Laurie Grindle

Laurie A. Marshall Grindle (born May 2, 1970) is an American aeronautical engineer. She became chief engineer of the NASA X-43 project in 2004 and was appointed deputy director of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in 2023.

Early life and education Grindle was born in Los Angeles to an African-American family. Her mother is noted senior United States district judge Consuelo Bland Marshall. Her father earned his pilot's license the year that she was born, and she became fascinated by mathematics, science and flight. At high school, she played basketball and was on the athletics team. At the age of 18, she earned her pilot's license and qualified for instrument flying. In 1993, Grindle was appointed full time at the Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Awards and honors NASA Exceptional Service Medal (2005) NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal (2013) Women in NASA honoree (2013)

Selected publications