Full Curriculum Vitae

Jeffrey D. Craighead, Ph. D. Link to heading

Lead Scientist
Soar Technology, LLC.

Office address:
4715 Data Court, Suite 400
Orlando, FL 32817

Education Link to heading

  • Ph. D. in Computer Science. August 2009. University of South Florida (Tampa)
    • Dissertation Title: “Improving Ad-Hoc Team Performance Using Video Games”
    • Advisors: Dr. Robin Murphy and Dr. Lawrence Hall
    • Major Fields: Mobile Robotics & Serious Games
    • Minor Fields: Mathematics & Entrepreneurship
  • M.S. in Computer Science. December 2008. University of South Florida (Tampa)
  • B.S. in Computer Science. May 2004. University of South Florida (Tampa)

Patents Link to heading

  • #9,436,298 - An extendable mouth stylus to support electronic device use by quadriplegic individuals
  • #11,246,806 & #11,806,312 - A system and medication box for improving medication adherence

Employment Link to heading

  • Lead Scientist (October 2022 - Current)
    Soar Technology (Orlando) www.soartech.com
    Research Scientist (May 2018 - October 2022)

    • Lead research and development of AI, XR, and adaptive training technologies for the US Department of Defense to enhance warfighter capabilities and force readiness. Problem spaces cover medical, autonomy, warfighter training, command and control, and cyber. Primary DoD agencies funding this work are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army.
      • Skyfall - emergency parachute descent procedures trainer
      • PerMuTa - synthetic data generation for aviation proficiency based training analytics
      • APPA - aviation performance and proficiency analytics utilizing behavior envelopes, AI-driven statistical analyses, and synthetic data
      • JITMATE - just in time / on the job training with XR and AI agents.
      • OPTEMPO - human teaming performance measurement using biomarkers
      • Trafalgar - tools for enhancing open source intelligence monitoring
      • SERUM/Brimstone - reusable synthetic role players and low SWaP speech recognition applied to JTAC training in VR.
      • P-RIOT - primary radio and instrument operations trainer with offline speech recognition and generation for mobile devices
      • STE LTS - developing automated target identification and hit adjudication prototypes for the U.S. Army Synthetic Training Environment’s Live Training System
      • Lingo - mobile-based communications trainer for AWACS radio operator students
      • C-CHAT - medical handoff communications training assessment tool for Role 1 caregivers
      • ISAAC Mobile - a mobile-device based abductive reasoning engine for automating medical diagnoses and intervention recommendations
      • WingMAN / IMPACT Barany Chair - prototype portable, computer controlled Barany chair for integration with a spatial disorientation training tool (WingMAN)
      • ARCHER - a medium fidelity flight simulator developed for use in hypoxia awareness training programs for fighter pilots
      • AssistMate - automated assessment of ontologies and knowledge graphs to generate course of action recommendations based on available intelligence
      • C3ARESYS - virtual moulage for live force-on-force training targeting the Microsoft HoloLens / IVAS
      • Neuroplex - synthetic data generation and automated image analysis for complex event recognition
      • STARBUCK - prototype augmented reality heads-up display for ship navigation in high traffic waters
      • ADAPT XR (JITMATE RADIO) - prototype integrating real and virtual elements that provides automated assessment of student antenna construction for a basic radio operations course
    • Lead engineering teams of 2 to 10 engineers using a combination of agile methodologies as needed to suit project size. Facilitate delivery and installation of multiple Phase III hardware and software products.
    • Develop concepts and proposals for funding through DoD SBIR, OTA, and BAA contracting mechanisms.

  • Chief Architect & Partner (July 2012 - May 2018). Silent Partner Technologies (Tampa)

    • Design and implement cloud-based asset and inventory management software and related APIs.
    • Design and implement desktop applications to configure and operate networks of heterogeneous collections of RFID hardware.
    • Direct development activities of contract developers and OEMs.
    • Gather system requirements through regular on-site and online meetings with customers.
    • Develop mobile applications (Android, iOS, WindowsCE) that interact with the SPT cloud services.
    • Design and prototype custom hardware solutions for RFID tags, readers, and sensors.
    • Develop firmware applications for a variety of RFID related devices.
    • Work with contract manufactures to bring custom RFID hardware to market.
    • Manage collaborative work with University of South Florida to develop new 3D RFID antennas.
    • Design and conduct experiments to evaluate a variety of RFID readers, antennas, and tags.

