Dr. Kyle Kolsti
Director
Dr. Kyle Kolsti is the Director of the Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques Center of Excellence (STAT COE) and the Homeland Security Community of Best Practices (HS COBP), located within the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He leads a diverse team that is skilled in applying scientific test and analysis techniques (STAT) to Test and Evaluation (T&E). Their mission is to develop and apply independent, tailored STAT solutions to T&E that deliver insight to inform decisions. The STAT COE integrates with test teams to provide focused technical assistance throughout the test planning, test execution, data analysis, and reporting phases. They also perform applied research and teach tailored academics to support professionals across the T&E workforce.
Dr. Kolsti has over 25 years of experience in T&E, research and development (R&D), engineering, and aviation. During his career in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Kolsti was an F-16 pilot, a T-38 Instructor Pilot, and a Developmental Test Pilot. Dr. Kolsti also led the Turbine EngineDivision at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and taught aeronautical engineering andflight test at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has supported DOD and DHS DOD T&E as aSTAT Subject Matter Expert since retiring from active duty in 2017.
Dr. Kolsti holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas. He is a graduate of Air Command & Staff College, Air War College, and the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, CA.