5 Can’t-Miss Reasons to Check Out AFRL Inspire 2019

Emily Martin, Contractor, Air Force Research Laboratory Corporate Communications Published Apr 23, 2019

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio –Air Force Research Laboratory Inspire, sponsored by the AFRL Learning Office, is a celebration of the people and contributions that make AFRL an outstanding research organization. Inspire showcases the innovative ideas and passionate people AFRL has to offer in short, entertaining and thought-provoking talks. Each speaker brings a different slice of AFRL that highlights our willingness to dream big and tackle heroic challenges for our Airmen.

When: Thursday, 16 May 2019
Where: Dayton Convention Center Theater (22 E 5^th St, Dayton, OH 45402)

Time: Check-in/Badging & Tech Expo will be open from 11:00 – 1:00pm EST; AFRL Inspire will begin promptly at 1:00pm EST.

Social: Join us immediately following the Inspire talks in the Expo area.

1. Sensational Speakers – This year, AFRL Inspire is featuring seven speakers. Let’s get to know them!

Dan Miracle is a senior scientist in AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and a leading expert on metallurgy and materials science. The self-described perfectionist develops the hottest materials for Air Force turbines, rockets and hypersonic vehicles. Known for his groundbreaking contributions in advanced aerospace metallic materials, Miracle specializes in structural materials with a focus on alloys for high temperature applications. In addition to R&D, Miracle leads technology demonstrations for advanced Air Force applications. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and received numerous scientific achievement awards. In his free time, Miracle enjoys cycling, fly-fishing, woodworking and photography.
Capt Sarah Woody is the deputy course director for the Critical Air Transport (CCAT) initial course in the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). Woody, who has extensive experience in austere environments, trains critical care physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Growing up, she was a curious child and a quick learner. Today, she finds purpose in teaching and she enjoys the level of intensity associated with the field. Woody is the recipient of the Air Achievement Medal and the Air Terrorism Service Medal. She also received Commendation Medals from the Joint Service, the Air Force and the Army for meritorious service. She describes herself as driven and says she continuously strives for improvement and greater efficiencies. In her spare time, Woody enjoys running marathons and spending time with family.
Amber Anderson: is an engineer and program manager in AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate for the Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR) system. Anderson and her team are building a rapid prototype for the counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) mission. Growing up, she was an energetic child. As an adult, she channels that energy towards interacting with colleagues in an open manner. Known for her sense of humor, Anderson says that being straightforward eliminates ambiguity with respect to decision-making. Incorporating humor allows her to be disarming while ensuring that conversation flows freely. Outside of work, she is usually busy with kids and laundry, but she also enjoys rock climbing.
2^nd Lt Justin Davis is program manager for AFRL’s Information Directorate. The husband and father-of-two supports the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), a mobile, map-based situational awareness tool. Davis’ job is to support the security forces career field as it integrates ATAK software. He works closely with first responders, both military and civilian, to empower them as they deploy the technology. Growing up, Justin did well in school and enjoyed outdoor activities. Today, his strong communication skills help him to connect with people and understand their needs. Davis, a distinguished graduate of the Officer Training School, was the non-commissioned officer of the year (4th Fighter Wing). In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, ice fishing, camping and coaching little league.
Peter Mozloom is a senior computer scientist and team lead in AFRL’s Information Directorate. He works closely with Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) end users developing secure mobile solutions that provide enhanced situational awareness and increased productivity. From a young age, Mozloom enjoyed taking objects apart, which earned him the nickname “Mr. Gadget.” Today, he remains just as solution-driven and his strong interpersonal skills allow him to interact with people and resolve their problems. Mozloom has received awards for leadership, outstanding team performance and excellence in technology transfer. In his spare time, he enjoys snowmobiling, photography, videography and attending his children’s sporting events.
Ivett Leyva is the program officer for high-speed aerodynamics at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. A leading expert in hypersonic boundary layer transition and shear coaxial jet mixing for liquid rocket engines, Levya charts the path for basic research for universities in the U.S. and abroad. She has authored two book chapters, secured six patents and published 38 articles, including a cover story for Physics Today. Growing up, she was quiet and observant. Today, she prides herself in speaking up and asking questions. Dr. Leyva is a recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. In her spare time, she enjoys reading pre-Roman history and walking around the Washington DC area.
Brennan Taylor is a program manager in AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate for the Aero-Effects and Beam Control Program, an effort focused on advancing the state of the art in laser weapon enabling technologies. Known for being organized and precise, Taylor enjoys the specificity that comes with budgeting, scheduling and monitoring the technical performance of Laser Control R&D projects. Growing up, he was a teacher’s pet who loved to read. Today, his knack for translating technical jargon into everyday English makes him an excellent spokesperson. In 2018, Taylor received the Civilian Government Officer of the Quarter award and the Director’s Cup as a junior individual. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys cooking and playing Ultimate Frisbee.

