Robert Liebeck

Professor of the Practice
I pioneered the design of high-lift airfoils, which are referred to by the aeronautics community as the "Liebeck airfoils."

Contact Info

Administrative Contact

Robin Courchesne-Sato
617.258.7243

Financial Contact

Kathryn Fischer
617.253.4289

Specialization and Research Interests

Airplane design and aerodynamics

Academic Degrees

BS, Aeronautical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1961; MS, Aeronautical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1962; PhD, Aeronautical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1968

Society Memberships

AIAA, Royal Aeronautical Society, National Academy of Engineering, Academy of Model Aeronautics

Positions Held at MIT

Professor of the Practice, 1995 – present

Positions Held outside MIT

Boeing Senior Fellow, 1961 – present; University of California, Adj, Prof. Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, 2000 – present; University of Southern California, Adj. Prof. Aerospace Engineering, 1977 – 2000

Awards & Honors

2019
San Diego Air and Space Museum Hall of Fame
2018
University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award
2017
The Boeing Company Award for Leadership in Engineering
2016
AIAA Dryden Lectureship in Research
2012
Gen. Charles E Yeager Award for Aeronautical Innovation
2011
University of Illinois College of Engineering Hall of Fame
2010
Daniel Guggenheim Medal
2010
AIAA Honorary Fellow
2008
University of California Irvine, Samueli School of Engineering Commencement Speaker
2006
ICAS Award for Innovation in Aeronautics
2005
ASME Spirit of St. Louis Medal
2002
Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society