Steven T. Fiorino

Dr. Steven T. Fiorino is a Professor of Engineering Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Graduate School of Engineering and Management. His work focuses on atmospheric effects on directed energy systems, with specific expertise in optical turbulence, aerosol absorption/scattering, and numerical weather prediction for HEL (High Energy Laser) applications.

• PhD in Physical Meteorology (Florida State University, 2002)
• M.S. in Atmospheric Dynamics (Ohio State University, 1993)
• B.S. in Meteorology (Florida State University, 1989)
• B.S. in Geography (Ohio State University, 1987)

His research interests span:

• Atmospheric turbulence profiling via time-lapse imagery, sonic anemometry, and Rayleigh beacons
• Aerosol optical property quantification for laser propagation and helicopter brownout
• Development of global cloud-free line-of-sight (CFLOS) tools using 4D weather cubes
• Integration of NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) with real-time sensor data for battlefield weather support

Recent article trends emphasize multispectral extinction modeling, coupling sensible/latent heat fluxes to optical turbulence, and novel sensor fusion (e.g., PM2.5 counters, IR thermometers, time-lapse cameras). His work appears in Applied Optics, Optical Engineering, and AMS journals, often in collaboration with Dr. J. McCrae, Dr. S. Bose-Pillai, and Dr. K. Keefer.

He has contributed to textbooks like Defense Innovation Handbook (2018) and An Introduction to Laser Weapon Systems (2010), and regularly presents at DEPS Symposia, IEEE Aerospace Conferences, and Optica Congresses.