Keith F. Prussing, Ph.D.

If only I had a big enough computer and time to play with it.

Fields of Interest

Teaching computers to solve complex physical problems.
Rendering images in the visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Large scale simulations of dynamic systems including simulating untracked land vehicle, aircraft, and sea vessel motion.
Radiative exchange in open environments to understand energy balance in complex environments.
Methods to solve sparse, symmetric, block systems of non-linear equations like those associated with heat transfer.
Integrating Open Source development practices with traditional academic pursuits.
Applying Open Sources methods to develop methods for creating reproducible results and teaching these methods to other researchers.
Methods to transform “simple,” easy to write plain text documentation to formally typeset documentation.
Teaching all and sundry how and why infrared and visible detection are are critical bands to model and simulate.

Work experience

2007-Present

Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA

Senior Research Scientist (2021-Present)

Research Engineer II (2016-2021)

Tech Temp (2015-2016)

Graduate Research Assistant (2009-2015)

Student Research Assistant (2007-2009)

Adapted the cloud rendering procedures to work with a third party rendering engine.
Co-lead developer on improved simulation framework for predicting infrared and visible signatures in complex environments.
Enhanced OpenGL rendering engine to handle large scale terrains for infrared search and track algorithm development.
Integrated physically accurate star field background into OpenGL simulation engine for simulating night time engagements and resident space objects.
Course administrator for the Infrared and Visible Signature Suppression course through Georgia Tech Professional Education.
Unified and updated atmospheric model in engagement simulation framework to correctly compute path radiance and atmospheric transmittance.
Consulted on calibrating infrared sensors for remotely measuring temperature during high energy laser testing.
Implemented full dynamic Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF) into terrain rendering for engagement simulation framework.
Integrated high cirrus cloud model into engagement simulations.
Incorporated background orientation into fundamental model for thermal signature prediction software.
Build and analyze thermal networks for predicting infrared signatures.
Assist missile model developers with integrating their missile models into an overall simulation framework.
Assisted implementing a multi-hypothesis tracking algorithm for radar simulation in Fortran.
Investigated surface shape effects on near-field radiative transfer to direct energy
Developed Python package to interface with a boundary element method library written in C
Lead development of a framework to process hyper-spectral imagery overnight and in situ for spot checking
Studied electromagnetic wave scattering from nonspherical particles
Studied performance parameters of counter flow cooling towers to understand energy emission under normal load to monitor power plant efficiency
Implemented five degree of freedom rigid body model for untracked, four wheel land vehicles under normal conditions
Interfaced vehicle model with MySQL database for simulation of complex urban environments
Implemented routine to incorporate motion capture data into simulation of complex urban environments
Aided development of a framework to simulate visible and infrared signatures in complex environments
Implemented a finite difference algorithm to solve Fourier’s heat equation
Connected finite difference method to MySQL database to extract simulation parameters for complex scenes
Investigated lattice Boltzmann method as a means to couple radiative and conductive energy transport for predicting thermal signature
Security clearance: Secret

Fellowships and awards

2019 Georgia Institute of Technology C-STAR Fellow

Publications

Journal articles

[1]

N. P. Bertrand, J. Lee, K. F. Prussing, S. Shapero, and C. J. Rozell, “Infrared search and track with unbalanced optimal transport dynamics regularization,” IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, pp. 1–5, Aug. 2020 [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1109/LGRS.2020.3014534

Conference papers

[1]

K. F. Prussing, C. E. Cordell Jr., O. Pierson, B. Walker, J. Moore, and Y. Z. Beck, “General high-fidelity omni-spectral toolbox,” in Infrared imaging systems: Design, analysis, modeling, and testing XXXIII, 2022, vol. 12106, pp. 52–57 [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2618771. [Accessed: 02-Jun-2022]

[2]

D. A. Hope, M. Birch, C. E. Cordell Jr., K. F. Prussing, and C. R. Valenta, “Dynamic model integration and simulation engine (DMISE) assisted design of future sensor networks in support of space traffic management,” in Advanced maui optical and space surveillance technologies conference (AMOS), 2021 [Online]. Available: https://amostech.com/TechnicalPapers/2021/Poster/Hope.pdf

[3]

K. F. Prussing, A. Zacharias, and J. Corker, “Estimation of Thruster Plumes for Resident Space Object Optical Observation,” in Sensors and systems for space applications XIII, 2020, vol. 11422, p. 114220B [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2552075. [Accessed: 24-May-2020]

[4]

L. Renegar, C. R. Valenta, G. Badura, K. F. Prussing, B. C. Gunter, and D. Wu, “Design of Experiments to Verify Photometric Models of Resident Space Objects,” in 2nd IAA conference on space situational awareness, 2020.