2. Transformational Technology – Curious about what technological capabilities are currently being developed at AFRL? Come explore the AFRL Inspire Tech Expo that will be showcasing the following technologies:

ARMR: The Affordable Responsive Modular Rocket (ARMR) engine architecture presents a paradigm shift in new liquid engine development.
AgilePod®: The AgilePod® project is a family of U.S. Air Force-owned, non-proprietary pods designed to enable the rapid transition of advanced sensors and communications payloads to the warfighter.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence (AI) examines an environment and creates knowledge from the observations gathered. This knowledge can then be presented to users in a way that incorporates more information in far less time than the human mind.
Digital Biobank: Digital Biobank develops and deploys a precision medicine research technology platform that will host genomic data and interface with other health data repositories for integrative analysis.
Rapid ID of Pathogens in Austere Environments: The ability to detect pathogens in places where there are no cold-chain capabilities or electricity has been a pressing problem for deployed warfighters. Rapid ID of Pathogens uses the human body as a heating source to keep a sample at the ideal reaction temperature.
ESPA Augmented Geosynchronous Laboratory Experiment (EAGLE): EAGLE is a spacecraft flight experiment that aims to advance space access, improve spacecraft resiliency and increase space situational awareness.
High Power Microwaves (HPM): High power microwave (HPM) systems are a class of Directed Energy Weapons. In HPM systems, a very short, extremely high powered burst of energy is transmitted to create one of a wide variety of effects on a target.
Hypersonic Flight Research: Hypersonic flight research at AFRL provides the Air Force with an affordable and responsive hypersonic weapons system.
Networked Weapons: A suite of new technologies will give new generation weapons the ability to penetrate, operate and prosecute targets in complex, area-denied environments.
Quantum Information Science: Taking advantage of quantum mechanical properties introduces game changing advances for the areas of timing, sensing, communication, networking and computing.
Secure LVC Advanced Technology Demonstration (SLATE): When fielded, LVC is seen by many as potentially cost effective, realistic and secure approach to satisfying major documented training gaps for air, land, space, multiservice and multi-national users.
Next Gen. Software Defined Radio SDRF++: The Next Generation Software Definite Radio SDRF++ imagines a change in the communications landscape, using an agile software development process to eventually enable all warfighters and machines to communicate with each other.
Terahertz Thickness Measurement Capability: The terahertz coating thickness system provides unprecedented quality assurance for applying aircraft coatings.
Laser Weapon Enabling Technologies: The beam control system corrects optical aberrations, reduces mechanical vibration and points the laser at the target. Adaptive Optics correct atmosphere-induced flaws.
Milk Stool: Every C-130 flies with a cargo ramp support, known as a “milk stool,” that is currently made out of wood and weighs 85lbs. Air Force regulations call for a two man lift for anything over 50lbs, but there is only 1 loadmaster on a C-130. JFWORX has invented a new, mostly aluminum milk stool that weighs less than 30 lbs.
STEM Outreach: AFRL is working to cast a wider net to reach more students. AFRL’s goal is to find the talent and reinvigorate STEM across the country.

3. Let’s Livestream!

This event is going to be broadcast via livestream! Gather your coworkers and join us remotely to catch these short, entertaining and thought-provoking talks from your colleagues. Stay tuned on social media for the livestreaming link.

4. Sensational Social:

AFRL is proud to be showcasing our world-class talent, tech and more across social media platforms. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram @AFResearchLab and check out our website, AFResearchLab.com for the latest info.

5. Personable Podcast:

Hungry for more? Check out Episode 5 of AFRL’s new podcast, LabLife! We sit down with Cayley Dymond, a researcher focused on personnel recovery who has had a major hand in organizing 2019’s Inspire event. LabLife can be found anywhere you get your podcasts.