Speaker

Ray Lugo serves as the chief executive officer and principal investigator for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS), manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. Within this role, Lugo is responsible for implementing strategic objectives that enable space-based research through the ISS National Lab that brings value to our nation and builds a robust and sustainable market in low Earth orbit.

Prior to CASIS, Lugo spent more than 35 years working within the aerospace community in a variety of positions and capacities. Most recently, he served as the director of the Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and principal investigator for the Arecibo Observatory. Lugo also served as the director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and prior to that, he spent the bulk of his career at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, working as an engineer, project manager, and ultimately deputy of the Launch Services Program.

Lugo studied engineering at the University of Central Florida and received his bachelor’s degree in 1979. He subsequently earned a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1982 and attended the Harvard Program for Management Development in 1994.

Lugo has received numerous awards during his career, including three Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Achievement Medals, and a Distinguished Service Medal.  Lugo was also selected for a Presidential Rank award.