Having grown up as a self -proclaimed “scientific nerd” in a small eastern town in Washington, Gary Foss’s career in aerospace engineering took off as a result of regional scientific fairs.
While working at Boeing, Foss has turned its attention to the next generation of students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He helped organize and judge several events focused on the STEM in Washington, including the instrumental scientific fairs in its development.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the teaching of sciences as well as his career several decades in the aerospace industry, Foss is recognized by his Alma Mater with an honorary doctorate this weekend.
“I am always somehow a state of shock on this subject,” said Foss, “I knew that my son was up to it when he asked me to create a CV, which I thought was a strange thing to do since I am retired.”
Foss is one of the two people who receive honorary doctorates from WSU this year Alongside Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar.
A shared interest in space has led Foss and Dunbar to continue their possible calls for life.
A path to aerospace
FOSS grew up in the flower dam, Washington, a small community known for the Grande Doulee dam. In maturity in the middle of the space race, Foss has developed an interest in science and technology.
By learning a scientific fair in Spokane, Foss built a Tesla coil to show during the event. The encouragement he received pushed him to return the following year with a computer he set up using excess telephone relays.
“These two commitments really lit the fuse of my desire to become an engineer one day,” said Foss. “I wanted to build things and I was fascinated to dismantle things and see how they worked.”
The Washington State University was the logical place to go after high school, remembers Foss because it had an engineering program and was where most of his friends went. After graduating in 1974, Foss took a job as a mechanical engineer on the Grande flowing project at home where he analyzed the vibrations of rotating machines.
In 1981, Foss moved to Boeing, where he worked for more than three decades. He was an engineer of Boeing’s Test and Technical Stock Exchange at Boeing Test & Structural Evaluation Dynamics Lab in Seattle until his retirement in 2016.
About a decade before completing his professional career, Foss was invited by a high school student to help his explo-science project. This student ended up going to the International Science Fair, and Foss realized that he wanted to do more to help future students discover and pursue their passion
The importance of scientific fairs
Kevin Shen, a senior at the Olympia High School, is one of the students who have benefited from FOSS mentorship in recent years. Shen recently ranked seventh in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 awards, approaching $ 70,000 for its educational activities. His project focused on an oblique wing which has variable scanning conceptions, allowing significant fuel savings.
“Mentors like Gary obviously help, such as providing advice and advice on the projects themselves, but the most important thing is really encouragement and support, in particular with initial experiences in high school,” said Shen. “He always encouraged me to continue to push, which is important in science, because with such a high failure rate, you need someone to stay with you so that you are not too discouraged.”
Foss has contributed to a number of STEM -oriented initiatives and scientific fair organizations in the past 15 years. This includes the co -foundation of the Central Sound Regional Stem Foundation in 2019, which sponsors an annual rally and a showcase of Puget Sound students. Since 2011, Foss has also occupied the Washington State and Engineering Fair in several leadership roles as well as the Washington State Academy of Sciences education committee.
Scientific fairs are the place where the affinity of Foss for science has first taken root, and it wants it to be a viable path for students focused on STEM in order to develop the practical skills necessary to work in these areas. It is also a vital opportunity for all students to obtain practical experience with the scientific method, which is beneficial, regardless of what career students eventually continue.
Universities like WSU are essential in these efforts, said Foss, offering awards and scholarships to establish links with teachers.
“The greatest need we have for colleges and universities is the mentors of students, who benefit a lot from the opportunity to learn from teachers and create support networks,” said Foss.
Foss should receive his honorary doctorate from WSU on May 3. More Information on start activities is available online.