Bio

Thomas Meitzler received his B.S. and M.S. in Physics from Eastern Michigan University, completed graduate coursework at the University of Michigan, and received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and Life Senior Member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Senior member of Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). While at US Army TACOM (now DEVCOM), Dr. Meitzler was involved with the validation, verification, and development of infrared, electro-optical and human visual acquisition models. He was the principal scientist of the TARDEC Visual Perception Laboratory and the principal investigator on Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA’s) with General Motors and Ford Motor Company to apply visual target acquisition models to vehicle detection and integrate sensors for visual-infrared 360 degree situational awareness. He was the principle investigator on several Space Act Agreements with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to develop and test infrared cameras used during the pre-launch inspection of the shuttle and research agreements with the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in visual detection. He has authored/co-authored many papers in the area of electro optic system simulation, visual detection, nondestructive armor evaluation and embedded transducer nondestructive testing of armor materials, spintronic radar detectors, and magnetic field armor. He has developed and integrated technologies for embedded armor health-monitoring, nondestructive testing, and armor embedded radio signal detection and has patents in these technology areas. He received the U.S. Army Meritorious Civilian Service medal and many research awards for this technical work in the US Army. He is a volunteer with a local ski patrol and is a bassoonist in the Royal Oak concert band.