Digital Media Concepts/Jessica “Sting” Peterson
Jessica Peterson grew up in Quartz Hill, California.[1] Over the years she has had a range of jobs relating to aerospace. Jessica Peterson is most widely known for her work on the Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) system. Her current research continues to improve aerospace emergency technology.[2] In addition to her aerospace research Jessica Peterson also works on outreach programs to encourage kids' interest in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM).
Education
Jessica “Sting” Peterson went to Quartz Hill Elementary for elementary school.[1] Joe Walker Middle School for middle school and Quartz Hill High for high school.[1] All of the aforementioned schools are located in Quartz Hill, California.
After high school, Jessica Peterson got a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering at Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo.[1] Then, a Masters of Science from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.[1] She began United States Air Force Test Pilot School in 2017.[2] Jessica Peterson is currently working on getting her Doctor of Philosophy at the Learning Autonomy and Control Systems Laboratory for Mechanical Engineering Department at University Nevada Reno (UNR). [2]
.jpg)
Career
Jessica Peterson started her career in aerospace in 2005 as a United States Air Force Civil Service employee for 18 years.[2] She went by the callsign “Sting”. After completing United States Air Force Test Pilot School she worked a variety of jobs in the United States Air Force. She worked as Instructor Flight Test Engineer and Technical Director for the 412th Operations group at Edwards Air Force Base.[3]
Currently she works for the Mechanical Engineering Research Assistant.[2] Her goal after she earns her Ph.D is to become a college professor.[2]
Past Research
The research that Jessica Peterson has spent the most time on is the Auto-GCAS system. Her role in the development of Auto-GCAS was to be a test pilot monitoring different variables such as air speed and altitude while diving towards the ground to activate the Auto-GCAS system. By March 18, 2025 this year the Auto-GCAS system had saved 15 pilots' lives.[4]
Another research project that Jessica Peterson contributed to was research on getting flight equipment that is more ergonomic and comfortable for the female body.[4] One focus of the research was how to make it comfortable for women to be able to go to the bathroom.[4]
Current Research
Jessica Peterson’s current research is based on improving the technology available for planes in engine malfunction emergencies.[2] The title of her research is “Real-time Aerodynamic Modeling and Control of Optimum Power-Off Glide Performance during Emergency Forced Landings”.[2]
Outreach Program
Jessica Peterson was involved in the Edwards Air Force Base STEM show.[1] She was active in creating a flyover of six local schools and creating videos of how learning STEM was significant in aerospace in an effort to encourage students to be more interested in the STEM field.[1] She has also been a speaker at various STEM and aerospace events. [5]
Speaker Events
- 2023. California Aeronautical University Aviation Career Day in Bakersfield, Calif.
- 2022. Antelope Valley College
Honors and Awards
| Year | Honor or Award |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Auto-GCAS Collier Trophy |
| 2022 | Featured in STEM exhibit at Edward’s Air Force Base |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Grooms, Larry (October 11, 2022). "Women's History Month | Edwards' Flight Test Engineer Aims to Inspire". Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Nevada NASA Programs. "Jessica Peterson Bio" (PDF). Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ↑ "Instructor Flight Test Engineer Jessica Peterson". Daedalus Aerospace. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Vallance, Chris (March 18, 2025). "Archiving Achievement". BBC. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ↑ Grooms, Larry (October 11, 2022). "Ms. 'STING' Ignites Teen Ambition From 90 Miles UP". Naval Postgraduate School. Retrieved October 8, 2025.