Maj Julia C. Bell is the director of the Space Systems Research Center for the Department of Astronautics at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

Maj Bell attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz., and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. She has served as an engineer and program manager for landing gear, composite structures, and tires. She was also an instructor for the Reserve Officer Training Corps in Sacramento, Calif., where she served as a recruiter, education officer, and operations flight commander. Maj Bell was selected to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2020 where she earned a Master of Science Degree in 2021. In her previous assignment, Maj Bell served as a branch chief and program manager for classified programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, Ohio (2021)

Master of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences, University of West Fla., Online (2019)

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz. (2012)

Director, Space Systems Research Laboratory, Department of Astronautics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (2026–Present)

Instructor & Lab Chief, Department of Astronautics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (2025–2025)

Program Manager, Classified Programs, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (2023–2025)

Branch Chief, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (2022–2023)

Project Manager, Classified Programs, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (2021–2022)

Graduate Student, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (2019–2021)

Operations Flight Commander, AFROTC Detachment 088, California State University, Sacramento, Calif. (2017–2019)

Recruiting Flight Commander, AFROTC Detachment 088, California State University, Sacramento, Calif. (2016–2017)

F-15 Landing Gear Engineer & Aircraft Tire Engineer, 417th Supply Chain Management Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah (2015–2016)

2013-2015 Composites Structural Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory, Hill AFB, Utah (2013–2015)

Meritorious Service Medal

Air and Space Commendation Medal

Air and Space Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Developmental Special Duty Ribbon