Kyle Kolsti

Dr. Kyle Kolsti is the Director of the Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques Center of Excellence (STAT COE) and the Homeland Security Community of Best Practices (HS COBP) at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) within Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. With over 25 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), Research and Development (R&D), engineering, and aviation, he leads a team focused on developing and applying independent, tailored STAT solutions to T&E to deliver decision-informing insights. His work integrates technical assistance across test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting, while also supporting applied research and professional training for the T&E workforce.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
• M.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Washington
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Texas
• Graduate of Air Command & Staff College, Air War College, and USAF Test Pilot School (Edwards AFB, CA)

Dr. Kolsti's expertise spans scientific test methodologies, homeland security best practices, and aeronautical engineering. His team's mission emphasizes delivering actionable insights through rigorous analysis, supporting both Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiatives. While his current role centers on leadership and technical integration, his career history includes roles as an F-16 pilot, T-38 instructor pilot, and developmental test pilot, alongside teaching aeronautical engineering and flight test at the U.S. Air Force Academy.