Swindle, Ryan

Dr. Ryan Swindle is a Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory, currently serving as program manager for the Adaptive Optics and Laser Guide Star upgrades on the 3.6 m Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) telescope at the Maui Space Surveillance Site. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (UH/IFA), with thesis work in solar and terrestrial spectropolarimetry. Dr. Swindle has designed and built 3 instruments currently in operation at the summit of Haleakala for both UH/IFA and AFRL. His current interests include research in novel, innovative telescope and instrument designs for improving space situational awareness. Prior to his current position, he earned a BA in Physics from Hendrix College in 2006, a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008, and a PhD in Astronomy from UH/IFA in 2014.