Dr. Bryan J. Steward, Ctr.
Dr. Steward is a member of the Center for Technical Intelligence Studies & Research (CTISR) where he focuses on applied research applicable to the DoD and IC. He has extensive experience in space surveillance and methods for exploiting imagery and time-resolved data from visible, infrared, and spectral remote sensors.
Prior to joining AFIT, he spent over 9 years at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) where he most recently led R&D activities as a Principal Intelligence Analyst in the Persistent Infrared Squadron.
Education
Ph.D. in Optical Sciences & Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, December 2011
Dissertation: Characterization and Discrimination of Large Caliber Gun Blast and Flash Signatures
M.S. in Applied Physics, Air Force Institute of Technology, March 2006
Thesis: Reproducibility, Distinguishability, and Correlation of Fireball and Shockwave Dynamics in Explosive Munitions Detonations
B.S. in Optical Sciences & Engineering, University of Arizona, May 2004
Publications
Refereed Publications
D. M. Thornton, B. D Little, B. J. Steward, R. Cobb, J. Colombi and D. Meyer, “Dim Cislunar Target Tracking with GEO- and HEO-Based Optical Sensors,” Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 16(4), 044511, November 2022.
Y. U. Sinn, K. M. Hopkinson, B. J. Borghetti, and B. J. Steward, “IR Small Target Detection and Prediction With ANNs Trained Using ASSET”, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2-9 Mar 2019.
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. J. Steward. “Arrhenius Rate Chemistry-Informed Inter-Phase Source Terms (ARCIIST),” 20th Biennial Conference of the APS Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, St. Louis, MO, Vol. 62, No. 9, July 2017.
B. J. Steward, K. W. Bauer, and G. P. Perram. “Remote Discrimination of Large Caliber Gun Firing Signatures,” Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 6(1), 063607, December 2012.
B. J. Steward, G. P. Perram, and K. C. Gross. “Modeling Midwave Infrared Muzzle Flash Spectra from Unsuppressed and Flash-Suppressed Large Caliber Munitions,” Infrared Physics and Technology, 55(4), pp. 246-255, July 2012.
B. J. Steward, G. P. Perram, and K. C. Gross. “Visible and Near-Infrared Spectra of the Secondary Combustion of a 152 mm Howitzer,” Applied Spectroscopy, 65(12), pp. 1363-1371, December 2011.
B. J. Steward, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram. “Optical Characterization of Large Caliber Muzzle Blast Waves,” Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 36(6), pp. 564-575, December 2011.
Conference Proceedings
J. D. Menezes, A. M. Coughlin, B. M. Wagner, B. J. Steward, and S. R. Young, “Modeling EO/IR systems with ASSET: spectral super-resolution for synthetic WFOV background signature generation,” Proc. SPIE 12736, Target and Background Signatures IX, 1273605 (23 Oct 2023).
B. J. Steward, B. M. Wagner, K. M. Hopkinson, and S. R. Young, “Modeling EO/IR Systems with ASSET: Applied Machine Learning for Synthetic WFOV Background Signature Generation,” Proc. SPIE 12271, Electro-optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XIX, 122710B (2 Nov 2022).
D. M. Thornton, B. Little, and B. J. Steward, “Revisit rate schedules for tracking cislunar NRHO and Halo targets,” AMOS, Maui, HI (27-30 Sep 2022).
D. M. Thornton, B. Little, B. J. Steward, and R. Cobb, “Detecting dim targets in cislunar space using GEO/HEO-based optical sensors,” AMOS, Maui, HI (14-17 Sep 2021).
F. D. Fernandez, B. J. Steward, M. R. Hawks, and K. C. Gross, “Implementation of a non-linear CMOS and CCD focal plane array model in ASSET,” SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, Baltimore, MD (14-18 Apr 2019).
K. D. Anthony, B. J. Borghetti, and B. J. Steward, “Initial investigation into the effect of image degradation on the performance of a 3-category classifier using transfer learning and data augmentation,” SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, Baltimore, MD (14-18 Apr 2019).
F. D. Fernandez, B. J. Steward, A. Kondrath, J. N. Patel, and K. C. Gross, “AFIT Sensor and Scene Emulation Tool (ASSET): FPA and Electronics Sub-Model Improvements,” 2019 MSS Parallel Conference, Orlando, FL (25-28 Feb 2019).
S. R. Young, B. J. Steward, and K. C. Gross, “Development and Validation of the AFIT Sensor Simulator for Evaluation and Testing (ASSET),” Proceedings of SPIE. 10178, 101780A, Anaheim, CA, 11 April 2017.
S. R. Young, B. J. Steward, M. R. Hawks, and K. C. Gross. “Improving Detection of Low SNR Targets Using Moment-based Detection,” Proceedings of SPIE. 9828, 98280K. Baltimore, MD, 17 May 2016.
B. J. Steward, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram. “Characterization and Discrimination of Large Caliber Gun Blast and Flash Signatures,” Proceedings of SPIE. 8360, 836006. Baltimore, MD, 24 April 2012.
B. J. Steward, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram. “Reduction of Optically Observed Artillery Blast Wave Trajectories using Low Dimensionality Models,” Proceedings of SPIE. 8020, 80200D. Orlando, FL, 25-29 April 2011.
