Philip Brandt

Biography

Mr. Philip “PB” Brandt (Lieutenant Colonel/O-5, USAF Retired) is an Assistant Professor of Aviation, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, University of North Dakota (UND). His studies focus on unmanned and autonomous systems, human-machine teaming viewed from a humanist perspective, the role of the human operator in modern aerial mission planning and navigation, and the works of Colonel John Boyd.

He has taught at UND since 2017 and is the prime instructor for the Aviation Department’s AVIT 411-International and Long-Range Navigation, AVIT 239-Autonomous Fundamentals, and AVIT 240-UAS Enabling Concepts courses. Prof Brandt is also a regular contributor to research, technology, business, and talent development projects for the UND Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS). He has led and contributed to multiple UAS and STEM outreach efforts throughout North Dakota. He is currently serving as Co-Principal Investigator, leading the User Studies and Human Factors team, on a US Army Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC)-funded research effort to develop an Augmented Reality system for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

Mr. Brandt possesses an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, a B.A. in Literature, and holds USAF Senior Pilot and Navigator aeronautical ratings, as well as FAA commercial and instrument airplane and helicopter licenses. He has over 1,600 hours flight time in the EC-130H, HH-60G, RQ-4B, and various civil training aircraft. Mr. Brandt is also a factory-certified operator and technician for UAV Factory's Penguin-C UAS.