Lori D. Coombs is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, where she teaches Uncrewed Space Systems and Applications. She also serves as a senior technical leader supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and is an associate professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus, specializing in information systems, cybersecurity, advanced air mobility and aerospace infrastructure.
Coombs' research examines the interactions among the heliosphere, space weather, Earth's atmosphere and planetary environments that influence space operations and future human spaceflight. Her work integrates physics-based modeling, satellite observations, artificial intelligence, data science and remote sensing to strengthen the resilience and cybersecurity of space, aviation and communications systems.
Prior to joining Embry-Riddle, Coombs served as a Senior Principal Technical Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, where she led cybersecurity and cloud modernization initiatives supporting Earth science data systems. She received NASA's Robert H. Goddard Award for Mentoring in recognition of her leadership and commitment to developing future professionals. Throughout her career, she has supported numerous federal organizations, including the U.S. Senate, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency and other national security agencies, advancing secure aerospace, geospatial and mission-critical technologies.
In addition to her teaching and research, Coombs serves as vice chair of the IEEE Northern Virginia Section Professional Activities Committee, is a member of the Strategic AI Advisory Board at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and is CEO of WWCM, an organization focused on STEM education and cybersecurity workforce development.
M.S. - Master of Science in Systems Engineering, George Washington University
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration in Management, Bowie State University
B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Business, Bowie State University
Strategic Artificial Intelligence Certificate Program - University of Colorado Colorado Springs: CANVAS
ARFF Working Group's 28th Annual Conference & Educational Symposium - Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Working Group (ARFF)