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Space at Smith: The Space Economy Symposium
The Robert H. Smith School of Business presents the inaugural Space at Smith: The Space Economy Symposium, a new initiative dedicated to developing undergraduate and graduate programs focused on the commercial space industry.
The symposium will examine the industry and highlight commercial opportunities in this growing sector. It will also announce the Smith School’s first undergraduate course, BMGT478K: Industry Analysis of Space Commerce, launching in spring 2026, along with the formation of the Space Club.
Hosted by the Smith School’s Logistics, Business & Public Policy Department and the Center for Global Business, this event is open to undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, industry influencers and others interested in the business of space.
The event begins with a 3pm faculty-industry mixer for faculty and industry practitioners, followed by a 4-6pm panel discussion open to the public. Panelists will share insights on applying business principles to the rapidly growing space industry. The discussion will conclude with an open Q&A. Pizza will be served after the event.
Meet Our Panelists:
National and Local Space Capabilities
- Rose Croshier, International Relations Specialist, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Colter Menke, Program Manager, Aerospace, Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship, Maryland Department of Commerce
Commercial Enterprises in National Competitiveness and Security
- Rashid Neighbors, Senior Business Development Lead, Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions; Vice President, Space & Satellite Professionals International, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
- Dennis Woodfork II, Mission Area Executive, National Security Space, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Entrepreneurial Ventures in Space
- Brent Barbee, Lecturer, Aerospace Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering
- Georgie Brophy, Strategy and Growth Executive, Qwaltec; Co-Founder, Maryland Aerospace Alliance
- Rob Ruyak, Founder and Global Leader, AWS Aerospace & Defense Sales and Business Development; Host, Space Insiders Show podcast