Daniel Paul Lewandowski

Biography

Colonel Daniel “Ski” Lewandowski grew up in California and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, ranking in the top half of his class. He began his career as a Space Operations Officer and later earned additional classifications as an Air Force Electrical Engineer and Foreign Affairs Specialist, with a focus on Eastern Europe.

During his distinguished military career, Colonel Lewandowski served seven years in satellite operations, four years in space launch operations, two years in space intelligence, one year in space surveillance and missile warning, and three years in NATO space operations, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Colonel. His remaining assignments included a variety of headquarters and leadership roles centered on space systems and strategic planning.

After retiring from active duty, Colonel Lewandowski dedicated a decade to teaching secondary-level mathematics, physics, chemistry, and aerospace science. He also worked as a defense contractor and served his local community as a city councilman. From 2015 to 2025, he was an adjunct professor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Gaetz Aerospace Institute, also known as the Aerospace Career Academy.

Colonel Lewandowski is married and has three college-aged sons, one of whom currently attends Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus.

Education

• M.S. - Master of Science in Space Systems, Florida Institute of Technology
• M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration in Business Administration, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
• M. - Master in Strategic Studies, Air University
• M. - Master in Military Operational Art and Science, Air University

Ratings and Certificates

• Remote Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
• Ground Instructor - Federal Aviation Administration

Currently Teaching

• SP 110: Introduction to Space Flight
• SP 400: Introduction to Space Navigat
• SP 410: Space Ops Planning & Analysis

Courses Taught

AS 120

AS 121

AS 220

AS 235

EGR 101

EGR 110/195

Professional Experience

Assistant Professor of Space Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2025 to present

Adjunct Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2015-2025

Secondary Teacher, Putnam County and Clay County Florida, Mathematics and Aerospace Science, 2015-2025

Space Operations Officer, 29+ years, US Air Force Space Command (retired as a Colonel)

Defense Contractor, Radiance Technologies and MCR, 3+ years, Multiple contracts including the Global Hawk (as the lead avionics engineer)

City Councilman, City of Keystone Heights, 2015-2018 and 2023 to present.

Memberships and Credentials