Principal Scientists
AOI principle scientists are nationally-recognized leaders in advanced aerodynamic/optical technologies and applications.
Dr. G. Newton Freeman, Founder and President
Dr. Freeman is the founder and president of AOI where he directs phenomenology-related analysis programs in the areas of engine combustion, plume dynamics, molecular/particle kinetics, and nonequilibrium radiation. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering from Purdue (PhD-1969), Rensselear (MS-1965), and Brown (1962). Dr. Freeman has achieved national recognition for his significant contributions in the area of fluid physics and plume signature modeling and analysis and has played major roles in the development of several DoD-standard computer codes which include the Composite High-Altitude Radiation Model (CHARM), Standard Infrared Radiation Code (SIRRM), Standard Plume Ultraviolet Code (SPURC) and Composite Hardbody and Multiple Plume (CHAMP) code. Prior to founding AOI, Dr. Freeman served as director of target signature technology at Photon Research Associates (1977-1987) and as staff scientist at The Aerospace Corporation (1969-1977).
Dr. Blaine E. Pearce, Chief Scientist
Dr. Pearce is vice-president and chief scientist of AOI where he directs and conducts research and development projects in fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, thermophysics, radiative transfer, and meteorology. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington (PhD-1968) and the University of California at Berkeley (MS-1964, BS-1963). Dr. Pearce has made notable fundamental contributions across a broad spectrum of technologies and applications which include missile boost/reentry dynamics, radar/optical target/background signatures, sensor system performance, space test planning/analysis, computational simulation, and environmental remediation. At AOI, Dr. Pearce has been responsible for technical direction and support of diverse scientific and engineering programs which include CFD code evaluation and exploitation for MDA/IST (sensors and phenomenology) and AFSMC/MT (space-based infrared surveillance). Prior to joining AOI, Dr. Pearce served as staff scientist at Calspan (1987-1994), General Electric (1985-1987), Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton (1977-1985), and The Aerospace Corporation (1968-1977).