Kevin C. Greenaugh Award

Announcing the Kevin C. Greenaugh Award

A prominent nuclear engineer who helped shape U.S. science and technology policy through a senior leadership role at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Kevin C. Greenaugh Ph.D. ’98  most recently as Chief Science and Technology Officer, Defense Programs. His work ensured our country’s national security through several programs for which he made significant contributions, including nuclear deterrence and counter-terrorism.  

Dr. Greenaugh also made history as the first Black doctoral graduate in nuclear engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering. By breaking that barrier, he set an example that decades of future engineers have followed.

In recognition of Dr. Greenaugh’s groundbreaking achievements, his remarkable 35-year career in federal service, and his many technical contributions which demonstrate engineering’s powerful potential for good, the A. James Clark School of Engineering is honored to announce the Kevin C. Greenaugh Award.

Consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate both: 

• Leadership and Professional Achievements particularly in federal or state agencies, public service organizations or other initiatives that address societal grand challenges.
• Technical Impact on addressing critical national priorities, economic advancement, or innovations that position the United States as the global leader. 

The Clark School is proud to present this prestigious award in recognition of professional excellence at the intersection of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and impact on the prosperity of our nation or state.

2024 Recipient 

David M. Van Wie, Ph.D.

Dr. David Van Wie is the Head of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) Air and Missile Defense Sector responsible for executing $500M/year in programs advancing the Nation’s ability to defend against threats to the U.S. homeland, forward-deployed forces, allies, and partners. Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Van Wie served as Mission Area Executive for Precision Strike advancing weapon development, electromagnetic spectrum dominance, and novel long-range detection and targeting systems. He has published extensively in the fields of hypersonics, high-temperature fluid dynamics, airbreathing propulsion, and plasma aerodynamics and has lectured in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland in the areas of aerodynamics and propulsion. He is currently a member of the Defense Science Board and holds a research faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He has been recognized for sustained contributions by the Joint Army, Navy, NASA, and Air Force (JANNAF) Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee, was a recipient of the Air Force Award for Meritorious Civilian Service for his work on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, and was elected into Academy of Distinguished Alumni of the University of Maryland Department of Aerospace Engineering. In 2021, Dr. Van Wie presented the AIAA Theodore Von Karman Lecture in Astrodynamics. Dr. Van Wie in a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). 

Dr. David Van Wie earned his B.S. (Summa Cum Laude), M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, as well as an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.