Dr. Liang Sun Receives 2026 AIAA North Texas Dr. Don Seath Award for Outstanding University Faculty

Dr. Liang Sun has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Don Seath Award for Outstanding University Faculty by the AIAA North Texas Section.

The award recognizes outstanding university faculty in North Texas for their contributions to aerospace education and their service and support of students, colleagues, academic programs, universities, technical fields, and AIAA. It honors the legacy of Dr. Don Seath, former Chair of the Aerospace Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, whose leadership and service helped establish UTA’s Aerospace Engineering program.

In recognizing Dr. Sun, the AIAA North Texas Section highlighted his contributions since joining Baylor University from New Mexico State University, including establishing the Advanced Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy (AVIA) Lab, founding a new AIAA Baylor Student Branch in 2025, and regularly presenting technical papers with students at AIAA national forums. The citation also noted that his efforts continue to strengthen the AIAA North Texas Section, raise Baylor’s national visibility in aerospace, and prepare students to contribute to the future of the aerospace field. 

“Arrived Baylor several years ago from NMSU. Established AVIA lab. Established new Baylor Student Branch in 2025. Continually presents tech papers with students at many AIAA National Forums. His efforts continue to grow NTX Section, bring Baylor into national prominence, and develop students to support future of aerospace.” 

More information about the award and the AIAA North Texas Section is available here.