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Robert A. Canfield

Robert A. Canfield

Dr. Bob Canfield, Professor Emeritus in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech for more than 16 years, has been a researcher in the field of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) for 42 years. From 2009 to 2021 he served as the Assistant Department Head of Academic Affairs in AOE and as Interim Department Head 2011–2012 and 2021–2022. He was Director of the Virginia Tech Airworthiness Center 2014–2022 and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy 2023–2024.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) recognized Dr. Canfield as Fellow for his pioneering research in design methods adopted throughout industry for automated structural optimization, technical advancement of future vehicle concepts, and leadership in MDO. AIAA selected him for its Sustained Service Award in 2007 and the prestigious biannual AIAA MDO Award for Technical Excellence 2014. He served as AIAA Conference on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization (MAO) Technical Program Chair in 1998, AIAA MDO Technical Committee Chair 2003–2005, and AIAA Conference on MAO General Co-Chair in 2008.

Prior to joining AOE, Dr. Canfield served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force. At the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) he was, in turn, the Chief of Plans and Budget, Computational Mathematics Program Manager, and Director of Policy and Integration. He concluded his military career at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

First known for his technical management of the USAF Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS), he later advised research students who applied ASTROS and MDO to a novel Joined-Wing SensorCraft, culminating in the flight test of a jet-powered, aeroelastically scaled prototype as part of the AFRL-VT Collaborative Center of Multidisciplinary Sciences. Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) research of graduate students whom he advised led to publication of the Reliability-Based Structural Design textbook that he co-authored. As Director of the VT Airworthiness Center (VTAC), he oversaw researchers from three COE departments in support of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Airworthiness and CyberSafe Office. His own VTAC project led to a patent application for the drone ground-risk assessment method that NAVAIR accredited to use for flight path planning of the MQ-4C Triton uncrewed air vehicle. His company, Golden Section LLC, is now commercializing that licensed intellectual property for industrial drone risk assessment.

While he continues to advise VT graduate students, commercialize software, and provide engineering services through his company, Bob and his wife Glenda, married now for 41 years, have begun to lead the Christian Initiation of Adults program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They prize most the time spent with their daughter, three sons, their spouses, and ten grandchildren.

  • Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Engineering Mechanics, December 1992
  • M.S., Stanford University, Aeronautics and Astronautics, June 1984
  • B.S.E., Duke University, Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, May 1983
  • Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Distinguished Graduate