AFIT graduates urged to ‘push DOD into next 30 years of transformation’ Published April 1, 2022 By Caroline Clauson 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall joins Air Force Institute of Technology leadership and this year’s distinguished graduates prior to the school’s graduation ceremony March 24 in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Kendall was the ceremony’s guest speaker. (Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – After years of study, research, late nights and long papers, over 200 graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management on March 24 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “I’m so glad we are back in this place for our commencement activities,” said Walter Jones, AFIT’s director and chancellor. “It’s been a tough couple of years, but it’s great to be back, and this atmosphere is hard to beat. I am delighted that all of you could join us to recognize the achievements of our graduating students and wish them well in their next assignments.” Dr. Alan Lair, Air Force Institute of Technology professor of mathematics, carries the AFIT mace as he leads the procession into the schools graduation ceremony on March 24, 2022, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The school awarded more than 200 advanced technical degrees to active-duty and civilian Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The graduating class included 163 Air Force officers and eight NCOs, 25 Space Force officers, five Army officers, three Marine Corps officers and 18 civilians. One international student from South Korea also received his degree. Of the 223 degrees awarded, the Graduate School conferred 219 master’s degrees and four doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Two graduates received dual degrees, while two master’s students and seven doctoral alumni who graduated earlier in the academic year returned to participate in the ceremony. Capt. Joshua (Alex) Rinaldi became a third-generation AFIT alum at the ceremony. His father, retired Lt. Col. Steven Rinaldi earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering in 1982 and 1987. Rinaldi’s grandfather, retired Col. Melvin Gillis, earned his master’s degree in logistics management from AFIT in 1969. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, the ceremony’s guest speaker, charged graduates to expand their new expertise into influence and recognize themselves as the catalyst for swift and innovative change that can meet current threats. “You as AFIT graduates have the knowledge to advise your services and your nation’s leaders,” Kendall said. “Don’t be the ‘yes’ person who changes when I change and nods when I nod. You have the education and experience to be the person who uses data and reason to advise senior leaders, even when your ideas might not be popular. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall speaks at the Air Force Institute of Technology graduation ceremony in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, March 24, 2022. More than 200 advanced technical degrees were awarded to active-duty Airmen and civilian employees. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “You must use this education and your ability to be an adviser and mentor and speak truth to power when you know something needs to be fixed. You are now action officers of modernization and therefore of freedom and democracy.” Others officials in attendance included Maj. Gen. William G. Holt II, commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, as well as Air University vice commander; Heidi Ries, AFIT provost and chief academic officer; Col. Paul Harmer, Air University Detachment 1 commander; and Adedeji Badiru, dean of the Graduate School. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, AFIT’s mission is to provide high-quality graduate education programs and engage in research activities that enable the Air and Space Force to maintain its scientific and technological dominance. “We can prevail in this competition between democracy and autocracy, but we don’t have time to waste,” Kendall said. “We need your leadership and your academic background to push the Department of Defense into the next 30 years of transformation, of unbridled innovation, of capability development. “I look to you and your generation to be the leaders we need. You will make history as those military and civilian professionals who ensure America and its allies prevail. Before you receive your graduation certificates tonight, I want you to remember that you must use this education that your service has given to you to be the voice who speaks up for the change we need. Work quickly to ensure you create or design what our services need.” