Dr. Thomas Harris

Villanova University Professor

Treasurer, NDIA Delaware Valley Chapter 

Dr. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Engineering from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), and Master of Science and Doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Harris has performed research and development for a wide range of high-performance air vehicles, including space recovery vehicles, defense interceptors, maneuvering reentry vehicles, and launch vehicles. He also has a demonstrated track record in management and business development.

Dr. Harris began his career with General Electric in the Reentry Systems Division, where he was responsible for the aerodynamic design of maneuvering reentry vehicles. In 1977, he joined Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where he developed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models and managed numerous supersonic wind tunnel test programs.

In 1996 Dr. Harris was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Division Manager of the Fluid Sciences Division. During his leadership the Division executed a number of high visibility programs, including long range projectiles for the Navy, a miniature exoatmospheric kill vehicle for the Missile Defense Agency, and Japan’s HOPE-X unmanned shuttle program. His customers included the U.S. Air Force, DARPA, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, U. S. Navy, and the CIA.

In 2008 Dr. Harris established Valley Forge Scientific, LLC. He currently teaches aerodynamics at Villanova University.