Bio
Major Joshua D. Reding is an Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He instructs students in the principles of physics and conducts research into the light emitting properties of next-generation solar cell and light emitting diode materials. He also acts as a subject matter expert on directed energy for multiple joint and classified programs.
Major Reding commissioned in May 2012 from the University of New Mexico with a degree in astrophysics. He attained a Master’s of Science in Applied Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology where he studied materials for nuclear forensics. He then went to the Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate where he developed infrared focal plane arrays as part of a $90 million dollar joint effort. He then taught physics at the United States Air Force Academy where he won an Honorable Mention for the John L. McLucas Basic Research Award. Major Reding received his PhD from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom where he did his dissertation on the properties of two-dimensional materials. Prior to his current position, he was the Section Chief for Laser Devices at the Air Force Research Labs Directed Energy Directorate where he lead a team of thirteen scientists and engineers developing novel high energy laser sources and semiconductor laser technologies for joint and international partners.
Education
2012 Bachelors of Science Degree, Astrophysics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
2014 Masters of Science Degree, Applied Physics, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
2018 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
2022 Doctor of Philosophy Degree, Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
2024 Air Command and Staff College, In Correspondence
Professional Experience
May 2012 – March 2014, Student, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
March 2014 – June 2016, Electro-Optic Device Physicist, Air Force Research Labs Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
July 2016 – October 2018, Physics Instructor, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado
October 2018 – October 2021, Student, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
October 2021 – June 2024, Chief, Laser Devices Section, Air Force Research Labs Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
October 2023 – April 2024, Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Planner, Fort Liberty, NC, Deployed
Honors & Awards
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
2017 Honorable Mention for John L. McLucas Basic Research Award