Bio
2020 – present
Research program manager and instructor for the #1 ranked undergraduate Aeronautics program. Taught Intro to Aeronautical Engineering (Aero 315) and Mechanical Behavior of Materials (ME 350).
2013 – 2020
President and CEO, Challenger learning center of Colorado
Executive Director of the largest informal STEM education center in southern Colorado. Engaged 20,000 K-8 students annually in hands-on space simulations, planetarium programs, and robotics topics. Designed, fundraised, and managed construction of new 10,000 square foot facility, opened on-schedule and on-budget in 2019.
2012 – 2013
Science and Math teacher, St. Paul’s Catholic School, Colorado Springs
Taught five concurrent middle school science and mathematics courses.
2011 – 2012
Vice President, Business Development, Neumann Systems Group, Colorado Springs
Led business development for high-tech air pollution control company developing advanced systems for coal-fired power plants.
2010 – 2011
Managing Director, Accreditation, ABET inc, Baltimore Maryland
Managed accreditation activities of the organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in computing, engineering, engineering technology, and applied and natural science.
2008 – 2010
Chief Scientist and Director of Research, USAF Academy Colorado
Led the business and compliance activities of the $60M USAFA research enterprise funded almost entirely from Department of Defense sponsored projects, supporting the education of 4,400 cadets. Active-duty Air Force Colonel.
2006 – 2008
Military Assistant to the Air Force Chief Scientist, the Pentagon
Supported the daily executive assistant requirements of the 3-star equivalent civilian chief scientific advisor the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force. Active-duty Air Force Colonel.
2004 – 2006
Deputy Director of Engineering, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Georgia
Oversaw hiring, professional development and strategic management of the 1,200 engineers providing life cycle management and depot-level maintenance for the F-15, C-130, C-17, C-5, U-2 and helicopter fleets for one of three Air Logistics Centers in the Air Force. Rebuilt Aircraft Battle Damage Repair program and developed and implemented deployed Depot Liaison Engineer program. Active-duty Air Force Colonel.
2001 – 2004
Director of Faculty Research, USAF Academy Colorado
Re-organized and grew the $10M USAFA research enterprise to more than $40M annually, funded almost entirely from outside sponsors, supporting the education of 4,400 cadets. Active duty Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
1998 – 2001
Technical Director, European Office of Aerospace R&D, London UK
Led 10 PhD hand-picked team of scientists and engineers implementing the science and technology portfolio of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Europe and the former Soviet Union. Active duty Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
1994 – 1998
Deputy Department Head, Associate Professor, Dept of Engineering Mechanics, USAF Academy
Oversaw faculty hiring and professional development of the second-largest engineering faculty at USAFA, including significant civilian faculty hires for the first time on the previously all-military faculty. Directed the Materials Engineering Division, responsible for five upper division courses. Course directed EM 350 (Fracture Mechanics) and EM 445 (Failure Analysis & Prevention). Founded and directed the Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension, which eventually grew into the largest (by funding) research center at USAFA. Active duty Air Force Major.
Education
June 1994
Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
First active-duty USAF student to attend this renowned European university. Specialized in fatigue, fracture, aging aircraft structures, repair. Dissertation topic: Damage-tolerant repair techniques for pressurized aircraft fuselages
December 1983
MS, Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Active-duty Air Force 2Lt under AFIT sponsorship. GPA: 3.9/4.0 Thesis topic: A detailed comparison of hydrogen embrittlement and mercury embrittlement in nickel-base superalloys
December 1982
BS, Mechanical Engineering (aerospace option), Oklahoma State University
Air Force ROTC scholarship. GPA: 3.5/4.0 ROTC Corps Vice Commander