Ilan Kroo

In a Paragraph... Ilan Kroo is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University. He received his B.S. degree in Physics from Stanford in 1978, then continued studies at Stanford in Aeronautics, leading to a Ph.D. degree in 1983. He worked in the Advanced Aerodynamic Concepts Branch at NASA's Ames Research Center for four years before returning to Stanford as a member of the Aero/Astro faculty. Prof. Kroo's research in aerodynamics and multidisciplinary design optimization includes the study of innovative airplane concepts. He has participated in the design of UAV's, flying pterosaur replicas, Americas' Cup sailboats, and high-speed research aircraft. In addition to his research and teaching interests, Prof. Kroo is founded Desktop Aeronautics, Inc. and is an advanced cross-country hang glider pilot. In 2011 Ilan took a leave of absence to start Zee.Aero, a bay area start-up company focusing on bringing new technologies to civil aviation. He remains a member of the Stanford faculty, but currently as Professor (research) at 20%.

Employment
2011-present	CEO, Zee.Aero, Inc., Mt. View, CA
1985-present	Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University
1986-2012	Chief Scientist, Desktop Aeronautics, Inc., a software and consulting company.
1982-1985	Research Scientist, Advanced Aerodynamic Concepts Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California.
Education
1978	B.S., Physics, Stanford University, June 1978.
1979	M.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, June 1979.
1983	Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, June 1983.
Memberships and Awards
2009-2010	Stanford School of Engineering, Leland T. Edwards Professorship
2010	NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal
2008	AIAA Multidisciplinary Optimization Award
2007-present	NASA Advisory Council, Aeronautics Committee
2005-present	Member AIAA Technical Committee on Aircraft Design.
2005	Elected to National Academy of Engineering
2004	Dryden Lectureship in Research
2003-2007	Member Air Force Scientific Advisory Board
2001-2008	Member NRC Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board
2001	Fellow AIAA
1994	Stanford Outstanding Teaching Award
1992	Finalist, Discover Magazine's Discover Awards, SWIFT Sailplane Development
1992	Grand Award Winner, Popular Science Best of What's New, SWIFT Sailplane
1990	AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award.
1985	NASA Special Achievement Award.
1982	San Francisco section AIAA Young Engineer of the Year.
Publications
	Prof. Kroo is the author of more than one hundred technical publications, some of which can be viewed here.
Personal	In his spare time, Ilan enjoys hiking, skiing, windsurfing, hang gliding, and songwriting with Elliot, Laurel, and Annie.

A more formal C.V. and pictures are available here.

[ Aircraft Design Group ] [ Department of Aero/Astro ] [ Stanford University ]