David R. Hopper, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, Colorado Area

Worked to implement data solutions at combatant commands as part of OSD's Chief Digital and AI Office. Led a team of data scientists and engineers working in the DoD Advana data platform. Key leader of planning team to implement the first and second Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Onramps, as well as the first 3 iterations of the Global.

Usafa, CO

Taught propulsion and aeronautics to officer candidates; conducted a research program in combustion and propulsion. Secured $1.4M research funding and solidified an all-new combustion research capability. Head of personnel and assessment for the Department of Aeronautics.

Tokyo, Japan

Managed a portfolio of basic scientific research related to aerospace, thermodynamics, energy and combustion with investigators across Asia and Australia.

Kabul, Afghanistan

Directed transfer of 67 NATO- and US-held bases to the Afghan National Government in support of over 50% reduction in coalition forces. Coordinated military involvement with diplomatic and non-profit groups on a variety of matters including disaster relief and unexploded ordnance mitigation.

Wpafb, OH

Led a 150-member division of government civilians and military officers conducting in-house research and development of turbine engines, as well as managing research and development contracts with engine manufacturing companies. Directed the Air Force's science and technology program in turbine engines and advanced propulsion systems. Responsible for $500M.

Wpafb, OH

Studied pulsed detonation combustion, particularly the requirements for detonation initiation and transmission. Coursework in gas dynamics, combustion and computational fluid dynamics. Thesis: Direct Initiation of Multiple Tubes by Detonation Branching in a Pulsed Detonation Engine.

Usafa, CO

Directed daily operations of 25 personnel, $120M facility and $6.3M annual research budget. Course director and instructor for largest course in Aeronautics Department, overseeing 14 instructors and 1000+ students.

Wpafb, OH

Led 30 member branch and directed an annual budget of $1.8M, integrating critical C2 intelligence to the warfighting, acquisition and intelligence communities. Responsible for production of the Dynamic Information Operations Decision Environment (DIODE) tool.

Wpafb, OH

Provided direction to 73-member division with annual budget of $20M. Military advisor to 14 junior officers. Threat analyst for $300B Joint Strike Fighter acquisition program. Coded air- and ground-launched missile motor simulations in MATLAB and FORTRAN.

Wpafb, OH

Studied Aeronautical Engineering with emphases in aircraft and rocket propulsion, and aircraft controls. Thesis: The Effects of Unsteady Velocity Disturbances Propagated Upstream of a Row of Cylinders.

Hurlburt Field, FL

Led 15-member test team directing efforts on all MH-53J and MH/HH-60G helicopter flight testing across the Air Force. Responsible for $760k annual budget. Prepared plans, secured necessary approval, conducted and provided comprehensive reports of flight tests.

Hurlburt Field, FL

Advised the commander on health, morale, welfare and UCMJ for 134-member squadron. Supervised the 4-member unit orderly room. Reviewed correspondence and performance reports, tracked suspenses.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, 3.8 Gpa

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Mechanical Engineering, 3.6 Gpa