  • Research Computer Scientist (July 2012 - July 2015). HSR&D/RR&D Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (Tampa)

    • Collaborate with other VA HSR&D/RR&D researchers to provide expertise in sensors, data acquisition, and real-time data processing for a variety of laboratory experiments.
    • Develop and maintain custom applications in LabView and Python to support lab-based experiments.

  • Applications Development Consultant (October 2010 - July 2012).

    • Develop custom applications in LabView for high speed data acquisition using hardware from National Instruments and custom designed data acquisition hardware.
    • Design and assemble custom data acquisition hardware PCBs (DAQ, accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS)

  • Research Computer Scientist / Director, Intelligent Systems Lab (August 2009 - July 2012). HSR&D/RR&D Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (Tampa)

    • Co-PI and project manager of a $3,000,000 prototype smart rehabilitation environment in the Tampa VA Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program. Manage software and hardware development and installation performed by project contractors.
    • Develop iOS and Mac applications for measuring patient gait and balance characteristics utilizing wearable, wireless AHRS sensors.
    • Develop iOS mapping application used by VA staff in prototype smart rehabilitation environment.
    • Develop custom wearable, wireless sensor system for monitoring grip force for use in VA Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behaviors training course.
    • Develop custom LabView applications for data acquisition from a variety of analog and digital sensors.
    • Continue development of the real-time fractal path analysis algorithm for use with real-time location monitoring sensor systems.
    • Develop data processing application for statistical analysis of location data from real-time location monitoring systems (RTLS).
    • Develop and submit proposals for funding from VA and other federal agencies.
    • Author and co-author published, peer-reviewed scientific articles.
    • Collaborate with other VA investigators to develop, evaluate, and implement technology solutions for a variety of projects from patient balance assessment to evaluation of blast related injuries on simulated humans.

  • Undergraduate Instructor (Fall 2008). University of South Florida (Tampa)

    • Develop curriculum for Introduction to Robotics course, including implementation of a lunar rover simulator for in-class assignments and assessments.
    • Provide lecture- and lab-based instruction to students on the principles of behavior-based robotics.

  • Lab Manager (Spring 2006 - Spring 2008). Center for Robot Assisted Search and Rescue. University of South Florida (Tampa)

    • Organize laboratory equipment, manage assets and IT equipment, provide logistics support for field tests and deployments.
    • Repair robotic equipment.
    • Develop custom sensor mounting solutions for urban search and rescue robots.

  • Research Assistant (August 2004 - August 2009). Center for Robot Assisted Search and Rescue. University of South Florida (Tampa)

    • Develop Java interface to X-Plane for testing UAV control algorithms implemented in CRASAR’s Java-based Distributed Field Robot Architecture.
    • Develop the custom robot simulation platform Search and Rescue Game Environment (SARGE) to simulate a variety of vehicles and sensors for use with the Distributed Field Robot Architecture and for use as a training tool for robot operators.
    • Develop custom, modular user interface for robots running the Distributed Robot Field Architecture
    • Build and fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in a variety of experiments for traffic monitoring and land mine detection.
    • Field test a variety of infrared and range sensors from Canesta and FLIR for use on urban search and rescue robots.
    • Develop visualization tool for Velodyne 3D LIDAR scanner.
    • Instruct urban search and rescue teams in the use of Inuktun VGTV robots during field exercises.

  • Teaching Assistant (Fall 2007 - Spring 2009). University of South Florida (Tampa)

    • Provide laboratory instruction for the Logic Lab course (2009)
    • Provide laboratory instruction for the Intro to AI Robotics course (2007)

Robotics Field Experience Link to heading

Field Work Link to heading

  • Experiment to test game-based training at Disaster City, College Station, TX, 2009
  • NIST/DHS Disaster City Maze Mapping and HRI Experiment, College Station, TX, 2008
  • Tested tethered UAVs in structural collapse, Jacksonville, FL, 2008
  • Tested mesh network equipment on robots at Strong Angle III training event, San Diego, CA,2006
  • Tested robot mounted range sensors in structural collapse training event, Kansas City, MO,2005
  • Ran training station and developed course work for Camp Hurricane, Tampa, FL, 2005
  • Ran experiments using rescue robots with FEMA New Jersey Task Force 3, 2005

