ZoomiePresent: Grads in Space

The Panelists:

2Lt. TJ Fumagalli, Class of 2020 

Panel Moderator

2Lt. Fumagalli was one of the 86 graduates who were the first infusion of commissioned personnel into the U.S. Space Force.  She graduated from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering Human Factors and Minor in Spanish. Currently, she is temporary interning for SpaceX as a Space Force Fellow in the Government Mission Management Department in Hawthorn, California while she awaits Space Operations Training in February at Vandenberg AFB.

Lt. Col. Bryony Slaughter, Class of 2006

Lt. Col. Slaughter is the Commander of the 3d Space Operations Squadron, the nation’s premier space defense unit, whose role is to protect and preserve vital space capabilities. Lt. Col. Slaughter earned her commission in 2006 through the US Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Space Operations. In 2011, she graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with a Master of Engineering and holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science, and a Master of Philosophy in Military Strategy. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. She has experience in the UEWR and GPS weapon systems and helped stand up the National Space Defense Center. Lt. Col. Slaughter recently transitioned from the Air Force into the Space Force and is excited to serve the nation as a part of the newest service.

Colonel (Ret) Sid Gutierrez, Class of 1973

Sid Gutierrez is a Distinguished Graduate from the United States Air Force Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. He is a USAF Test Pilot school graduate and has flown the F-15, F-16, and T-38 among other aircraft as a fighter, test, and instructor pilot. In the mid-1980's, Sid joined NASA as an astronaut and served as the pilot of Space Shuttle Columbia STS-40 Spacelab Life Sciences and as the Mission Commander of Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-59 Space Radar Laboratory. Upon retirement from the Air Force and NASA, Sid joined Sandia National Laboratories and later became Center Director overseeing projects involving innovative technology for satellites, space payloads and sensors, as well as vulnerability assessments and analysis tools. After retiring from Sandia, Sid's love of space led him to become the CEO of Rocket Crafters and currently is Chairman of the Board. Lastly, Sid served on NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel and a Presidential Commission reviewing the Space Station.

Lt. Col. Marc Fulson, Class of 2003

Lt. Col. Fulson is the Chief, Special Plans and Programs Integration Branch, Special Programs Division, Plans, Programs and Financial Management Directorate, HQ Space Operations Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. The branch is responsible for planning future capital investments for all Space Force Special Programs and integrating them into the collateral portfolio. Lt. Col. Fulson entered the Air Force in 2003 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was the Assistant Director of Operations and Chief Engineer for a classified test squadron. Lastly, he was Deputy Chief of the SMC Independent Readiness Review Team which was charge of independent technical assessments of 14 programs including satellites, launch vehicles and ground systems that support military and civilian space launches.

Col. Luke Sauter, Class of 2002

Colonel Sauter is the Permanent Professor and Head of the Department of Astronautics at the Air Force Academy. Colonel Sauter graduated from USAFA in 2002 as a Distinguished Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering. He earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering from MIT in 2004.  Col Sauter was selected to attend the University of Surrey, UK where he earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2012. Colonel Sauter is a senior member of American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, System Engineering Board member at USAFA, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Gamma Tau engineering honor societies member, and holds Acquisition Professional Development Program Level III certification in Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering, and Level II certification in Program Management, and Level I certification Test. He is also a level 2 qualified space-professional.