[5]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., C. R. Valenta, C. E. Cordell, A. Zacharias, and L. R. Churchill, “Stellar Background Rendering for Space Situational Awareness Algorithm Development,” in Algorithms, technologies, and applications for multispectral and hyperspectral imagery XXV, 2019, vol. 10986, p. 109860Z [Online]. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2519009. [Accessed: 29-May-2019]

[6]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., C. R. Valenta, C. E. Cordell Jr., and L. R. Churchill, “Night sky rendering for satellite tracking simulation,” in 2019 MSS parallel conference, 2019.

[7]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., O. Pierson, C. Cordell, J. Stewart, and K. Nielson, “Enhanced Backgrounds in Scene Rendering with GTSIMS,” in Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIX, 2018, vol. 10625, p. 106250O [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304864. [Accessed: 19-Jan-2019]

[8]

E. M. Burdette, C. S. Nichols, S. E. Lane, K. F. Prussing, and J. M. Cathcart, “Imaging FTIR Emissivity Measurement Method,” 2013, vol. 8870, pp. 88700B-88700B-7 [Online]. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2023415. [Accessed: 18-Mar-2014]

[9]

J. M. Cathcart, K. Prussing, and B. Kocher, “Human Motion Analysis and Characterization,” in Sensors, and command, control, communications, and intelligence (c3i) technologies for homeland security and homeland defense x, 2011, vol. 8019, p. 80190M [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884481. [Accessed: 03-Jul-2019]

[10]

K. Prussing, J. M. Cathcart, and B. Kocher, “Human Motion Analysis and Modeling,” in Sensors, and command, control, communications, and intelligence (c3i) technologies for homeland security and homeland defense x, 2011, vol. 8019, p. 80190L [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884480. [Accessed: 03-Jul-2019]

[11]

J. M. Cathcart, B. Kocher, K. Prussing, S. Lane, and A. Thomas, “Multimodal Signature Modeling of Humans,” presented at the Active and Passive Signatures, Orlando, Florida, USA, 2010, pp. 76870D-76870D-7 [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850688. [Accessed: 30-Jan-2011]

Reports

[1]

G. Alston, D. Davis, B. DiDonna, W. Reynolds, and K. F. Prussing, “Realistic image and neighborhood generator (RING): Synthetic scene generation for wide application including high performance computing environments,” Air Force Research Lab Kirtland AFB, Alburquerque, NM, Final Report AFRL-RD-PS-TR-20XX-XXXX, Oct. 2022.

[2]

K. F. Prussing, “Recent Developments in Soldier and Vehicle Signature Management Technologies,” Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA, Technical Research Report DSIAC-2020-1242, Feb. 2020.

[3]

G. Alston, D. Davis, B. DiDonna, W. Reynolds, and K. F. Prussing, “Realistic image and neighborhood generator (RING),” Air Force Research Lab Kirtland AFB, Alburquerque, NM, AFRL-RD-PS-TR-20XX-XXXX, Jan. 2020.

[4]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., “Verification and Validation Report for the Capability of the Limited Interim Missile Warning System Digital System Model, Version 4, to support Performance Assessment (U) DID: DI-MSSM-8172,” Sep. 2019.

[5]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., “Object in Space Plume Rendering Evaluation (OSPRE),” Center for Space Technology and Research, Atlanta, GA, CSTAR Fellowship Report, Jun. 2019.

[6]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., “Combined Software Requirements Specification and Software Design Document for Task 3: MODTRAN 5 Atmospheric Modeling,” Jun. 2018.

[7]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., J. Stewart, O. Pierson, and A. Sheffer, “Terrain Signature Generation with Full BRDF Support,” Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA, IRAD 2017 Journal Paper, Jun. 2017.

