Johns Hopkins APL’s Galfond Celebrated as an Outstanding Woman in Aerospace

Marissa Galfond, an engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, has been honored with the Women in Aerospace 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award for her technical contributions and leadership in the development of a revolutionary weapon-survivability modeling and simulation software application.

Each year, the Women in Aerospace (WIA) organization honors professionals for their leadership, contributions to the industry and the advancement of women in aerospace.

Galfond was lauded for her key role in the development of a modeling and simulation software tool called Generic Hypersonic Offense vs. Shield Tactics (GHOST). The application, which began as an APL Independent Research and Development (IRAD) project, provides valuable insight on the survivability of U.S. weapons and enables researchers to explore forward-leaning concepts that improve overall weapon performance.

“My initial reaction was, ‘are they sure?’” Galfond said of learning about the award. “But it’s meaningful to know the work that I’m doing is making an impact.”

Galfond’s supervisor, David Benigni, who nominated Galfond for the award, said GHOST is revolutionizing the way survivability is being analyzed and considered in weapon design. Data from GHOST is already being used in multiple Department of Defense programs — with insights gleaned from the software even reaching senior levels of the Department of the Air Force to aid in decision-making for a recent program.

Galfond credits her time working with teams across APL for her deep, multifaceted understanding of weapons systems. She combines her background in guidance, navigation and control with the complexities of engagement-level survivability.

“GHOST is like my baby,” said Galfond. “It started as an IRAD, and being able to continue working on it, growing it, getting it to where it is now — it’s pretty cool.”

Having just crossed the 10-year mark of her APL career, Galfond has earned plaudits for her ability to tackle technical and supervisory challenges with a finesse typically found in longer-tenured professionals. She is an assistant group supervisor who co-leads a team of 45 professionals primarily supporting APL’s Precision Strike Mission Area.

“In addition to the significant technical accomplishments in her IRAD and program-funded work, Marissa has constantly pushed herself to extend beyond her comfort zone to ensure continual growth in her technical and leadership roles,” said Benigni.

Galfond is also making waves at APL with her commitment to mentoring fellow early-career women, pointing to guidance she received in college, graduate school and throughout her time at APL for instilling a strong desire to help others succeed.

“I really appreciate all the mentoring I’ve received and it’s been very helpful for me,” she said. “I think guiding other women is a way for me to pay it forward.”

Galfond will be recognized at the Women in Aerospace awards ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, in October. APL’s Sylvie DeLaHunt will also be honored with WIA’s Initiative, Inspiration and Impact Award.