Col Janelle T.H. Jackson is the Acting Director and Detachment 14 Commander of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Arlington, VA. In this role she leads the management of the United States Air Force’s global basic research investment. AFOSR has a staff of 200+ scientists, engineers and business professionals in Arlington, Virginia and international offices located in England, Japan, Brazil, Chile, and Australia. In this role, Col Jackson ensures the success of a $540 million per year basic research investment portfolio and the transition of resulting discoveries to Air Force Research Laboratory Directorates, to defense industries, and to federal agencies. The office's annual investment in basic research is distributed among roughly 200 leading academic institutions worldwide, 100 industry-based contracts, and more than 250 internal AFRL research efforts.
Col Jackson received her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Virginia Tech. Throughout her career, she gained extensive aircraft, launch range operations, engineering, and acquisitions experience. Her assignments include multiple program offices, the intelligence community, and a myriad of legislative affairs functions. She was selected for Intermediate Developmental Education (IDE) and served as Air Officer Commanding at the United States Air Force Academy where she developed officers of character and advised on fitness for commissioned service. Col Jackson also served as the Commander, 317th Recruiting Squadron, inspiring, engaging and recruiting future Airmen across Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Prior to her current assignment, Col Jackson served as the Chief, Networks Engineering Division and Military Assistant for a special access program critical to the Department of Defense and several mission partners.
EDUCATION
2024 PhD, Integrative-STEM Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg VA
2016 Air War College (SDE correspondence)
2016 Senior Certificate in Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering Systems
2016 Intermediate Certificate in Program Management
2013 Master of Arts in Leadership & Counseling, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO (USAFA AOC; IDE in-residence); completed 400 field experience hours
2011 Air Command and Staff College (correspondence)
2010 Certificate in Biblical Studies, Antioch Bible Institute, Fairfax, VA
2006 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
2003 Master of Public Administration, Wright State University, Dayton OH
2000 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg VA
ASSIGNMENTS
July 2022 – Present Deputy Director, Air Force Office of Scientific Research & Commander, Detachment 14, Arlington VA
July 2019 – June 2022 Chief, Network Engineering Division & Military Assistant for Air Force Element, Washington DC
June 2017 – July 2019 Commander, 317th Recruiting Squadron, Oxon Hill MD
May 2015 – June 2017 Deputy Branch Chief, Enhanced Polar System, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Los Angeles, CA; Deputy Chief, Advanced Development Division, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Los Angeles, CA
May 2013 - May 2015 Commander, Cadet Squadron Six, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
Jun 2012 – May 2013 Student, Intermediate Developmental Education, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO
Jun 2009- May 2012 Deputy Chief, Congressional Support Branch; Senate Liaison Officer; Assistant Executive Office Chief for the Director, Legislative Liaison; Chief, Space and Cyber Programs, Congressional Weapons Division; Deputy Chief, Congressional Engagements Branch, Congressional Action Division; Secretary of the Air Force, Legislative Liaison Office, Pentagon Washington D.C
Jun 2008 - Jun 2009 Commander, Current Operations Flight, NRO Ops Center, Chantilly VA
Jun 2007 – May 2008 Chief, Customer Integration and Outreach Branch, SAIO, NRO, Chantilly VA
Jul 2006 - May 2007 Chief, Customer Spt & Outreach Branch, SAIO, NRO, Chantilly VA
Jul 2005 - May 2006 14th AF Aide de Camp, Vandenberg AFB CA
Jul 2004 - Jul 2005 Commander, Standardization & Procedures Flight, Vandenberg AFB CA
May 2003 - Jul 2004 Executive Officer, SOF/CSAR SPO, WPAFB OH
Apr 2002 - May 2003 AC-130U Gunship Flight Sys Tech Lead, SOF/CSAR SPO, WPAFB OH
Jan 2001 - Apr 2002 MC-130H Subsystems Engineer, SOF/CSAR SPO, WPAFB OH
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal (one oak leaf cluster)
Air Force Achievement Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (second oak leaf cluster)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal (first oak leaf cluster)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant 16 December 2000
First Lieutenant 15 January 2003
Captain 15 January 2005
Major 1 November 2010
Lieutenant Colonel 1 March 2016
Colonel 1 January 2023
(Current as of June 2023)