[8]

K. F. Prussing, Ph.D., “Calibration Procedure for High Temperature Measurement,” Jan. 2017.

Thesis

[1]

K. F. Prussing, “An Investigation of Surface Shape Effects on Near-field Radiative Transfer,” PhD Dissertation, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 2015 [Online]. Available: https://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/54321. [Accessed: 21-Jan-2019]

Presentations

[1]

K. Prussing and M. Cathcart, “Numerical Investigation of Particle Shape Effects on the Spatial Distribution of Near-field Electromagnetic Flux,” Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. Volume 58, Number 17, American Physical Society, 23-Nov-2013 [Online]. Available: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2013.SES.HA.6. [Accessed: 18-Mar-2014]

[2]

J. M. Cathcart, K. Prussing, S. Lane, S. Otolorin, and B. R. Kocher, “Urban Scene Simulation for Multimodal Sensing Applications,” Apr-2010.

Posters

[1]

A. Zacharias, K. Prussing, J. Corker, and C. Valenta, “Positional Thruster Detection: An image Processing Approach for Space Situational Awareness,” Atlanta, GA, 17-Nov-2019.

[2]

J. Stewart et al., “GTSIMS Terrain Background Signature Generation,” Atlanta, GA, 17-Jun-2016.

[3]

K. F. Prussing and J. M. Cathcart, “Numerical Investigation of Particle Shape Effects on Near-field Electromagnetic Flux,” Hutsville, AL, 11-Mar-2014.

[4]

J. M. Cathcart, S. Otolorin, B. Kocher, K. Prussing, and A. Garrett, “Model Based Approach for Thermal Target Sharpening,” Berkley, Feb-2011.

Key Delivered Products

- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: GTSIMS Atmospheric Transmittance Library
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Jan 2018–Jul 2018
- Describe Product: A library for computing atmospheric transmittance and path radiance for use within the Georgia Tech Simulation Integrated Modeling System. The core methods in the library wrap calls to MODTRAN, the DoD standard utility for calculating atmospheric corrections, to perform the calculations and extract the relevant results.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Upgraded the MODTRAN version used by the GTSIMS atmospheric library and unified all usage by the components of GTSIMS. This included updating the internals to call the MODTRAN executable using the standard Fortran 2008 methods instead of modifying the provided source increasing the fidelity of the model. He also updated all portions of the GTSIMS suite that used various older versions of MODTRAN that had been partially updated with code from newer versions of MODTRAN.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: OpenGL Rendering Regression Tests
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Jan 2018–Mar 2018
- Describe Product: Regression tests to work within the GTSIMS test framework to ensure changes to the multi-spectral image modeling components yield correct results
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Designed and implemented the regression tests for exercising the OpenGL rendering pipeline in GTSIMS.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: Terrain Modeling Regression Tests
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Jan 2018–Mar 2018
- Describe Product: Regression tests to work within the GTSIMS test framework to ensure changes to the multi-spectral image modeling components yield correct results
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Designed and implemented the regression tests for exercising the terrain creating and rendering components of GTSIMS.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: Infrared Search and Track Player
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Mar 2017–Sep 2017
- Describe Product: GTSIMS executable model to simulate scanning infrared search and track models. The model interacts with the native GTSIMS image generation process to share a common environment with the rest of the simulation.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Implemented the scanning protocol to to allow user specified patterns. Adapted the image generation process to use newly implemented terrain and cloud models.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: Non-uniform sky model
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Mar 2017–Sep 2017
- Describe Product: Spectral rendering model for the non-uniform sky to represent the radiance as a function of solar position and viewer direction.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Developed the model and integrated it as a native model into the GTSIMS framework.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: Cloud model
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: AIR FORCE/OFFUTT/ NE
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Mar 2017–Sep 2017
- Describe Product: Spectral model for rendering clouds in a scene as a function of viewer position and look direction.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Developed the methodology to adapt the input cloud products into a form renderable by GTSIMS.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: LHEL MATLAB Toolbox
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Jan 2016–Jan 2017
- Describe Product: A suite of tools for working with measurements from high energy laser lethality testing to extract temperature and emissivity values for the materials under consideration.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Developed all 2000 lines of the toolbox.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: Ignition3D Beam Profile Plugin
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: Jun 2016–Jan 2017
- Describe Product: A Fortran module to load an arbitrary beam profile into Ignition3D, a custom 3D heat transfer program for high energy laser lethality modeling. The module provides a means to model an arbitrary beam profile derived from measured data to correctly simulate the heat transfer during high energy laser lethality testing.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Developed the module and defined the interface.
- Name/Title for Key Delivered Product: TRIAM
- Sponsor/To Whom Delivered: BOOZ, ALLEN, & HAMILTON
- Date range for work performed by the candidate: May 2016–Jul 2016
- Describe Product: The Fortran implementation of GTRI’s multihypothesis tracking algorithm.
- Candidate’s specific technical contributions: Ported the MATLAB implementation of the multihypothesis tracking algorithm into Fortran so it would work natively with Suppressor instead of running on side products.

