William J. Rae was a visiting professor (1983-1984), research professor (1984-1985) and professor (1985-2002) in the University at Buffalo's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He was also principal engineer at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (later Calspan). From 1995-2000, Rae carried out an unfunded study on the aerodynamics of the football. In 2000, he was named SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and 2016, he was inducted into the Niagara Frontier Aviation and Space Hall of Fame.