Lt Col James I. Maher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer and Cyber Science at the United States Air Force Academy. Previously, Lt Col Maher served as the Deputy Division Chief for Future Operations and Cyber Training at 16th Air Force where he led execution of $9M in offensive and defensive cyber training supporting the United States Cyber Command, Department of Defense Information Systems Agency, and three combatant commands. He also led the development of training to transition from 24th and 25th Air Forces to 16th Air Force, the Air Force's only Information Warfare Numbered Air Force.

Previously, Lt Col Maher served as the Defensive Cyber Training Lead for the 567th Cyberspace Operations Group where he oversees implementation and development of advanced cyber training for 540 defensive cyberspace operators and 18 Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs). These CPTs defend DoDIN, AFNET, and U.S. National Critical Infrastructure from adversary attacks. Maj Maher also served as Team Lead of 04 CPT, leading a 39 member Cyber maneuver force.

Maj Maher served as an Instructor of Computer Science at the U. S. Air Force Academy. He taught Introduction to Computer Science, Basic Cyber, Programming for Scientists and Engineers, Computer Networks, and Operating Systems. He was the officer in charge of the Cadet Cyber Warfare Team and also served as the Computer Science department’s executive officer.

Lt Col Maher graduated from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 2006 with a B.S. in Computer Engineering. He was assigned to the 45^th Space Communications Squadron at Patrick AFB, FL as a Communications and Information Staff Officer and later the Squadron Operations Officer. While assigned to Patrick AFB, he completed his M.S. degree in Software Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. Lt Col Maher completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science with an emphasis in applications of Artificial Intelligence in 2012 from the Colorado School of Mines. 

May 2006- May 2007, Comm and Info Staff Officer, 45th Space Communications Squadron, Patrick AFB, FL

May 2007-May 2008, OIC, Communications Resources, 45th Space Communications Squadron, Patrick AFB, FL

May 2008-Jan 2009, Squadron Operations Officer, 45th Space Communications Squadron, Patrick AFB, FL Jan Jan 2009 – May 2009, Information Assurance Manager, JTF-GTMO J-6, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

May 2009- May 2011, Instructor, Department of Computer Science, US Air Force Academy, CO

May 2011- Jul 2012, XO and Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, US Air Force Academy, CO

Jul 2012- Aug 2015, Doctoral Student, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO

Aug 2015–May 2018, Cyber Protection Team Lead, 833d Cyberspace Operations Squadron, JBSA Lackland, TX

May 2018-Feb 2019, Defensive Cyber Training Lead, 567th Cyberspace Operations Group, Scott AFB, IL (stationed at JBSA Lackland, TX)

Feb 2019 – July 2020, Deputy Division Chief, 16th Air Force, JBSA Lackland, TX

Aug 2020 – present, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Ops Division Lead, Department of Computer and Cyber Science, USAFA, CO

Meritorious Service Medal

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon

Air Force Longevity Service with oak leaf cluster

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon

Artificial Intelligence

Applications of Machine Learning

Cyber Security