Jessica H. Dwyer

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Lieutenant Colonel Jessica H. Dwyer

Lt Col Dwyer

Lieutenant Colonel Jessica H. Dwyer is the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 205 at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. She leads all training, education, assessment, and recruitment of prospective Air Force and Space Force Officers enrolled at the university as well as students enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University and John A. Logan College.

In 2004, Lt Col Dwyer earned an active duty commission into the United States Air Force as a Distinguished Graduate from the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. Lt Col Dwyer holds a Master of Science Degree in Physics and Astronomy from Dartmouth College and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University.

As an Air Force Physicist, she conducted space plasma research, specifically the effects of solar activity and the earth’s radiation belts on terrestrial and low-earth-orbit space assets. She served two instructor tours in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Physics where she also directed their Center for Physics Education Research. In 2016, Lt Col Dwyer deployed to Pristina, Kosovo in support of Operation JOINT GUARDIAN where she authored strategic plans for Headquarters Kosovo Forces.

Prior to her current assignment, Lt Col Dwyer directed the Superintendent’s Commander’s Action Group at the U.S. Air Force Academy. She coordinated General Officer and Direct Reporting Unit actions with the Department of the Air Force, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Office of Secretary of Defense, Capitol Hill, local civic leaders, and executive agencies. She also formulated strategic policy while leading the Academy’s Headquarters program integration for high profile projects and events across a 7,000-person installation.

 

  • 2004 Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, VA
  • 2009 Master of Science in Physics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
  • 2015 Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
  • 2018 Master of Military Operational Art & Science, Air Command & Staff College In-Residence, Maxwell, AFB