Craig Nickol
About
My primary interests include the application of aerospace engineering knowledge to create solutions to real world challenges. My experience includes conceptual aircraft design, systems analysis, technical decision making, organizational and project management, and overall aerospace systems development approaches and leadership. I spent nine years working in the Advanced Design Branch at the Naval Air Systems Command, 13 years working in the Aeronautics Systems Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center, and nine years working in the Integrated Aviation Systems Program office for NASA HQ. I have experience in the design, development, and testing of various aircraft including the F-35, P-8A, and X-59. I served as the X-59 Project Manager from 2017-2022. Throughout my career I have enjoyed mentoring and teaching, and I look forward to continuing to help prepare the next generation of aerospace workforce leaders from UVA.
-
Emerging Engineers Program Gives High School Students Glimpse into Life as an Engineer
Read NowHigh school students tackle real-world problems and explore engineering disciplines through UVA Engineering’s Emerging Engineers program.
-
Two UVA Engineering Professors Among UVA Provost’s Newest Class of Shannon Fellows
Read NowThe Office of the Provost has named professors Haibo Dong, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Jon Ihlefeld, materials science and engineering, Shannon Mid-Career Fellows.
-
2026 Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fellows Spend Summer Engineering What’s Next
Read NowThe 2026 Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fellows are a cohort of UVA Engineering undergraduate researchers advancing bold ideas — from smarter micromobility to cancer cell behavior and more.