Demonstrations Link to heading

  • USF Robotics Test Bed Groundbreaking, 2008
  • SSRRC Spring Symposium, 2006
  • Fox 13 News, 2005
  • SSRRC Spring Symposium, 2005
  • ABC National News, 2005
  • Science Channel (“Teknowledge”), 2004 - See the full Techknowledge Science Channel episode here

Teaching Experience Link to heading

  • Teaching Assistant, Spring 2009. Logic Laboratory, University of South Florida
  • Instructor, Fall 2008. Introduction to AI Robotics, University of South Florida
  • Teaching Assistant, Fall 2007. Introduction to AI Robotics with Dr. Robin Murphy, University of South Florida
  • English Instructor, June 2002 to August 2002. Zhu Cheng Middle High School, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC)

Service Link to heading

Mentoring Link to heading

  • Justin Barnwell - SoarTech Intern, 2022
  • Ralph Dimayuga - SoarTech Intern, 2018
  • Jeffrey Kramer - Masters Thesis, 2010
  • Hamed Yazdian - Senior Project, 2010
  • Daniel Ajo - Senior Project, 2010
  • Andrey Shipalov - Senior Project, 2010
  • Timothy Sax - Senior Project, 2010

Reviewer Link to heading

  • Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 2011
  • Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 2010
  • International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), 2008
  • International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2008

Other Activities Link to heading

  • Code Orlando STEM & Workplace Experience (2020-2023)
  • IBM Middle School Mentoring Program (2008)
  • Middle School Robot Camp (2008)
  • USF Engineering Expo (2004-2006)
  • VideoFish. Engineering Lead (2004)
  • USF Leadership House (1999-2000)

Professional Affiliations (Past and Present) Link to heading

ACM, ACM SIG-CHI, IEEE, IEEE-CS, IEEE-RAS

Programming Languages Link to heading

.NET/C#, C/C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, Dart, Go, Swift, Objective-C, PHP, SQL, Ruby, Perl, markdown, Rust

Skills & Technologies Link to heading

MCP, LLMs & Prompt/Context Engineering, Agentic AI implementation, Cloud/System Architecture, Wearable sensors, autonomous systems, sensor fusion, computer vision, model fine tuning, model quantization, IoT, EEG, FNIRS, 3D printing, CAD / 3D modeling, Unity game engine, VR/AR/MR

Personal Link to heading

I currently live in Clermont, Florida with my wife Jamie and our sons Alex and Kent. We operate a small farm breeding goats and pugs. We make goat milk soap and grow several varieties of bamboo and other ornamental plants. I am an Eagle Scout and private pilot. My non-work interests include flying, sailing, cooking, fishing, shooting sports, photography and astronomy.

