Alec Gallimore facts for kids

Alec Damian Gallimore is an American aerospace engineer. He is currently the provost of Duke University, a big leadership role he started in July 2023. Before this, he worked at the University of Michigan. There, he was the dean of engineering from 2016 to 2023. He had also been a professor there since 1992.

Early Life and Schooling

Alec Gallimore was born in Washington, D.C.. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. He grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey, in the United States.

He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BS), in aeronautical engineering in 1986. He got this degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Later, he went to Princeton University. He earned a Master of Arts (MA) in 1988 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1992. Both of these advanced degrees were in aerospace engineering.

His Career Journey

After finishing his first degree, Alec Gallimore joined a special summer program. It was for engineering and science students at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Only forty students were chosen for this program.

After getting his PhD, he wanted to work for NASA. However, he was told he needed more experience first. So, he decided to become a professor at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. He wanted to improve his public speaking skills there.

Starting a Lab

When he joined the university, Gallimore started his own research lab. It was called the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory (PEPL). He first planned to return to NASA after five years of teaching. But he enjoyed teaching and research so much that he stayed in academia.

From 2005 to 2011, Gallimore was an associate dean. He worked at the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Then, from 2011 to 2013, he was the associate dean for research and graduate education.

Research on Space Travel

As the leader of the PEPL, Gallimore focused his research on electric propulsion. This is a way to move spacecraft using electricity. He also studied plasma (a superheated gas) and how it interacts with space.

His lab, PEPL, worked on making a large vacuum chamber better. This chamber, called the Large Vacuum Test Facility (LVTF), is 20 by 30 feet. In 2015, his lab designed a special engine called the X3 Nested-Channel Hall Thruster. NASA planned to use this engine for future space missions.

Leadership and Awards

Beyond his lab work, Gallimore also led other important projects. He directed the NASA Michigan Space Grant Consortium. He also led the Michigan/Air Force Center of Excellence in Electric Propulsion.

In February 2016, Gallimore was chosen to be the dean of engineering. He served in this role from July 2016 to June 2021. While he was dean, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. This is a big honor for engineers. He was recognized for his work on electric propulsion for spacecraft.

In 2020, he received the Wyld Propulsion Award. This award is from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He earned it for his amazing work in developing new technology and training future engineers.

New Role at Duke University

On March 24, 2023, it was announced that Gallimore would become the provost of Duke University. As provost, he helps lead the university's academic programs. He also chairs the board of trustees for Duke Kunshan University.