Capt Lerdahl is the Resource Specialist and Instructor of Biology, Department of Biology, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He and his team direct funding planning and execution for the 4th largest major and Life Sciences Research Center: $950K equipment, $13.8M budget, 23 courses and 26 research labs. He is also the OIC of the USAFA Forensics team.

Capt Lerdahl earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2018. He then received his Master’s degree via the Purdue Military Research Initiative fellowship program at Purdue University. Following his graduation from Air Force Intelligence Officer training in February 2021, Capt Lerdahl attended the F-16 Intelligence Formal Training Unit to gain critical insight into F-16 capabilities. Upon arrival to Spangdahlem Air Base, he served as the Chief of Intelligence for both the 52d Operations Support Squadron and the 480^th Fighter Squadron.

During his time in Germany, Capt Lerdahl led a 30-member team during Operation ALLIES WELCOME at Ramstein Air Base, Germany providing logistical support to ensure the dignity and respect required to escort 30,000 travelers through the Area of Responsibility. Additionally, he deployed to Fetesti, Romania in support of the defense of NATO during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to Kadena Air Base as the intel lead for a SECDEF-directed deployment of 12 F-16s.

Tactical Leadership Programme Flying Course, Los Llanos Air Base, Spain (2021)

F-16 Viper Intelligence Formal Training Unit, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona (2021)

Intelligence Officer Course, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas (2021)

Master of Science in Virology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (2020)

Bachelor of Science, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado (2018)

Resource Specialist, Instructor of Biology, Dean of Faculty, USAFA, Colorado (2023- Present)

OIC of Intelligence Analysis, 480^th Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany (2022-2023)

Chief of Intelligence Analysis, 52d Operations Support Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany (2021-2022)

Intelligence Officer Student, 315th Training Squadron, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas (2020-2021)

Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Student, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (2018-2020)

Air and Space Commendation Medal

Meritorious Unit Award

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award

Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Air and Space Longevity Service Award

Structural Biology and Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Virology, Host-Pathogen interactions, Immunology