The Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) at the University of Oklahoma has named John Auld the project manager of operationalizing additive manufacturing. Auld’s addition to the OADII team highlights the institute’s continued strides into the additive manufacturing sector and the growth of institute’s research initiatives.
“OADII is excited to have John Auld join the OU team as we expand our advanced manufacturing research capabilities to help meet national security challenges,” Lt Gen (ret.) Gene Kirkland, OADII executive director, said. “John’s proven project management skills will not only benefit this specific effort, but also advance OU’s strategic pillar goal to become a top-tier public research university.”
During his career, Auld served as the director of operations at the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base where he was responsible for ensuring Air Force warfighters received critical aircraft and mission system upgrades and modernizations. He previously served in numerous capacities for the Air Force, employing his abilities in linguistics, intelligence collection, analysis and reporting, cyber ops, strategic planning of theater defense, airborne command and control, and high value program management.
“It’s a dream come true to join OADII as the program manager of operationalizing additive manufacturing,” Auld said. “I’ve personally experienced the impact that hard-to-procure aircraft parts can have on the ability of our maintainers and warfighters to ensure air dominance. This project will extend the life, reliability and safety of our legacy aircraft and associated capabilities.”
Auld received his master's degree in strategic studies from the American Military University. He is a graduate of the Test Pilot School, Test and Evaluation Program Management Course at Edwards AFB, and has been certified by the Department of Defense as an Advanced Korean Linguist. His prior research has employed mixed method approaches to perform large scale alternate futures analysis of various threats to national security.
