Brent T. Langhals

Dr. Brent T. Langhals serves as Associate Professor of Information Resource Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Department of Systems and Engineering Management, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. He directs the AFIT Data Analytics Program and chairs the Information Systems specialization curriculum, actively contributing to defense-focused research and graduate education.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Management - Management Information Systems Concentration (minor: Systems and Industrial Engineering), University of Arizona, Eller College of Management (2011). Dissertation: "Using Eye and Head Based Psychophysiological Cues to Enhance Screener Vigilance"
• M.S. in Information Resource Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (2001). Thesis: "The Effect of Varying Arousal Methods upon Vigilance and Error Detection in an Automated Command and Control Environment"
• B.S. in History, United States Air Force Academy (1995)

Research Focus: Dr. Langhals' work integrates data analytics, database systems, and human-computer interaction with systems engineering principles. His investigations into psychophysiological cues and operator vigilance bridge cognitive science with defense applications, yielding practical solutions for security screening, aviation interfaces, and military decision-making. Current projects emphasize machine learning for predictive analytics in high-stakes environments.

Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates interdisciplinary reach across defense logistics (F-22 sortie cancellations, construction contracts), public health (marijuana use, food insecurity), and emerging technologies (UAS applications, NoSQL databases). His scholarship consistently applies data science to military challenges while advancing fundamental research in human factors and database engineering.

Scientific Recognition:

• Two-time Sigma Iota Epsilon Instructor of the Year (2024, 2018)
• Department Educator of the Year (2013)
• Multiple Air Force commendations including Field Grade Officer of the Quarter (2008, 2006)

Mentorship & Leadership: Dr. Langhals has graduated 59 Master's/PhD students (38 residential, 21 distance learning) while teaching core courses in Database Systems, Data Analytics, and Strategic Information Management. His research leadership spans contracts in data management, systems engineering, and human performance optimization for Department of Defense applications.

Research Infrastructure: As Data Analytics Program Director, he oversees AFIT's research ecosystem for defense data science, coordinating faculty and resources across the Department of Systems and Engineering Management to develop next-generation analytical capabilities for Air Force missions.