Richard Threlkeld, PhD has over a decade of experience with research and development in operations, academics, defense contractors, and commercial entities. He served as a captain in both active and reserve components of the United States Army. After active duty, he continued to serve the Department of Defense in academia working as a principal investigator for multiple defense projects with DTRA, JPEO, SCO, and the Army. He also has experience as a principal investigator and chief architect working for traditional defense contractors on multiple DoD and digital enterprise projects. In addition, he also has led commercial and government research covering a wide range of technologies including digital twins, model based engineering, position, navigation, and timing, power electronics, robotics, autonomy, quantum, artificial intelligence, and harsh environment electronics.