Ashira creates opportunities to examine how innovation becomes “ready” in practice, bringing together stakeholders across policy, industry, and research to shape decisions about emerging technologies

At the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), my work translates complex technical and policy questions into accessible, decision-relevant programming for diverse audiences. I have developed educational products and programs focused on advanced air mobility, sustainable aerospace, certification of novel aircraft, high-speed flight, and space heritage.

Selected Programs

1. Translating Emerging Technologies into Decision Contexts: Programs that help stakeholders understand how new technologies fit within existing systems and infrastructure

• Advanced Air Mobility’s Contributions to Multimodal Solutions | June 2025
  Organized a webinar in partnership with ITS America. With 250 registrations, the program ranks among AIAA’s most widely attended and supported ITS America’s early engagement in this area.

• Sustainable Electrification of Transportation Systems| July 2023
  Organized and moderated a webinar in partnership with the Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy-Research Roundtable at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. With 660+ registrations, it ranks among the Roundtable’s most attended programs.

2. Informing Policy and Institutional Readiness: Programs and materials that support decision-makers navigating regulatory, workforce, and implementation challenges

• Organized U.S. Congressional Hill briefing on AAM Workforce Development | March 2025

• Organized U.S. Congressional Hill briefing on Novel Aircraft Integration into the National Airspace System | May 2025

3. Shaping Narratives and Public Engagement Around Innovation: Media and convenings that influence how emerging technologies are understood, valued, and supported

• Performance, Productivity, and the Potential Cost of Artificial Intelligence | June 2026

  Reported on decision to frame AI as a nuanced tool during AVIATION keynote programming.

• Outer Space Heritage & Sustainability | June 2024
  Managed the Outer Space Heritage Summit in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, convening stakeholders around long-term stewardship of space environments.

• Scientific Media & Public Engagement | 2018–2022
  Served as content lead and curator of podcasts and documentary films for AAAS Annual Meeting. The Paperless Media series ran in person and digitally, receiving external sponsorship, and coverage from Improbable Research and the American Geophysical Union.