AFRL Inspire, a three-hour special event presented by the Air Force Research Laboratory with eight TEDx-style talks, will be livestreamed from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Kenney Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 23,  at 1 p.m. EDT. 

Inspire showcases the innovative ideas and passionate people from across the science and technology enterprise through entertaining and thought-provoking talks where speakers share personal stories and make complex topics more understandable.​​

This year’s program, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, features nine employees from across the lab and one special guest speaker, retired Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, a former commander of AFRL and Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL historians Dr. Darren Raspa and Jeff Duford will serve as the hosts, highlighting the importance of learning from the past to ensure future success in innovation.

With topics spanning from an astrophysicist’s journey to Antarctica to a biologist’s trip under the sea, speakers will share how they develop solutions for warfighters.

This year’s lineup of speakers features AFRL scientists, engineers and professionals including:

• Dr. Steve Chambreau, physical chemist at Aerospace Systems Directorate, Edwards Air Force Base, California;
• Steve Colenzo, technology transfer lead, Information Directorate; Rome, New York;
• Dr. Mike Goodson, research biologist, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio;
• Dr. Kerianne Hobbs, ACT3 safe autonomy and space lead; Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio;
• Delia Jesaitis, communications lead action officer; Information Directorate, Rome, New York;
• Dr. Jayde King, research psychologist; 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio;
• Brian “Mitch” Mitchell, STEM pipeline coordinator; Munitions Directorate; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida;
• Maj. Michael Nayak, program manager; Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, formerly with AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate; Maui, Hawaii;
• Dr. Melissa Wilson, nurse scientist and civilian executive officer; 711th Human Performance Wing; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

To view the event, visit AFRL’s YouTube Page at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxhb2PzJTQA