Dean - Graduate School of Engineering & Management
Dr. Heidi R. Ries is Interim Dean, Graduate School of Engineering and Management; and Dean for Research, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Dr. Ries leads 140 military and civilian faculty and 105 staff serving 750 M.S. and Ph.D. students in six academic departments. The Graduate School is the home of the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence and the DASD (DT&E) designated Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques Test & Evaluation Center of Excellence. The school is also responsible for the management of 2500 Air Force personnel attending civilian institution post-baccalaureate programs. The Graduate School's mission is to provide high-quality graduate education programs and engage in research activities that enable the Air Force to maintain its scientific and technological dominance.
Dr. Ries started her academic career at Norfolk State University (NSU) in Norfolk, VA, where she served as Professor of Physics and as Director of the Center for Materials Research. During her tenure at NSU from 1986-99, she collaborated on a variety of materials-related research and science education initiatives involving regional universities, Jefferson Lab, NASA Langley Research Center, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. Ries’ research interests include nonlinear optical materials, radiation effects, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and laser processing of materials.
In addition to serving as AFIT’s chief research officer, Dr. Ries led the institution’s participation in the NSF ADVANCE-funded LEADER Consortium. Dr. Ries serves on several advisory and foundation boards related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and as a Consultant-Evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
EDUCATION
- 1982 Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- 1984 Master of Science degree in Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- 1987 Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Physics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
- 1986 - 1987, Assistant Lecturer of Physics, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1987 - 1994, Assistant Professor of Physics, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1994 - 1997, Associate Professor of Physics, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1997 - 1999, Professor of Physics, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1992 - 1996, Associate Director for Educational Programs, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1997 - 1999, Director, Center for Materials Research, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
- 1999 - Present, Associate Professor, later, Professor of Physics, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- 1999 - Present, Associate Dean for Research, later, Dean for Research, Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- 2013 - Present, Interim Dean, Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH
AWARDS AND HONORS
- Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award (2008)
- Ten Top Women Award (Dayton Daily News, 2009)
- Air Force winner of the 2011 Department of Defense Women's History Month Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Role Model Award, Civilian category
- Air Force winner of the 2011 National Latina Distinguished Service Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
- American Physical Society
- American Society for Engineering Education
OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Consultant-Evaluator 2001-present; Accreditation Review Council 2007-2011
- ASEE Engineering Research Council Board of Directors, 2008-2013; Secretary-Treasurer, 2011-2013
- Engineering and Science Foundation of Dayton Board of Trustees, 2004-present; Secretary-Treasurer 2012-present
- Martin University Board of Trustees; Secretary, 2012-present
(Current as of February 2013)