Dr. Robert August is an internationally recognized nuclear detection expert with over four decades of experience developing technology and methods for addressing the clandestine nuclear attack issue, quantum sciences, AI applications and advanced approaches to multiple problems. He has advised the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) on policy development and has served on National committees concerning nuclear detection issues like the Nuclear Defense Working Group (NDWG) that developed recommendations for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). Currently he works on these issues at the Parsons Corporation. Previously he served as Chief Scientist and Deputy Director of the Homeland Security Institute (HSI), an institution created by the US Congress to advise the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to this, for 21 years, Dr. August was a physicist with the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where he invented, developed, and deployed nuclear detection systems and provided expert analysis and interpretation of nuclear intelligence data, much of which has had policy impacts for current nuclear antiterrorism concerns. Highlights include being one of the developers of the HELGA System, which provided best-in-the-world passive identification of covert nuclear weapons for the DOD. This remains the most capable system ever transitioned to field deployment for the detection/ identification of clandestine nuclear devices. He has published numerous research and analysis papers in journals and government reports.
Dr. August earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Physics from Duke University. Prior to this he earned a B.S. in Physics from Rutgers University, Camden College of Arts and Sciences. He was born in Camden, NJ and raised in the area by Robert and Pauline August as one of five children (sitting on Dad’s lap in the above photo during an early stage of physics education: experimenting with Newton’s laws of motion). He currently lives in Dawson, NE with his beloved wife, Katherine. They have three children and multiple grandchildren, who they endeavor to spoil at every opportunity. They live with two other miniature children, Plucky and Bugsy, who are often mistaken for small dogs.
Physics and Art 
What an extraordinary background…it’s a pleasure to meet you! My husband is a scientist too and works at LANL. I look forward to reading more of your book reviews and I’ll definitely share your blog with Ryan. Sending virtual hugs to you and your charming family. đŸ™‚
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for following my anachronisticanarchist.com the enfant terrible reunion in a circus tent out here on the Illinois prairie. I read your bio and noted that you are a physicist from Duke, my son-in-law Ilarion Melnikov also has a physics phd from Duke and does strings research and teaches at JMU in Virginia. My characters are in the more mundane world of centaurs,unicorns, skeletons and ghosts mixed with some fictional Illinois types, I hope you enjoy them and please share them. Herb
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting, Herb, because looking back I wonder if string theory isn’t the direction I should have taken. I guess us “Dukies” think alike.
LikeLike
Lovely Bio. You have lived an industrious and blessed life. My experiences pale by comparison. I do wish I had pursued any scientific field, but words set a fine trap for my heart. My fondness for them enticed me into an elaborate labyrinth through which I still drift and drive. Best to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Dr. August,
My name is Ryan W. Smith and I am the Producer/Co-writer of the upcoming science-fiction feature film, VOLITION, Directed and Co-written by Tony Dean Smith, who also happens to be my brother! The film just won BEST FEATURE at the Philip K. Dick Film Festival . At its core is the quantum physics notion of entanglement. I’m wondering if Physics and Art has any interest in getting a sneak peak of the film, in order to write a review?
We are playing in multiple festivals in the coming months, including the upcoming International Horror & Sci-Fi FIlm Festival, and the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival. We would love to include you in our process, if that interests you.
Logline: A man afflicted with clairvoyance attempts to change his fate after experiencing a pre-sentient vision of his own imminent murder.
Feel free to take a look at our site for more info: http://www.volitionthemove.com
Thank so much for considering!
Best,
Ryan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Entanglement is something I’m involved in with my day job now, especially as it relates to quantum computing. It is also a large thrust of my novel length fiction, currently looking for a home through the efforts of my agent, Jessica Schmeidler of Golden Wheat Literary. So I would love to get a sneak peak at VOLITION for the purposes of review. Let’s continue this conversation via email: AugustvonOrth@physics-art.com
LikeLike
As his granddaughter, I didn’t know he was that famous!? I love him so much but WHAT!?
LikeLike
I never thought you were interested in my work. I certainly have some stories I can tell you!
LikeLike