National Academy of Engineering 2026 Regional Meeting

Duke University | May 19-21, 2026

The Future of Air Traffic Control

The National Academy of Engineering Regional Event at Duke University will convene leading experts from industry, government, and academia to explore next-generation challenges and solutions in aviation, including:

  • Climate and weather-related considerations
  • Innovation and emerging technologies
  • Air traffic control and operational advancements
silhouetted air traffic control tower and airplane against a brilliant sunset

Keynote

Captain Jim Graham

Senior Vice President – Delta Connection and CEO of Endeavor Air for Delta Air Lines

Bio
Captain Jim Graham

Confirmed Speakers

Earl Dowell of Duke University

Earl H. Dowell, PhD

William Holland Hall Professor, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

Alan Epstein

Alan Epstein, PhD

R.C. Maclaurin Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Gaby Katul in lab

Gabriel G. Katul, PhD

George Pearsall Distinguished Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University

Claire Tomlin

Claire Tomlin, PhD

James and Katherine Lau Chair in Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, UC Berkeley

Tentative Schedule

Additional details and registration information coming soon.

Tuesday, May 19

Optional afternoon tours at Duke and in the RDU area, followed by an evening welcome reception

Wednesday, May 20

Full-day conference session and evening dinner

Thursday, May 21

Morning sessions and poster session, concluding by noon