Robert Swain

Dr. Robert Swain is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Engineering Leadership and Program Management at The Citadel's School of Engineering. A retired United States Air Force Colonel with over 34 years of active and reserve military service, he brings extensive leadership experience from combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, as well as a 35-year career as a commercial airline pilot and instructor. His expertise spans program management and aviation operations, informed by his DEng dissertation on aircraft routing and recovery during irregular airline operations.

• BS in Management - United States Air Force Academy (1979)
• M.S. in Systems Management - Florida Institute of Technology (1986)
• DEng in Engineering Management - The George Washington University (2022)

Dr. Swain's research interests focus on Engineering Management, Systems Management, and Aviation Operations, particularly in optimizing aircraft routing during logistical disruptions. His work bridges military and civilian aviation leadership with academic program management frameworks.

A Certified Professional Engineering Manager (CPEM) by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), he currently serves on the National Institute of Building Science (NIBS) board of directors. His career emphasizes strategic leadership in complex systems, combining military command roles with extensive global airline experience.