Publication List Link to heading

Refereed Conferences Link to heading

  • IITSEC 2025 OPTEMPO paper
  • Elaine Choy, Jeff Craighead, Joseph Cohn. “Evaluating the Usability of the Primary Phase Radio instrument and Operations Trainer (P-RIOT)” In proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2025). July 2025.
  • Brian Wang, Julian de Gortari Briseno, Liying Han, Henry Phillips, Jeffrey Craighead, Ben Purman, Lance Kaplan, and Mani Srivastava. “Adapting Complex Event Detection to Perceptual Domain Shifts.” In MILCOM 2024-2024 IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM), pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2024.
  • Glenn Taylor, Jeffrey Craighead, Kortney Menefee, Logan Lebanoff, Chris Ballinger, Stephen McGee. “An Interactive Virtual Assistant for Flexible Just-in-Time Training”. Accepted to the 2024 AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing (AHFE 2024 Hawaii Edition). December 8-10, 2024.
  • Henry Phillips, Mani Srivastava, Ben Purman, Jeff Craighead, Brian Wang, Julian de Gortari Briseno, Lance Kaplan. “Detection of Complex Events in Synthetic Aerial Sensor Data with NeuroSymbolic Reasoning”. Proceedings of the 2023 Military Sensing Symposia (MSS) Joint Conference - Battlespace Acoustic, Seismic, Magnetic, and Electric-Field Sensing and Signatures Committee (MSS BAMS 2023). November 6-9, 2023.
  • Alyssa Tanaka, Jeffrey Craighead, Glenn Taylor. “The Application of Augmented Reality for Immersive TC3 Training”. Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference. December 2019.
  • Alyssa Tanaka, Jeffrey Craighead, Glenn Taylor, Robert A. Sottilare. “Adaptive Learning Technology for AR Training: Possibilities and Challenges”. 2019 International Conference on Human Computer Interaction. July 2019.
  • Jeff Craighead, Mary Elizabeth Bowen, Angel Klanchar, Jan Jasiewicz, Chadwick A. Wingrave. “Tracking Technology Lessons Learned in Two Health Care Sites”. Proceedings of the 2011 Workshop on Interactive Systems in Healthcare (WISH 2011). October 2011.
  • Jeff Craighead. “Using Fractal Dimension to Assess Robot Operator Search Skill”. Proceedings of the 2009 Workshop on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR 2009). November 2009.
  • Jeff Craighead, Rodrigo Gutierrez, Jennifer Burke, Robin Murphy. “Validating The Search and Rescue Game Environment As A Robot Simulator By Performing A Simulated Anomaly Detection Task”. International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2008). September 2008.
  • Jeff Craighead, Jennifer Burke, Robin Murphy. “Using the Unity Game Engine to Develop SARGE: A Case Study”. Workshop on Simulation at the 2008 International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2008). September 2008.
  • Jeff Craighead. “ Distributed, game-based, intelligent tutoring systems - the next step in computer based training?”. International Symposium on Collaborative Technologies and Systems (CTS 2008). Pages 247-257. May 2008.
  • Jeff Craighead, Robin Murphy, Jenny Burke, Brian Goldiez. “A Robot Simulator Classification System for HRI”. Proceedings of the 2007 International Symposium on Collaborative Technologies and Systems (CTS 2007). Pages 93-98. May 2007.
  • Jeff Craighead, Robin Murphy, Jenny Burke, Brian Goldiez. “A Survey of Commercial & Open Source Unmanned Vehicle Simulators”. Proceedings of the 2007 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2007). Pages 852-857. April 2007.
  • Jeff Craighead. “Fuzzy User Satisfaction in Games”. Proceedings of the 9th International Computer Games Conference (CGAMES 2006). Pages 14-18. November 2006.
  • Jeff Craighead, Brian Day, Robin Murphy. “Evaluation of Canesta’s Range Sensor Technology for Urban Search and Rescue and Robot Navigation”. Proceedings of the 2006 International Workshop for Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR 2006). August 2006.
  • Daniel Ernst, Kimon Valavanis, Jeff Craighead. “Automated Process for Unmanned Systems Controller Implementation Using MATLAB”. Proceedings of the 14th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation. June 2006.
  • L. Barnes, R. Murphy, J. Craighead. “Human Robot Coordination Using Scripts”. Proceedings of the 2006 SPIE Defense and Security Symposium. Pages 126-134. April 2006.
  • J.L. Griffiths and J.D. Craighead. “Applying Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to Tourism: A Case Study and Recommendations” International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2004) SIG e-culture, Washington D.C., December 2004.

Refereed Journals Link to heading

  • Kearns, WD., Fozard, JL., Ray, RD., Scott, S., Jasiewicz, JM., Craighead, JD., Pagano, CV. “Movement path tortuosity predicts compliance with therapeutic behavioral prompts in TBI patients”. Journal of Head Trauma Research. 2016 Jan-Feb. Vol 31. Issue 1. Page E20-E27. DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000126
  • William D. Kearns, James L. Fozard, Jan M. Jasiewicz, Jeffrey D. Craighead. “Temporo-Spatial Prompting for Persons with Cognitive Impairment using a Smart Wrist-worn Interface”. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. Volume 50(10). 2014.
  • William D. Kearns, James L. Fozard, Marian Becker, Jan M. Jasiewicz, Jeffrey D. Craighead, Lori Holtsclaw, Charles Dion. “Path Tortuosity in Everyday Movements of Elderly Persons Increases Fall Prediction Beyond Knowledge of Fall History, Medication Use, and Standardized Gait and Balance Assessments”. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Volume 13. Issue 7. September 2012.
  • Mary E. Bowen, Veronica Nieves-Garcia, Angelina Klanchar, Jeffrey Craighead. “Multidrug Resistant Organisms in a Community Living Facility: Tracking Patient Interactions and Time Spent in Common Areas”. American Journal of Infection Control. Volume 40. Issue 7. September 2012. DOI:j.ajic.2011.08.015
  • Mary Elizabeth Bowen, Chadwick A. Wingrave, Angel Klanchar, Jeff Craighead. “Tracking Technology: Lessons Learned in Two Health Care Sites”. Technology and Health Care. Volume 21. Number 3. April 2013. DOI: 10.3233/THC-130738
  • Jan Jasiewicz, William Kearns, Jeffrey Craighead, James L. Fozard, Steven Scott, Jay McCarthy, Jr. “Smart Rehabilitation for the 21st Century”. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. Volume 48. Number 8. 2011.
  • William Kearns, James Fozard, Vilis Nams, Jeffrey Craighead. “Wireless telesurveillance system for detecting dementia”. Journal of Gerontechnology. Volume 10(2). 2011.
  • Jeff Craighead. “Using Fractal Dimension to Assess Robot Operator Search Skill”. Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems. Volume 64. Number 1. Pages 97-118. 2011. DOI: 10.1007/s10846-010-9530-8
  • Mary Elizabeth Bowen, Jeffrey Craighead, Chadwick A. Wingrave, William D. Kearns. “Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) to Improve Fall Detection. Journal of Gerontechnology. Volume 9. Issue 4. Pages 464-471. December 2010.
  • Kimon Valavanis, Daniel Ernst, Richard Garcia, Jeff Craighead. “Unmanned Vehicle Controller Design, Evaluation and Implementation: From MATLAB to Printed Circuit Board”. Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems. Volume 49, Issue 1. Pages 85-108. May 2007.

Books Link to heading

  • Schmorrow, D., Sottilare, R., Zaientz, J., Sauter, J., Jones, R., Newton, C., … & Pelican, U. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Defense. Advances in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Industrial and Systems Engineering, 125-158.

Conference Presentations Link to heading

  • Jeffrey Craighead, Joseph Cohn. “Enhancing Tactical Combat Casualty Care (T3C) Training with Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Augmented Reality (AR)” Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) 2025, Orlando, Florida. August 2025.
  • Jeffrey Craighead. “Welcome Home: Smart Living for Polytrauma Veterans.” 2010 Ubisense User Conference. Cambridge, UK. September 2010.
  • Stephanie Hart-Hughes, Jeffrey Craighead, Jan Jasiewicz. “Integration of Rehabilitative Technologies into Clinical Practice.” VA Amputation Skills Seminar. Tampa, Florida. June 2010.
  • Jeffrey Craighead. “Integration of heterogeneous sensor systems into an easy-to-use mobility assessment tool.” International Society for Gerontechnology 7th World Conference. Vancouver, Canada. May 2010.

Videos and Posters Link to heading

  • Jeffrey Craighead, William Kearns, Jim Fozard, Stephanie Hart-Hughes, Jan Jasiewicz. “Gait Up & Go: A Therapist Friendly iPod Based Tool for Mobility Assessment.” Poster. 2010 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Annual Health IT Grantee and Contractor Meeting. Washington D.C. June 2010.
  • Rodrigo Gutierrez, Jeff Craighead. “A Native iPhone Packbot OCU”. Video. 2009 International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2009). San Diego, CA. March 2009.
  • Jeff Craighead, Jenny Burke, Robin Murphy. “SARGE: A User Centric Robot Simulator and Training Environment”. Poster. 2008 International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2008). Amsterdam, The Netherlands. March 2008.
  • J.L. Griffiths and J.D. Craighead “Applying Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to Tourism: A Case Study - France” Poster. American Association of Geographers (AAG 2004) Student Poster Session, Philadelphia, PA. March 2004.

Non-Refereed Print Link to heading

  • William Kearns, Steven Scott, Jeff Craighead, Jan M. Jasiewicz. “Real Time Location for Health Service Delivery: New Directions” RF WAVES - eNewsletter of the RFID in Healthcare Consortium. April 2010