Dr. Rickey J. Shyne

Dr. Rickey J. Shyne is the director of Research and Engineering at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. He assumed this position in February 2014 and is responsible for leading a staff of approximately 1,100 engineers and scientists, and managing research and development in propulsion, communications, power, and materials and structures for extreme environments in support of the agency’s missions. 

Before assuming his current position, Shyne served as director of the Facilities and Test Directorate at Glenn, where he led institutional and test facilities engineering and management, flight research and aircraft management, and environmental management services. Shyne has also served as deputy director of both Engineering and Technical Services and Safety and Mission Assurance. Prior to his center leadership roles, he served as chief of the Nozzle Branch, where he managed a staff of engineers in computational and experimental nozzle research and development for aeronautics and space applications.  

Shyne began his NASA career in 1984 and is the recipient of numerous honors, including a 2013 Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service from President Obama, NASA’s Exceptional Achievement and Exceptional Service Medals, 2014 Federal Professional Engineer of the Year Award, National Technical Association (NTA) Engineer of the Year Award, NTA Technical Achiever of the Year Award, the 2008 U.S. Black Engineer of the Year Award-Career Achievement in Government, and National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Award for Career Achievement in Government.  

He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Ohio and is an associate fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and a member of ASME. He is a member of Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Fraternity and is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Shyne received his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Tennessee State University. He earned his master’s and a doctorate in mechanical engineering and engineering science, respectively, from the University of Toledo. He has also completed the prestigious Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellows Executive Management Program in Public Policy, the Aspen Institute Executive Management Program, and the Pennsylvania State University Engineer/Scientist as a Manager Executive Development Program.