Dr. Maxwell has a background in mathematics, physics, mechanical and aerospace engineering with nearly 15 years of experience in munitions, missiles, space systems, and hypersonic aerodynamics and propulsion. He currently heads the Hypersonic Aerodynamics and Propulsion section within the Spacecraft Engineering Division of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. His work spans a portfolio of more than $120M of basic and applied research and development that includes the establishment of the NRL Hypersonic Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory, coordinating hypersonics research among 15 of NRL’s 17 diverse research divisions, and he serves as Principal Investigator for the four-agency OUSD(R&E)-sponsored Surface Morphing and Adaptive Structures for Hypersonics (SMASH) program where he leads a team of more than 150 scientists, engineers, faculty, and students. He has more than two dozen patented and patent-pending inventions, authored more than 70 public and classified papers, has earned five publication awards, an Edison Patent Award, a Technology Transfer and Transition Award, the Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal, and the ASN(RD&A) Delores M. Etter Top Scientists & Engineers Individual Engineer Award. His hobbies include wood working, hiking, sailing, and flying aerobatic and vintage aircraft.