Dr Mike Anderson is the Director of the Senior Capstone Design Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, US Air Force Academy. Dr Anderson earned his PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2011 where he performed pioneering research in the design and control of flapping wing Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs).  From 2011-2014 he served in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) where he led research in GPS-denied navigation for multi-agent autonomous systems. Earlier in his career, Dr Anderson served as an F-16 flight control actuation systems engineer at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. 

Dr Anderson is a registered Professional Engineer and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he serves on their Unmanned Systems Program Committee. His research at the Academy focuses on terrestrial and aerial robotics, innovative design methodologies, engineering pedagogy, sports science and sports technology. He has been researching autonomous systems for over a decade, authoring several papers relevant to the field including design of terrestrial and aerial robots, energy efficiency and perching for small UAS, and flight control of Micro Air Vehicles (MAV).

Dr Anderson has served as a member of the USAFA Faculty from January of 2005 to August of 2008, being promoted to Assistant Professor in 2007.  He rejoined the Faculty in May of 2014, where he continues to serve. He was promoted to Associate Professor in the Spring of 2016. He retired from Active Duty in June 2019 after 20 year of service, and now serves as a Civilian Faculty member.

Dr Anderson is married, with two children. He enjoys hiking, cycling, photography and is an expert rock climber and climbing coach. He is the author of The Rock Climber’s Training Manual – an instructional book that has sold tens of thousands of copies in dozens of countries and he has taught clinics and lectured across the US.

Ph.D., Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2011

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, 2004

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, and BS Engineering Sciences (Distinguished Graduate), United States Air Force Academy, 1999

Academic experience – institution, rank, title (chair, coordinator, etc. if appropriate), when (e.g., 2002-2007), full-time or part-time

US Air Force Academy, Assistant Professor (2005-2008), full-time

US Air Force Academy, Associate Professor (2014 –2019), full-time

US Air Force Academy, Assistant Professor (2019 –2020), full-time

Non-academic experience

1. Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, UT, Lead F-16 Actuation Systems Engineer. Led team sustaining critical F-16 flight control actuators for 3200+ F-16s worldwide, 1999-2003, full time.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Munitions Directorate, Eglin AFB, FL, AFRL Micro Air Vehicle Program Manager. Led AFRL-wide enterprise encompassing $30M of research and 57 scientists & engineers developing agile tactical ISR and precision effects for warfighters, 2011-2012, full time.
3. 451^st Air Expeditionary Wing, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, Program Manager.  Led a multi-disciplinary team managing the high-stakes $2.6B Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program, 2012-2013, full time.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate, Eglin AFB, FL, Deputy Division Chief & Assistant Chief Scientist. Led & developed 510-member scientist & engineer workforce & steered $900M budget toward the conception & transition of revolutionary munitions technology for the USAF, 2013-2014, full time.

2018 USAFA McDermott Award for Technology Transfer

2017 Outstanding Academy Educator, DFEM

2017 AIAA Educator of the Year, USAFA Nominee

2015 Outstanding Contributor Award, DFEM

2013 Air Force Research Laboratory Leadership Award

2013 Munitions Directorate, Field Grade Officer of the Year

2012 Air Force Research Laboratory Field Grade Officer of the Year

2011 AIAA Aerospace Sciences Mtg, Best Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Paper

2008 USAF Academy Dean of the Faculty Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

2007 USAF Academy Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

USAF Meritorious Service Medal (x4), USAF Commendation Medal, USAF Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (x2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Dr Anderson's research at the Academy focuses on terrestrial and aerial robotics, innovative design methodologies, engineering pedagogy, sports science and sports technology. He has been researching autonomous systems for over a decade, authoring several papers relevant to the field including design of terrestrial and aerial robots, energy efficiency and perching for small UAS, and flight control of Micro Air Vehicles (MAV).