Biography

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 founder and chief scientist of a small software company and is an advanced cross-country hang glider pilot.