The Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA) proudly congratulates Executive Director
Dr. Sonya T. Smith on her election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the nation’s most respected scientific organizations.
The honor recognizes individuals whose work has made lasting contributions to science, engineering, and society. Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has combined technical excellence with a commitment to developing future generations of researchers, helping create pathways for students and faculty to engage in high-impact scientific discovery.
As Executive Director of RITA, Dr. Smith has helped shape a collaborative research ecosystem that brings together universities, government partners, and industry to advance tactical autonomy, artificial intelligence, and human-machine teaming. Under her leadership, RITA has expanded opportunities for students and researchers across its consortium while contributing to solutions for complex national security challenges.
Dr. Smith’s selection as an AAAS Fellow reflects a career dedicated not only to advancing engineering research, but also to fostering innovation, mentorship, and scientific leadership. This recognition places her among a distinguished community of scholars and innovators whose work has helped shape the future of science and technology.
The RITA community celebrates this well-deserved achievement and thanks Dr. Smith for her continued leadership, vision, and service.