Software development

Professional projects

Dynamic Model Integration and Simulation Engine (DMISE): Primary maintainer

Modeling and simulation framework for composing complex scenarios from generic model.
General High-fidelity Omni-Spectral Toolbox (GHOST): Primary maintainer

First principle tools set for modeling engagements of visibile, infrared, and radio frequency scenarios. Specifically focused on the visible and infrared image prediction.
Georgia Tech Signature Model (GTSIG): Primary maintainer

First principles based thermal network solfer for infrared signature prediction written in FORTRAN 77.
Georgia Tech Simulations Integrated Modeling System (GTSIMS): Core developer

Engagement simulation framework for visible and infrared image prediction written in C, C++, Fortran, and Ada.

Open source projects

Personal projects

Most of my personal repositories are on GitHub, but I also have a few still on Bitbucket. I have not finished converting all of my projects from Mercurial to Git.

cloudgen-cmake: The CMake build system for Cloudgen along with Python bindings and other maintenance details.
FindLatexmk: CMake module to locate Latexmk and add documents to a build as targets.
kpruss: The Sphinx theme for my websites.
pandoc-acro: A Pandoc filter to manage and convert acronyms.
pandoc-div2env: A Pandoc filter to convert marked Divs to LaTeX environments with possible arguments.
scons-dtxtools: A SCons Tool for working with LaTeX Doc and Docstrip files.
scons-inkscape: A SCons Tool for converting images using Inkscape.
scons-pandoc: A SCons Tool for working with Pandoc (contributed to the SCons Foundation).
secretx: A LaTeX package for aiding in properly marking the importance of document sections.
vitables_console: A plugin for ViTables to launch a Jupyter QtConsole for scripted interaction with open files.
vtimshow: A plugin for ViTables to visualize datasets with PyQtGraph.
zenburn-latex: Translation of the Zenburn color scheme for Vim for use in LaTeX.

Contributor

findFFTW: CMake module for finding FFTW 3 using find_package.
fson: Fortran 95 JSON Parser
netcdf-c: The Unidata network Common Data Form (netCDF) C interface.
panflute: A Python module for writing Pandoc filters.
scons-contrib: A repo for user contributed SCons Builders and other tools. Specifically, the Pandoc Tool.
ViTables: A graphical tool for browsing and editing files in both PyTables and HDF5 format.
zotero-cli: Command line interface to the Zotero API.

Continuing Education Courses Taught

Date	Course	Contribution
22 Mar 2022	Infrared/Visible Signature Suppression Overview Threat Sensor Characteristics Sensor Signature Suppression Signature Prediction Models Predicting LO Effectiveness with Vision Models General Signature Suppression Techniques Signature Prediction Models Ground Vehicle Signature Suppression Gas Turbine Engine Signatures and Suppression Aircraft Body Signature Suppression Ship Signature Suppression Signature Suppression Impact LO Synergism with Countermeasures Summary and Conclusions	Course administrator
24 Mar 2021	Infrared/Visible Signature Suppression Overview Threat Sensor Characteristics Sensor Signature Suppression Signature Prediction Models Predicting LO Effectiveness with Vision Models General Signature Suppression Techniques Signature Prediction Models Ground Vehicle Signature Suppression Gas Turbine Engine Signatures and Suppression Aircraft Body Signature Suppression Ship Signature Suppression Signature Suppression Impact LO Synergism with Countermeasures Summary and Conclusions	Course administrator
10 Dec 2019	Infrared/Visible Signature Suppression Overview Threat Sensor Characteristics Sensor Signature Suppression Signature Prediction Models Predicting LO Effectiveness with Vision Models General Signature Suppression Techniques Signature Prediction Models Ground Vehicle Signature Suppression Gas Turbine Engine Signatures and Suppression Aircraft Body Signature Suppression Signature Suppression Impact LO Synergism with Countermeasures Summary and Conclusions	Course administrator
29 Aug 2019	Target Tracking in Sensor Systems Infrared Search and Track	Course lecturer
28 Aug 2018	Target Tracking in Sensor Systems Infrared Search and Track	Course lecturer
13 Sep 2017	Infrared/Visible Signature Suppression Overview Threat Sensor Characteristics Sensor Signature Suppression Signature Prediction Models Predicting LO Effectiveness with Vision Models General Signature Suppression Techniques Signature Prediction Models Ground Vehicle Signature Suppression Signature Suppression Impact LO Synergism with Countermeasures Summary and Conclusions	Course administrator

