Beavercreek, OH and Cleveland, OH — Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) announced today the appointment of two new members to their joint Board of Directors: Dr. Edward D. Herderick and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Eric Fick. Their appointments reflect the organizations’ continued commitment to strengthening national defense, innovation, and workforce development through science and technology leadership.
Dr. Edward D. Herderick: Championing Workforce Development in Additive
Manufacturing
Caption: Dr. Edward D. Herderick
Dr. Edward D. Herderick is a nationally recognized leader in education and workforce development for additive manufacturing. As Director for Education and Workforce Development at America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), Dr. Herderick drives strategy and program leadership that accelerates technology adoption within the U.S. additive manufacturing supply chain.
Previously, Dr. Herderick served as Vice President for Science and Technology Development at NSL Analytical and as Director of Additive Manufacturing at The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME). He led the launch of Ohio State’s Medical Manufacturing and Modeling (M4) team, bridging engineering and clinical expertise to push forward medical device innovation.
With nearly 20 years of experience spanning metals, ceramics, and polymer manufacturing, Dr. Herderick's background also includes roles at GE, Rapid Prototype + Manufacturing, and the Edison Welding Institute. He earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University.
“Dr. Herderick's passion for preparing our nation’s workforce to meet future industrial and defense challenges aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Dennis Andersh, CEO and president of Parallax Advanced Research and president of Ohio Aerospace Institute. “His strategic perspective will be invaluable to our efforts to expand national capabilities in additive manufacturing and next-gen workforce development.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Eric Fick: Delivering Visionary Defense Leadership and Technological Integration
Caption: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Eric Fick
Lieutenant General Eric Fick (USAF, Retired) most recently served as President of Lyten Federal Solutions, Inc., where he led partnerships between Lyten and the federal government to address critical defense, energy, and homeland security challenges. He focused on projects using Lyten's 3D Graphene materials platform to advance energy storage, composites, and sensor solutions aligned with national strategic priorities.
General Fick is a 31-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired in 2022 after serving as the Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II Program at the F-35 Joint Program Office in Arlington, VA, where he oversaw life-cycle management of the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C fighter aircraft. His leadership supported the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, seven international partners, and seven Foreign Military Sales customers.
His prior assignments include leadership roles at the Air Force Research Laboratory, as well as Program Executive Officer positions for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) & Special Operations Forces, and Fighters & Bombers. He also served as a Legislative Liaison to the U.S. Congress. A decorated leader, General Fick has commanded at both the Group and Squadron level, is a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
“General Fick’s deep experience in advanced defense platforms, program integration, and technology innovation will be a powerful asset to the Board,” said Andersh. “His insights will strengthen our strategic outlook and impact across aerospace and defense sectors.”
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About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development. More information can be found at parallaxresearch.org and oai.org.