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall presents a coin to a distinguished graduate prior to the Air Force Institute of Technology graduation ceremony in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on March 24. Dr. Walter Jones, AFIT director and chancellor, joined Kendall in recognizing the distinguished graduates. (Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res At an awards ceremony earlier in the day, the following students were recognized for their exemplary performance: Capt. Andrew Dittrich from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Chancellor’s Award for producing the most exceptional individual master’s thesis. Capt. Samuel VonNiederhausern from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Mervin E. Gross Award for his exceptional academic achievement and high qualities of character, initiative and leadership. The award is named in honor of Brig. Gen. Mervin E. Gross, the institute’s first commandant. Capt. Zachary Cleveland from the Engineering Physics Department received the Louis F. Polk Award. The winner of this award exhibits the highest standards of academic and professional accomplishment, and through his or her research, makes a significant contribution toward strengthening the nation’s industrial defense base. Capt. Carol Bryant from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department received the Edwin E. Aldrin Sr. Award presented for displaying the most exceptional leadership characteristics while in the graduate program. The award is sponsored by the Wright Memorial Chapter of the Air Force Association and named in honor of Lieutenant Edwin E. Aldrin Sr., a member of the institute’s first graduating class in 1920. Upon graduation, he became AFIT’s first vice commandant. Master Sgt. Michael Ames from the Systems Engineering and Management Department received the Secretary James G. Roche Award for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement through a combination of grade-point average and outstanding research, as well as high qualities of character, initiative, leadership and service. The award is named after Air Force Secretary James G. Roche, whose leadership in 2002 led to the first class of NCOs into the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. The following students met all degree requirements and were approved for the designated degree (in bold): Doctorate of Philosophy Aeronautical Engineering Capt. Carol E. Bryant Nuclear Engineering Maj. Brian G. Frandsen Maj. Christopher S. Charles Systems Engineering Lt. Col. Larry C. Llewellyn Master of Engineering in Applied Systems Engineering Jeffery S. Green Capt. Coraviece M. Terry Master of Science in Acquisition and Program Management Capt. Anna M. Davis Capt. Derek N. Dennis Capt. Robert F. Gray 1st Lt. Brandon J. Koury Capt. Mitchell R. Thomas (Space Force) Capt. Brady C. Weaver* Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Capt. Arvi Jonathan A. Balbin Capt. Jinhee F. Byun Nathan A. Clark Capt. Mauro Noel V. De Leon (Space Force) Capt. James H. Founds (Space Force) 2nd Lt. Jacob R. Johanik (Space Force) Capt. Ross H. Kellet Capt. Caleb D. Krolak Capt. Jeffrey M. Layng Capt. Bryan T. Leicht (Marine Corps) Capt. Dana C. Madsen Mathew M. Major Capt. Michael A. Santiago 2nd Lt. Trevor A. Toros Capt. Bryce E. Vanvelson Master of Science in Applied Mathematics Capt. Alexander N. Contarino 1st Lt. Grace Y. Smith Master of Science in Applied Physics Capt. Tyler D. Dolezal* 1st Lt. Christopher Heckman Capt. Travis J. Hodos 2nd Lt. Casey L. Kowalski 2nd Lt. Ian R. Moffett Capt. Laura G. Pineda 1st Lt. Ryan E. Pinson Capt. Benjamin L. Rinaldi Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering Capt. Randolph T. Abaya Capt. Charles M. Carr* Capt. Adam S. Cottrell (Space Force) Capt. Lester L. Tuck (Space Force) Capt. Jae Yu Stephen T. Zittrouer Master of Science in Atmospheric Science Capt. Bryan G. Castro Capt. Zachary A. Cleveland* Master of Science in Computer Engineering 1st Lt. Samuel D. Chadwick (Space Force) Capt. Rain F. Dartt (Space Force) 2nd Lt. Noah B. Diamond 2nd Lt. Hunter G. Doster 2nd Lt. Brett M. Martin Capt. Joel M. Miller 2nd Lt. Jonathan I. Nicholson Capt. Niko A. Petrocelli* 1st Lt. Noah W. Scott Master of Science in Computer Science 2nd Lt. Bailey V. Compton 1st Lt. James C. Lynch 2nd Lt. Andrew T. Park Capt. Joshua A. Rinaldi 2nd Lt. Garth J. Terlizzi 2nd Lt. Trenton M. Woods 2nd Lt. Xiaoyang Wu Master of Science in Cost Analysis 1st Lt. Nickolas Biancalana 1st Lt. Sammantha J. Jones Capt. Daniel A. Long Capt. Kaiana M. Miller* Capt. Susan L. Moore Capt. Aaron Noel D. Santos 2nd Lt. Michael J. Smith 1st Lt. Robert T. Walker