Mr. David Blair – Director

Mr. David Blair is a Computer Scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, Cyber Assurance Branch (AFRL/RIGA) in Rome, NY - his hometown. He has been on the ACE staff since September 2016. David earned his B.A. in Mathematical Sciences from Binghamton University, and pursued further education in Computer Science and Economics at the University at Buffalo. His previous ACE duties include research mentor and curriculum lead. David’s research interests lie in computational complexity, group theory, kernel development, and systems programming. He enjoys reading, learning, and being an unapologetic Mac fanboy.

Mr. Samuel Allen – Lead Engineer

Samuel Allen is a Computer Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI). He graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and the Information Assurance Internship/Advanced Course in Engineering (ACE) in 2012. He served as an Active Duty Air Force Developmental Engineering Officer for 2.5 years before separating and starting work at AFRL/RI as a Federal Civilian employee in 2015. Samuel is currently the Lead Developer and Network Engineer for the ACE. He is a Linux enthusiast and his favorite programming language is Golang. He is married with two daughters and enjoys cycling, reading, and playing Magic: The Gathering.

Mrs. Wendy Carpenter – Intern Project Team Lead

Wendy Carpenter is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and minors in Education and Chemistry. Wendy has spent most of her career working in nontraditional educational settings and truly believes this is where she thrives. When not working, Wendy spends time at home with her husband, grown children and menagerie of pets. She also spends time volunteering at NEAR (Northeast Avian rescue), exploring her new home area of Central New York and indulging her passion for winemaking.

Lauren Fossel – Operations Coordinator

Lauren Fossel is the ACE Operations Coordinator at the Griffiss Institute. She graduated from Williams College with a double major in computer science and astrophysics in June of 2022. She was a member of the 2020 virtual ACE class, and returned for two additional summers as a Graduate Assistant. Lauren, a Colorado native, enjoys running and adventure racing, most notably running rim to rim through the Grand Canyon and racing a half marathon up a 14,000 ft mountain.

Dr. Erich Devendorf – Advisor

Dr. Erich Devendorf is an advisor and previous Director of the Advanced Course in Engineering and AFRL/RI Cyber Exercise Lead. In these roles, he creates and executes multinational training exercises focused on the mission context of cyber and kinetic operations. His vision for mission-based training has transformed Air Force cyber warrior development and influenced military exercises. Dr. Devendorf’s support of aggressors squadrons has improved their ability to provide faithful threat emulation that challenges the current defensive cyber operations paradigm. He advocates a fundamental shift away from the defense of homogeneous systems to the maneuver of heterogeneous entities designed to complete the mission.

Col. Bill Gray, USAF (Ret.) – Advisor

Colonel Gray (USAF, Retired) retired from the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1991 after 30 years of service as a commissioned officer. During his time in the Air Force, he served in many positions including Headquarters, USAF (Chief of Intelligence Planning), United States Air Forces in Europe (Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence), and USAF Rome Laboratory (Director of Intelligence and Reconnaissance). After retiring from the Air Force, Colonel Gray served for 20 years in contractor research and development leadership positions supporting Air Force operations and intelligence. He is currently a member of the AFRL Volunteer Emeritus Corps. Colonel Gray is a graduate of Kent State University (Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Education) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Master of Science, Management Science).

Col. Fred Wieners, USAF (Ret.) – Advisor

Fred Wieners is a retired Air Force officer who served for 29 years as a pilot and commander, a staff officer in the Pentagon, and as a professor and department chairman of military strategy and operations at the National War College in Washington DC. He also served as the Professor of Aerospace Studies commanding the ROTC officer commissioning program at Syracuse University. After retiring from the Air Force, Fred remained in uniform starting a Junior ROTC leadership and character education program at Rome Free Academy dedicated to ‘building better citizens for America.’ Fred currently serves as a faculty member facilitating various leadership development courses at the National Fire Academy for fire service Captains and Chiefs from around the nation. As a Federally Licensed Battlefield Guide he conducts numerous leadership staff rides for military, government and industry groups as well as ‘character development’ tours for educational groups using the Gettysburg National Military Park as the context for some insightful active experiential learning. He currently resides near Gettysburg with his wife Rita.