WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – From a very young age, William Gallagher dreamed about working in space. As a recently enrolled civilian graduate student within the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Center for Space Research and Assurance, his dream is now a reality.
When considering graduate schools, Gallagher, a PALACE Acquire (PAQ) intern from Hill AFB was interested in spacecraft and space operations. Through the PAQ program, Gallagher is able to attend Air Force funded graduate school full-time. He chose AFIT since it was one of less than ten schools in the nation to offer a Master of Science degree in astronautical engineering.
“I recommend graduate or PhD civilian students pursuing federal employment attend AFIT since the school has connections to agencies and departments inside and outside of the United States Air Force,” said Gallagher.
“Although I did have some concerns about being only one of ten civilians in my class, my worries were thankfully misplaced. I feel welcomed at AFIT, thanks to both the students and faculty and look forward to beginning my thesis work in the coming months,” said Gallagher.
Civilians interested in pursuing graduate education have a “number of options, such as Civilian Development Education, PAQ and part-time work,” said Lt. Col. Kirk Johnson, CSRA Deputy Director.
“No matter which option, they should consider studying at AFIT. Here at CSRA, our civilian students have the opportunity to get a world-class education while doing hands-on research that meets our most urgent national-security needs in the space domain,” said Johnson.
Located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, AFIT is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space, and cyber forces.
For additional information about graduate degrees in space, engineering or management, or to learn more about the CSRA, visit https://www.afit.edu/CSRA/, call 937-255-6565 extension 4753, or email Jaclyn.knapp.ctr@afit.edu.