Master of Science in Cyber Operations Capt. Matthew A. Bergstedt 2nd Lt. Tristan V. Creek* Capt. Kyle S. Harris Capt. Timothy C. Kokotajlo Capt. Banks P. Lin (Space Force) Capt. Ryan P. Montgomery 2nd Lt. Calvin M. Muramoto Capt. Robert J. Wilson 2nd Lt. Allison M. Wong Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Capt. Seung Hwan An Brandon M. Blakely Jonnathan D. Bonifaz Montesdeoca Capt. Tyler A. Brown* 1st Lt. Aaron J. Deluca Capt. Andrew J. Dittrich (Space Force) Capt. Nathan J. Gaul Michael J. Hartnett 2nd Lt. Hunter S. Hayden 2nd Lt. Ryan M. Jans Jenario Y. Johnson Capt. Wayne C. Kreimeyer Capt. Noah Kwock Alexander J. McNeil Capt. Peter F. Norris (Space Force) Capt. Nathaniel R. Peck (Space Force) Capt. Scott C. Podlogar (Space Force) 1st Lt. Guillermo A. Salcedo* Capt. Caleb B. Schmidt (Space Force) (dual degree) 1st Lt. Nathan L. Severance Capt. Devan P. Shivers (Space Force) 1st Lt. Jacob E. Song (Space Force) Capt. David K. Stamper 1st Lt. Niles A. Tate 2nd Lt. Osiris J. Terry Capt. Randal C. Thomas Capt. William J. Tremblay Capt. Samuel O. Vonniederhausern* Tristan T. Williams Master of Science in Engineering Management Capt. Dylan D. Bechen Capt. Tyler J. Brunjes Capt. Eric R. Curia 2nd Lt. Ashton E. Doyal William K. Duncan Capt. Jacob A. Franke Capt. Dylan A. Gagnon Capt. Blake A. Gawlik 2nd Lt. Kevin D. Hansen Maj. Jereme R. Henrard Capt. Gregory J. Howland Capt. Robert B. Kitson Capt. Jedidiah R. Langlois* Capt. Joseph-Thomas H. Lehotsky Capt. Patrick J. Lopez 2nd Lt. Andrew G. Lowe Capt. Andre J. May Capt. Kelly W. Minor Capt. Zachary T. Moer* 2nd Lt. Kristen R. Roberts Capt. David N. Robinson Capt. Erica F. Sadowski Capt. Kiara L. Vance Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Science Master Sgt. Michael H. Ames (dual degree) Capt. Jason R. McDonald (Marine Corps) Maj. Tyson S. Metlen (Marine Corps) 2nd Lt. Owen D. Sedej* Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene Master Sgt. Michael H. Ames (dual degree) Capt. George D. Cooksey Tech. Sgt. Stephanie N. Fuller Tech. Sgt. Brian S. Harvey Master of Science in Logistics Maj. Leroi G. Edwards Maj. Meyliana H. Tongko Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Tech. Sgt. John N. Campos Y Campos Capt. Christian J. Graves Capt. Derrick J. Lohr Master Sgt. Beau D. Messenger Capt. Daniel E. Parkhill* Master Sgt. Alexander J. Price Capt. Christopher T. Price Capt. Brijae A. Scarbrough 2nd Lt. Jack M. Spriggs Capt. Vanessa I. Unseth Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering Capt. Benjamin Boettcher (Army) Zachary D. Bretz 2nd Lt. Preston J. Dicks Capt. Matthew C. Heiskell Micah C. Jeroutek Wade Kloppenburg Thomas J. Schlitt Maj. Zachary R. Scott (Army) Capt. Alexander L. Spring Lt. Col. Theodore W. Stephens (Army) Master of Science in Operations Research Capt. Nicholas C. Anderson 1st Lt. Keith Batista Capt. Jacob P. Batt 1st Lt. Michael A. Cevallos Maj. Anthony J. Correale (Space Force) 1st Lt. Glen R. Drumm 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Escamilla Capt. Daniel F. Feze 2nd Lt. Elizabeth A. Frakes 1st Lt. Virbon B. Frial 1st Lt. Andrew G. Gelbard 1st Lt. Norma Ghanem Capt. Aaron K. Glenn Capt. Kyle W. Goggins Capt. Kassie M. Gurnell 1st Lt. Alex M. Hoffendahl Douglas W. Hubbard Capt. Brian T. Johnson (Army) 2nd Lt. Izaiah G. Laduke 2nd Lt. Daniel G. Laird 2nd Lt. Irene D. Liew* 2nd Lt. Austin P. Logan* 1st Lt. Bradford L. Lott 2nd Lt. Michael M. Maestas 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. McCloskey 2nd Lt. Noah M. Miller 2nd Lt. Andrew E. Mogan* 2nd Lt. David A. Mottice* 2nd Lt. John C. O'Donnell Maj. Andrew E. Pekarek (Army) 1st Lt. Rebecca L. Reynolds Capt. Channel A. Rodriguez Capt. Jonathan M. Turner 2nd Lt. Charles M. Unkrich Master of Science in Scientific and Technical Intelligence 1st Lt. Nathan Carbaugh Jacob M. Dupuis 1st Lt. Joshua F. Mossing Master of Science in Space Systems Capt. Michael J. Bittle (Space Force) Capt. Mark A. Kurtz* (Space Force) 2nd Lt. Jay Laone Capt. Luella N. Lopez (Space Force) 2nd Lt. Alexander C. Urban 2nd Lt. Kyle A. Williams (Space Force) Maj. Benjamin R. Williams (Space Force) Master of Science in Systems Engineering Capt. Christopher M. Arnold Capt. Patrick E. Assef* Capt. Cheyenne N. Bierschbach (Space Force) Capt. Charles E. Caines Maj. Daniel A. Cuellar Master Sgt. James M. Earley Capt. Brian N. Frew (Space Force) 1st Lt. Igor L. Gertsman Capt. Jacob D. Hatzinger* 2nd Lt. Dylan T. Hazlett Maj. Hongseok Kim (Republic of Korea) Capt. Dean A. LaMonica Capt. Alexander J. Miesle Brian R. Novitsky Capt. Taylor A. Patterson Capt. Raymond Pereira Capt. Christopher R. Reed Capt. Caleb B. Schmidt (Space Force) (dual degree) Capt. Li Yu *Distinguished Graduate