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Todd J. Mosher, Ph.D., is a new Scholar in Residence at the EMP.��

Todd’s career includes 36 years of aerospace engineering and program management experience.�� As an entrepreneurial leader, he helped one small company go public and assisted two others in exiting to an acquisition. He led over $5B in contracts from defense, civil, and commercial customers. Todd is a first-generation college graduate and has four degrees, including a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from CU. He has been married for 35 years to his wife Sally and has three adult children.

EMP: Todd- great of you to spend some time with us.�� Can you tell us about something from your early life that influenced your career path?

Todd Mosher: Absolutely. My dad worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab for five years during an exciting time in planetary science, right when I was starting elementary school. He was part of the Viking Mars lander team, and his name is even on the Voyager records that are now out past the edge of our solar system. With astronaut wallpaper on my bedroom walls and an astronaut G.I. Joe, it’s safe to say I was hooked on space from an early age.

EMP: Fantastic.�� When did you start thinking seriously about a career in engineering?

Todd Mosher:�� I’m a first-generation college student. Since my dad had worked closely with engineers, he was pretty convinced early on that both my brother and I should go into engineering—before we’d even really thought about it ourselves. Turns out, he was right. We both became engineers.

EMP: What was it about aerospace engineering that drew you in?

Todd Mosher: For me, the dream of becoming an astronaut was the motivation.�� If you want to be an astronaut, it makes sense to understand the vehicles you’d be flying. But beyond that, I was as excited about designing them as I was about flying them.

EMP: Absolutely.�� Did you have a favorite subject in college?

Todd Mosher: Definitely. I’ve always had a love for communication—both writing and speaking. I enjoyed journalism because I liked the challenge of telling stories clearly and effectively.

EMP: Can you recall your first job after college- how did it happen?

Todd Mosher: My first job was with General Dynamics Space Systems, working on Atlas rockets. I got the job thanks to a connection—my uncle’s friend helped me out. That taught me something important. Personal connections often open more doors than a stack of resumes ever will.

EMP: Excellent advice.�� Did you have a mentor who made a difference early in your career?

Todd Mosher: I’ve been lucky to have several great mentors, and I still do. One in particular encouraged me to go back to grad school full-time at the University of Colorado, even after I had already earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. That push really shaped the direction of my career.

EMP: How has your career path evolved over time, and what role did graduate education play?

Todd Mosher: I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide spectrum of projects—from robotic spacecraft and human spaceflight to launch vehicles. I’ve worked for major companies like Amazon. I have helped one startup go public and supported two others through acquisitions. I’ve also taught at four universities, with CU being the fifth. Without a doubt, graduate education opened a lot of those doors. It’s a reminder that learning should never stop.

EMP: Completely agree. Is there a particular project or accomplishment you're especially proud of?

Todd Mosher: In 2024, I was honored to be selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. It’s a competitive program where leaders learn from the experiences of presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon Johnson. I got to meet both Presidents Bush and Clinton, as well as top officials, scholars, and business and civic leaders. Being part of that network has been eye-opening and broadened my perspective.

EMP: Besides technical skills, how did your university experiences prepare you for your career?

Todd Mosher: University life gave me a chance to explore a wide variety of topics, which helped me appreciate the importance of being well-rounded. Grad school, and especially a Ph.D., forces you to go deep into one area—but that deep dive still happens in a setting where you're exposed to many other ideas. That cross-pollination is so valuable.

EMP: A perspective your students no doubt benefit from.�� How important has networking been in your career, and do you have any advice on doing it well?

Todd Mosher: Networking has played a huge role in every step of my career. But I think the key is not to treat it as a transaction. Instead of asking, “What can I get from this person?” ask, “How can I help them?” When you approach it with that mindset, you’ll find that the benefits come back to you many times over.

EMP: You are a new member of the EMP faculty. What inspired that change?

Todd Mosher: I’m at a point in my career where leaving a legacy matters more than chasing titles. Teaching and sharing what I’ve learned is one of the best ways I know to leave something meaningful behind.

EMP: What excites you most about teaching?

Todd Mosher: What I love about teaching is the immediate feedback. In most jobs, you’re always waiting—for a promotion, for a proposal to be accepted. But in the classroom, you can tell right away if students are getting it. That real-time connection lets you adjust and improve on the fly.

EMP: With AI becoming more common in engineering, what’s your take on its impact?

Todd Mosher: AI is just another tool—and like any tool, it depends on how we use it. I don’t think it’s something to be afraid of. Instead, those who learn to use AI effectively will be able to accomplish more and work more efficiently. Of course, it can be used for both good and bad, so it’s on us to make the right choices.

EMP: If you could give your 25-year-old self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Todd Mosher: Time is your most valuable asset. At 25, it feels unlimited—but later, you’ll wish you had more of it and had used it more wisely. Don’t fear mistakes—they’re how you learn. Just make sure you grow from them. And this doesn’t just apply to your career; it’s true for every part of life that makes it meaningful.

EMP: Todd, thank you so much for joining us today.

Todd Mosher: Certainly- I enjoyed it!