Skills and interests

Software: Apache Subversion, Apple OS X, Bison, Bourne Shell, C/C++, CMake, Flex, Fortran, Git, GNU Compiler Collection, GNU Tool Chain, HTML, Java, LaTeX, Markdown, MATLAB, Mercurial, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Visual Studio, Mutt, MySQL, OpenGL, Pandoc, Python, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, reStructuredText, SCons, Vim
Computational methods: Boundary element method, Euler method, Finite difference method, Gauss-Seidel algorithm, Hartree-Fock method, Jacobi method, Lattice Boltzmann method, Method of moments, Molecular dynamics, Runge-Kutta method, Simultaneous over-relaxation, T-matrix scattering
Physics: Carnot engine, Coordinate transformation, Electrodynamics, Heat transfer, Kinematics, Optics, Otto engine, Quantum mechanics, Radiative transfer, Rigid body dynamics, Statistical mechanics, Thermodynamics, Vehicle dynamics
Mathematics: Differential equations, Dyadic algebra, Fourier transform, Green functions, Laplace transform, Linear algebra, Separation of variables, Vector algebra
Interests: Electromagnetic wave scattering, Fetch, Fourier heat equation, Heat transfer, High performance computing, Modeling, Parallel programming, Radiative transfer, Rendering, Rock climbing, Simulation, Typesetting
Communication: Email, German (basic), Journal articles, Meetings, Presentations, Public speaking, Technical reports
Sales: Cash handling, Credit handling, Customer relations, DiSC Sales Training, Electrical, Friedman Retail Sales Training, Freight handling, Inventory control, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, PMSA Relationship Selling Program, Shipping/Receiving, SUM/IT point of sale system, Time management, Tri-Tech point of sale system, Yamaha Certified Sales Professional
Musical Instruments: Clarinet (Bass, Contra-Alto, Soprano), Euphonium, Guitar, Mandolin, Trombone, Trumpet

Education

December 2015

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics with a minor in Chemistry
Thesis title: An Investigation of Surface Shape Effects on Near-field Radiative Transfer
Overall GPA: 3.71

May 2009

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Science in Physics
Graduated summa cum laude
Overall GPA: 3.95

2005-2007

Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA

Accumulating transfer credits
Member of the National Scholars Honor Society
Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars

2001-2004

Georgia Perimeter College, Atlanta, GA

Candidate for a Bachelor of Arts in Music

Professional Activities

Member, International Society for Optics and Photonics, 2018–present.

On Campus Committees

Member, Center for Space Technology and Research, 2019–present.
Fellow, Center for Space Technology and Research, 2019–2020, Title: Object in Space Plume Rendering (OSPRE).
Member, Electronic-Warfare Community of Interest, 2017–present.

Old work history

The following is primarily here so I do not forget relevant information from my past. I highly doubt anything below will be a make or break, but you may find something of interest to talk about.

2007-2008

Mori Luggage & Gifts, Atlanta, GA

Sales Associate

Applied sales training to work through school

2004-2007

Ken Stanton Music, Marietta, GA

Assistant Manager

Opened the new store and established a high base performance level.
Top band and orchestra sales associate
Performed quality assurance for new point of sale system
Smoothed relations with the department manager and the office staff
Completed DiSC Sales Training, PMSA Relationship Selling Program
Yamaha Certified Sales Professional

2002-2004

School Box, Tucker, GA

Stock Assistant

Received shipment and sorted for delivery to stores
Delivered customer orders
Assisted setting up locations and performing inventory
Changed light bulbs and ballasts
Assisted customers with locating products

2002-2002

Waffle House, Norcross, GA

Grill Operator

Prepared food to order for customers
Prepared mise en place for the store

2000-2001

Music & Arts Center, Lawrenceville, GA

Sales Associate

Increased sales by 20% over previous year
Processed instrument rentals and returns
Completed Friedman retail sales training

1998-2000

Panera Bread Duluth, GA

Shift Supervisor

Included so that everything is listed
Most generally efficient employee
Nominated for employee of the year twice
Appointed to train associates in local region

kprussing74@gmail.com