Biography:
Mary Louise Missy Cummings is an accomplished American academic and a trailblazer in her field. She was born in 1966 and is currently a professor at Duke University, where she also serves as the director of Duke’s Humans and Autonomy Laboratory. However, her journey to this esteemed position was paved with extraordinary achievements and groundbreaking milestones.
Cummings’ academic pursuits began at the United States Naval Academy, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1988. She continued her education at the Naval Postgraduate School, obtaining a Master of Science in space systems engineering in 1994. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Virginia, where she completed her PhD in systems engineering in 2004. Her doctoral thesis focused on designing decision support systems for revolutionary command and control domains – a testament to her dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring cutting-edge technology.
Before delving into academia, Cummings embarked on an impressive eleven-year naval career, from 1988 to 1999. She quickly rose through the ranks to achieve the rank of lieutenant and became one of the United States Navy’s first female fighter pilots. Cummings piloted an F/A-18 Hornet, a role she assumed shortly after the repeal of the Combat Exclusion Policy in 1993. Her determination and resilience in a male-dominated field were captured in her book, Hornet’s Nest, which shed light on the discrimination and hostility she faced as one of the first women in the fighter pilot community. During her tenure, she was assigned the call signs Medusa and later Shrew.
After her naval career, Cummings ventured into the world of academia. She started as an assistant professor at Virginia Tech’s Engineering Fundamentals Division before obtaining her PhD from the University of Virginia. Her academic prowess earned her the position of associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2016, Cummings reached the pinnacle of her career when she became a full professor at Duke University.
Throughout her career, Cummings has made significant contributions to the field of autonomous technologies and robotics. She served on the Board of Directors for Veoneer, Inc., an automotive technology company, from 2018 to 2021. In October 2021, Cummings joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a senior advisor for safety, a role in which she leverages her expertise and leadership to enhance safety and autonomous technologies on a temporary assignment.
Cummings’s dedication and expertise in her field have garnered her numerous accolades and recognition. She is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and an affiliate professor with the University of Washington’s Aeronautics and Astronautics Department.
Awards:
– List of awards/recognitions