Santasri R. Bose-Pillai

Santasri R. Bose-Pillai is a Research Assistant Professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) within the Engineering Physics department, part of the Center for Directed Energy. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Optics focus) from New Mexico State University (2008), an M.S. in Electrical Engineering (2005), and a B.S.E.E. with honors from Jadavpur University, India (2000). Her research focuses on atmospheric optics, directed energy applications, and laser communications, with expertise in turbulence profiling, imaging through atmosphere, and partially coherent source generation.

She is a senior member of SPIE and a member of OSA and DEPS. Prior roles include Visiting Assistant Professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Notable achievements include advising students awarded the Dean’s thesis prize (2020) and best student presentation (2019). Her work spans academic collaborations, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to conferences such as IEEE Aerospace and SPIE. Key contributions include developing methods for atmospheric turbulence measurement using Hartmann sensors and time-lapse imagery.

• Education:
  • PhD, Electrical Engineering (Optics), New Mexico State University, 2008
  • M.S., Electrical Engineering, New Mexico State University, 2005
  • B.S.E.E. (Honors), Jadavpur University, India, 2000
• Research Interests:
  • Optical turbulence profiling
  • Directed energy systems
  • Laser communication reliability
  • Partially coherent source engineering
• Awards:
  • Jadavpur University Alumni Association Award for academic excellence (2000)
  • Co-advisor to Dean’s award-winning thesis (2020)
  • Advisor to best student presentation (2019)
• Advising & Collaboration:
  • Guided students Alexander Boeckenstedt and Benjamin Wilson.
  • Active in directed energy research teams at AFIT.