A lifetime of curiosity

Long before she ever set foot in an engineering classroom, Jackie Janning-Lask was learning how things worked.

Raised in Beavercreek, she grew up in a household where curiosity was encouraged and invention was part of everyday life. Her father, John Janning, a prolific inventor, had a laboratory in the family basement, and Jackie and her siblings were welcome to work alongside him.

Her interest in engineering grew as a teenager through her fascination with the space shuttle program and a well-loved shuttle user’s guide she studied whenever she could.

“I grew up in a very interesting environment of tinkering,” said Janning-Lask, a two-time Wright State University alum. “We were given opportunities to help him with his inventions, to try different things, to invent.”

That early exposure led Janning-Lask to a career focused on engineering, leadership and public service, earning her the 2026 College of Engineering and Computer Science Outstanding Alumna Award, which recognizes a graduate for exceptional contributions to their profession while giving back to their community.

Today, Janning-Lask is CEO of the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium, where she leads a team focused on enhancing semiconductor research, development and manufacturing in the United States.

The role builds on more than 35 years in U.S. Air Force civil service, including her tenure as director of engineering and chief engineer of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, where she led more than 6,000 engineers.

“Receiving this award from Wright State is recognition of my journey,” she said. “It’s also a recognition of the educational foundation that I received at Wright State.”

That foundation was laid long before she became a student. As a preteen, Janning-Lask tagged along with her older brother, who was an engineering student, for a walk through Wright State’s campus. Touring buildings like Allyn and Millett halls, she felt an immediate sense of belonging.

“That level of comfort does make a difference when you choose a place to spend your college years,” she said.

Jackie Janning-Lask ’88, ’94, with Dean Darryl Ahner after receiving the 2026 College of Engineering and Computer Science Outstanding Alumna Award. (Photo by Erin Pence)

Janning-Lask earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in human factors engineering from Wright State at a time when women were still underrepresented in the field.

“When I started in engineering back in 1983, I was one of the very few women in my classes, and Wright State supported me in that,” she said.

Faculty mentors helped shape both her technical skills and her leadership style, including the late Anthony Cacioppo, who modeled respect and compassion.

“Every single time I walked into his office, he was standing waiting for me,” Janning-Lask recalled. “He took the time, welcomed me, and we would talk about opportunities.”

Cacioppo’s lessons made a lifelong impact on Janning-Lask.

“To this day, when someone walks in my office, I always think about Dr. Cacioppo and how he showed respect from the very first time you would step foot,” she said.

After graduating from Wright State, Janning-Lask chose a career with the Air Force for its breadth of opportunity. Over three decades, she worked across development, research, training and policy, always focused on ensuring the best possible capabilities for the nation’s airmen.

Throughout her career, Janning-Lask has remained involved at Wright State. While working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she mentored students and collaborated with the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Being so close to Wright State gave me opportunities to give back and help with upskilling our workforce,” she said.

Today, Janning-Lask continues to return to campus, most recently to explore partnerships focused on semiconductor education and workforce development.

“Every time I step foot on campus, there’s always something new,” she said.

Janning-Lask says the Outstanding Alumna Award demonstrates how students, professionals and community partners can utilize Wright State and make a difference.

“This award is a testament to the strength that Wright State provides,” she said.