K. C. Gross, A. M. Young, C. Borel, B. J. Steward, and G. P. Perram. “Simulating Systematic Scene-change Artifacts in Fourier-transform Spectroscopy,” Proceedings of SPIE. 7695, 76951Y. Orlando, FL, 5-8 April 2010.
M. C. DeMagistris , N. Sinha, and B. J. Steward. “3-D Modeling of a Large Caliber Gun Muzzle Flash,” Proceedings of the 31st JANNAF Exhaust Plume Technology Subcommittee Meeting. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 2009.
B. J. Steward, N. Sinha, M. C. DeMagistris, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram. “Iron Rose 2 Ground Truth and Modeling Review,” Proceedings of the 30th Exhaust Plume Technology Subcommittee Meeting. Boston, 12-16 May 2008.
Other Archival Publications
M. J. Rensing, A. J. Niklas, and B. J. Steward, “Algorithm Development for WFOV Mission Data Processing,” Report # AFRL-RV-PS-TR-2019-0121, Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, NM, August 2019.
M. R. Hawks and B. J. Steward, “Telescope parameter trade studies for LWIR camera,” Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, June 2017 (DTIC No. AD1035034).
B. J. Steward and M. R. Hawks. “End-to-End Model Enhancements and Hypothetical Detection Scenarios” Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, October 2016 (DTIC No. AD1020340).
M. R. Hawks and B. J. Steward, “IR Signatures of Non Afterburning Aircraft,” Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, June 2016 (DTIC No. AD1020325).
Conference Presentations
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. Steward, “Arrhenius Rate Chemistry-Informed Inter-Phase Terms (ARCIIST) for Macro-Scale Explosive Hydrocodes,” AFOSR Dynamic Materials and Interactions (DMI) Portfolio Review, September 2018.
J. Mott, J. N. Patel, M. R. Hawks, B. J. Steward, K. C. Gross, and J. Mayo-Johnson*, “Stormy Haystack: Validation of Cloud Detection using Sea Surface Temperature,” NGA R&D Tech Forum, Springfield, VA, 26-28 June 2018.
S. R. Young, B. J. Steward, and K. C. Gross, “Moment-based Statistical Detection,” NGA R&D Tech Forum, Springfield, VA, 26-28 June 2018.
B. J. Steward and T. Dinh, “Below Average Target Measurement and Analysis,” NGA R&D Tech Forum, Springfield, VA, 6-8 June 2017.
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. Steward, “Reacting Chemistry Based Burn Model for Explsoive Hydrocodes,” Invited presentation, AFRL/RW HERD Profesional Education Series, March 2017.
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. Steward, “Comparison of Burn Rate Models to Reacting Chemistry Model for HMX,” The American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Mechanical Engineering Congress, IMECE2016-68555, Phoenix, AZ, 15 November 2016.
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. Steward. “Comparison of Finite Chemistry Model to Mixture Pressure Dependent Burn Rate Model for HMX,” Tri-Service Energetic Materials Basic Science Review, Arlington, VA, August 2016.
B. J. Steward, T. Warren, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram, “Multiband imagery of detonation fireballs for event classification”, SPIE Great Lakes Photonics Symposium, Dayton, OH, 12-16 June 2006.
G. P. Perram, K. C. Gross, B. J. Steward, T. Warren, and R. Tuttle, “The Phenomenology Of High Explosive Fireballs from Fielded Spectroscopic And Imaging Sensors for Event Classification”, 2006 International Symposium on Spectral Sensing Research, Bar Harbor, ME, 29 May-2 June 2006.
A. Chavez-Pirson, W. Tian, D. Nguyen, T. Luo, B. Steward, G. Paysnoe, S. Jiang, and N. Peyghambarian. “Multimode-Pumped Monolithic Amplifier Arrays Based in Erbium-Doped Phosphate Glass,” Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO), San Francisco, 16-21 May 2004.
D. M. Thornton, B. D Little, B. J. Steward, R. Cobb, J. Colombi and D. Meyer, “Dim Cislunar Target Tracking with GEO- and HEO-Based Optical Sensors,” Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 16(4), 044511, November 2022.
Y. U. Sinn, K. M. Hopkinson, B. J. Borghetti, and B. J. Steward, “IR Small Target Detection and Prediction With ANNs Trained Using ASSET”, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2-9 Mar 2019.
M. J. Schwaab, R. Greendyke, and B. J. Steward. “Arrhenius Rate Chemistry-Informed Inter-Phase Source Terms (ARCIIST),” 20th Biennial Conference of the APS Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, St. Louis, MO, Vol. 62, No. 9, July 2017.
B. J. Steward, K. W. Bauer, and G. P. Perram. “Remote Discrimination of Large Caliber Gun Firing Signatures,” Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 6(1), 063607, December 2012.
B. J. Steward, G. P. Perram, and K. C. Gross. “Modeling Midwave Infrared Muzzle Flash Spectra from Unsuppressed and Flash-Suppressed Large Caliber Munitions,” Infrared Physics and Technology, 55(4), pp. 246-255, July 2012.
B. J. Steward, G. P. Perram, and K. C. Gross. “Visible and Near-Infrared Spectra of the Secondary Combustion of a 152 mm Howitzer,” Applied Spectroscopy, 65(12), pp. 1363-1371, December 2011.
B. J. Steward, K. C. Gross, and G. P. Perram. “Optical Characterization of Large Caliber Muzzle Blast Waves,” Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 36(6), pp. 564-575, December 2011.