Two professionals with ties to Missouri University of Science and Technology were recently inducted into the Missouri S&T Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers.

The academy recognizes outstanding alumni for their professional achievement and success, and provides organized assistance to the mechanical and aerospace engineering department at Missouri S&T.

New members are:

Randy C. Foster of Strafford, Mo., director of product technology for Dayco Products in Springfield, Mo. Foster earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1980. He began his career at Dayco right after graduation, working as a project engineer in the Springfield Tech Center. He has managed several different product and application engineering groups and led Dayco’s effort in Total Quality Management in the early 1990s. In 2002, he was given the assignment of innovating new technology to support several distinct product lines. He holds 40 U.S. patents covering a broad array of Dayco’s product lines. Currently, he directs the activities of the North American automotive aftermarket engineering and applications group based in Springfield.

Paul W. Niewald of Lake St. Louis, Mo., program manager of F/A-18 A-D International Programs Defense, Space and Security for The Boeing Co. Niewald earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri S&T in 1985. He also holds a master of science degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. After graduating, Niewald began his career with McDonnell Douglas, holding various positions of increasing responsibilities in engineering and supplier management. He was a key contributor to the high-speed aerodynamic testing and database development of F/A-18E/F leading to the success of the aircraft performance test programs and operational evaluations. Currently, Niewald is the F/A-18A-D Program Manager for Canada, Finland and Spain. He leads the management and execution of the various upgrade and sustainment programs as well as development of future opportunities to support the customer’s fleet needs.