Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories Visit AFIT

On 20 January 2016, Dr. Michael R. Grimaila hosted a visit from Dr. Steven Rinaldi and Dr. Gayle Thayer from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL).  Dr. Rinaldi, an AFIT graduate, is the Manager of the Quantum Information Sciences Department at SNL Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Gayle Thayer is the Manager of the Remote Sensing and Energetic Materials Department at SNL Livermore, CA. Drs. Rinaldi and Thayer presented an overview of SNL research interests in quantum information sciences, followed by a round table discussion on possible research interactions.  They are interested in collaborating with AFIT to receive military feedback on operational needs and utility in support of their research and development.  Following the round table discussions, Drs. Rinaldi and Thayer toured the ENP and ENV laboratories and commented they were impressed by the research in progress and the laboratory facilities.

Dr. Rinaldi earned his masters and doctorate degrees at AFIT in electrical engineering.  During his time at AFIT, Dr. Rinaldi worked on coupled laser research at the Air Force Weapons Lab at Kirtland AFB, NM.  "AFIT launched my military career in many ways.  Several of my assignments were directly due to the PhD I earned at AFIT.  It opened up many doors for me."    Rinaldi was part of the Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program and was able to work in France.  He also spent three years as the military liaison officer in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.  "My PhD was a definite discriminator for that position."  He retired from the AF in 2002.  Rinaldi stated that his time at AFIT was very enjoyable, and a highlight of his career, because he was afforded the time to focus solely on his research.

Dr. Rinaldi believes that an AFIT education is unique because the thesis and dissertation topics are focused on military needs. "My PhD dissertation focused on a need that came from the Strategic Defense Initiative.  The results of my research actually killed a programmatic pathway because we proved that it was too difficult to accomplish - that saved the government a lot of money.  That tie-in to the operational needs is where you see the real difference in an AFIT education."

"Pick a topic that you truly, truly love" is Dr. Rinaldi's advice for current students.  "You are going to spend an awful lot of time with that topic so enjoy it.  This is going to be the best part of your career, it's a lot of fun, keep your nose down and go at it!  And then use that education to open new doors in your career that might not have been available to you without your education."