Lt. Col. Michael Richards is an Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. After earning his commission through Officer Training School in 2005, Lt. Col. Richards has served in various roles, including a B-2 engineer, assistant professor of engineering mechanics, and an international program officer managing a quantum science research grants portfolio. He has studied nuclear engineering, with an emphasis on nuclear weapon yield determination, and energy science, with an emphasis on thermal fluid science applications in nuclear reactors. Lt. Col. Richards deployed in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.

Air War College, by correspondence, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. (2021)

Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2018)

Doctor of Philosophy, Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. (2017)

Master of Science, Nuclear Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (2011)

Squadron Officer’s School, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2013)

Air and Space Basic Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2006)

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (2005)

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (June 2024-Present)

International Program Officer, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Tokyo, Japan (August 2021-June 2024)

Commander, Air Force Technology Application Center Detachment 45, Buckley AFB, Colo. (July 2019- August 2021)

Assistant Director of Operations, 24th Analysis Squadron, Patrick AFB, Fla. (August 2018-June 2019)

Deputy Chief, Atmospheric Sciences Division, Patrick AFB, Fla. (July 2017-July 2018)

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. (July 2014-June 2017)

Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering Mechanics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (May 2011-July 2014)

Graduate Student, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (May 2009-May 2011)

Responsible Engineer, 556th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron, Tinker AFB, Okla. (March 2007-May 2009)

International Program Officer, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Tokyo, Japan (August 2021-June 2024)

Deputy, Welding Flight, 548th Propulsion Maintenance Group, Tinker AFB, Okla. (September 2005-March 2007)

Commander, Air Force Technology Application Center Detachment 45, Buckley AFB, Colo. (July 2019-August 2021)

Officer Trainee, Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (July 2005-September 2005)

Undergraduate Student and Technical Degree Sponsorship Program Participant, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (August 2004-July 2005)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal