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            DR. DAVID F. O'BRIENDr. David F. O'Brien is Chief Scientist, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. The center operates and maintains the U.S. Atomic Energy Detection System, a suite of space-based and subsurface sensors, which monitors foreign compliance with the treaties limiting nuclear testing. A network of trace material analysis laboratories, 14 worldwide detachments and operating locations, and several unmanned equipment locations support the detection system. As Chief Scientist, he is the principal adviser to the commander on scientific and technical matters relating to the center's mission and to its relationships with national and international organizations. 
Dr. O'Brien entered the Air Force in 1964 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. During his 23 years as an Air Force commissioned officer, he served in numerous scientific research and technical positions. These positions included in-house laboratory research, technical contract management, analysis and evaluation of national systems technical data, strategic research and development planning and programming.**EDUCATION**
1964 Bachelor's degree in basic science, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. 
1966 Master's degree in nuclear engineering, University of Illinois 
1977 Doctor of Philosophy in physics, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
1979 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 
1991 Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.**CAREER CHRONOLOGY**
1. September 1964 - February 1966, student, Air Force Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana 
2. February 1966 - September 1968, research associate and project manager, Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
3. September 1968 - August 1972, nuclear research officer, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Washington, D.C. 
4. August 1972 - March 1974, student, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
5. March 1974 - February 1977, research physicist, Air Force Materials Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
6. February 1977 - July 1977, Chief, Laser Hardened Materials Branch, Air Force Materials Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
7. August 1977 - July 1978, assistant Chief, Electro-Magnetic Materials Division, Air Force Materials Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
8. August 1978 - June 1979, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 
9. July 1979 - February 1980, assistant Chief, Space Division, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla. 
10. February 1980 - August 1982, assistant for Special Projects, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla. 
11. August 1982 - February 1985, Advance Applications Program Manager, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla. 
12. February 1985 - February 1987, Deputy Director, Advanced Systems Directorate, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla. 
13. September 1987 - January 1989, Deputy Director, Advanced Systems Directorate, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla. 
14. January 1989 - present, Chief Scientist, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick AFB, Fla.**AWARDS AND HONORS**
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Senior Missile Badge
Gen. Lewis H. Brereton Award, Air Force Association (Florida)
2006 Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award
2010 Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award
(Current as of May 2012)