Douglas Rabe '87 was inducted into the Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Society of Distinguished Alumni. Formal recognition of his induction was included in a ceremony and banquet on October 3, 2024.

Throughout his 42-year career with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Rabe has concentrated his research on developing the practical application of test and evaluation techniques for understanding and improving the working behavior of advanced systems. Most of his career has centered on developing the Compressor Research Facility at Wright Patterson Air Force Base into a National Center of Excellence to contribute to the development of advanced turbine engine propulsion capability. As Technical Director of this facility, his research leadership has helped develop single stage and multistage forward sweep technology for fans and compressors, investigate stall control through active and passive techniques, study the interactions of counter rotating blade rows, examine inlet flow distortion effects on the performance of fans and compressors, and advance turbomachinery instrumentation capability. Doug’s cooperative research in aerodynamics, aeromechanics, and application of advanced instrumentation techniques with other government organizations, industry partners, and students pursuing advanced degrees has contributed to the development of advanced turbine engine technology for our national defense and our economic strength.  

Doug holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, an MS in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a Fellow of the ASME and an Associate Fellow of AIAA. Along with his technical and leadership responsibilities within the Air Force Research Laboratory, Doug has mentored students pursuing advanced mechanical and aerospace engineering degrees at Virginia Tech as well as the University of Dayton, Wright State University, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Purdue University, the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His dedicated service to Virginia Tech includes a long time involvement of research committee positions for students in pursuit of advanced mechanical engineering degrees and being an initial member and serving for nearly 25 years on the Mechanical Engineering Department Advisory Board.  In retirement, Doug continues to be involved part time with research performed in the Compressor Research Facility.

The ME Society of Distinguished Alumni is an honorary society open to qualified graduates, of the ME Department at Virginia Tech (at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels). The fundamental purpose of the Society is to provide a formal means of recognition of those alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in their careers. A major objective of the Society is to promote greater interaction between ME Alumni and ME faculty, staff, and students.