Meet the Alumnus Behind the WRTC Logo

WRTC Alumnus, Raphael Perrino (BS '07, MS '09)

At the WRTC Awards Ceremony and Reception on Wednesday, April 20, we had the pleasure of listening to the inspiring words (and equally inspiring story) of Raphael Perrino: a “Double Duke” who, as part of his Graduate Assistantship in 2008 -2009, designed the logo for our School, helping us to articulate WRTC as a community of critical thinkers, cutting-edge doers and global citizens. 

Raphael has always been a builder of things, with his feet on the ground and his head in the stars.

Literally.  In the stars. 

Raphael currently works as an Aerospace Analyst for The Tauri Group and onsite at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC in support of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Investments Division. Previously, he has worked as a Technical Writer and Technical Editor for SAIC and Vovici Corporation. Raphael has also founded or co-founded successful space science and STEM education campaigns. In addition to his BS and MS at JMU, Raphael holds an M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy with an emphasis in Space Policy from George Washington University.

Raphael has authored or co-authored six aerospace conference papers and was an architect of the recently published Start-Up Space: Rising Investment in Commercial Space Ventures. He was also the recipient of the 2015 Future Space Leader Award, has served twice as a delegate in the Space Generation Congress and (if that were not enough), he is also an Eagle Scout.

Raphael’s distinguished career and his devotion to JMU made him an ideal candidate for nomination to the WRTC Alumni Council, which was founded in the fall of 2013.  The Alumni Council is comprised of a small group of alumni leaders who were selected to provide expertise and support to WRTC in areas such as current issues and practices; employment trends; tools and technologies; as well as internship and networking opportunities.  Through his work with the Council, Raphael continues to inspire others to Envision. Create. Communicate.