in Albuquerque, N.M.; Bedford, Mass.; Washington; Los Angeles; Huntsville, Ala.; and Houston. For more information about the Space Dynamics Laboratory, visit: www.sdl.usu.edu/
