Richard G. Ham

Title
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Email
Department
Department of Aeronautics
College
College of Aviation

Office Hours

By appointment

Areas of Expertise

Cybersecurity, Counter-UAS Operations, UAS, Homeland Security, Airport Management and Design, Air Traffic Management, Airspace Management, Terminal Enroute Procedures, Advanced Air Mobility

Dr. Richard Ham is a seasoned executive with 43 years of experience in international security, leadership, air traffic control, airspace and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. He designs courses on global risk, homeland security, cybersecurity, uncrewed aircraft systems and regulatory enforcement. He leads the University of Arkansas Homeland Security Certificate Program and the Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous Operations Micro Certificate. 

Dr. Ham retired from the (USAF) after a distinguished career, including regulatory oversight of operations and security contracts for aircraft flying to Europe and the United States.  He went on to serve in numerous leadership positions and later retiring from the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. His career culminated as the executive charged with all regulatory compliance and enforcement for the agency. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the management of the underwear bomber and Yemen printer bomber plots, as well as establishing the first K-9 passenger-screening program and Alien Flight Student Program. He continues to serve as  Senior Law Enforcement Advisor for the State Department Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program.

Dr. Ham serves on the University drone committee and is active in numerous UAS, C-UAS security research projects.   

  • Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Higher Education, University of Arkansas
  • M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology, Park College
  • ASCI 254: Aviation Legislation
  • ASCI 693: Current Rsch Prob in Avia/Aero
ASCI 693, ASCI 693, ASCI 254, ASCI 602, AWCI 603, ASCI 616, ASCI 617, ASCI 646

Polsgrove, N., Gabrielson, N., O’Krongley, T., Ham, R.G. (2021). PARAS 0037: Planning and

     Operational Security Guidance for Construction Projects at Airports.

     https://www.sskies.org/images/uploads/subpage/PARAS_0037.AirportConstructionSecurity_.Fin

     alReport_.pdf

Ham, R.G., (2019) The Convergence of Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorist Organizations:

     Using Data to Profile Travelers. Report implemented by international security organizations.

     Proprietary report.

Falco, N., Wainwright, H., Bafflon, B., Ulrich, C., Soom, F., Peterson, J., Brown, J., Ham, R. G.,

     Schaettle, K., Williamson, M., Cothren, J., McEntire, J., & Hubbard, S. (2021, March 29).

     Influence of soil heterogeneity on soybean plant development and crop yield evaluated using

    time-series of UAV and ground-based geophysical imagery. Nature.Com/scientificreports.

    Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86480-

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      Rv40XUgIYQtfjKgPOEuHAbyBFVPMwGN4kb9gi2ivn0QvIr2oxI_gf0YFTLVSx30lwlwD-

      d3CRMS-TF6nxjQ7Z7l-5c1Pqcj86R0p4bszHRFICdTA5o%3DDr. Richard Garrett Ham, Sr. Page 10

Ham, R.G. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. (2006). Aviation

     security inspector staffing study. Washington, D.C.: Transportation Security Administration

Ham, R. G. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. (2008).

     Transportation security inspector: strategic plan of integration and role definition. Washington,

     D.C.: Transportation Security Administration

FAA ATC Certificate, FAA Private Pilot Certificate, FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, American Society of Industrial Security, AUVSI

Article Reviewer, Journal of Air Transport Management

Subject Matter Expert, Federal Aviation Administration, “Drone Pro”

American Society of Industrial Security Chapter Vice Chairman

Academic Integrity Committee, University of Arkansas (5 years)

Curriculum Committee, Chair

Chairman, Thaden Field Airport Board

Arkansas Aviation Committee

Senior Administrator of the Year, 2017, University of Arkansas Industrial Engineering Academy

Faculty Member of the Year, Embry-Riddle University, Little Rock Campus, 2009

Foster Parents of the Year, Arkansas Court Appointed Special Advocates Association, 2009

TSA Team/Partnership Award, 2010

Arkansas Foster Parent(s) of the Year, 2009

TSA Annual Leadership Award Bronze Medal, 2004; Silver Leadership Award, TSA, 2003

Distinguished Graduate, Air Force Officer Training School

USAF Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal

Federal Aviation Administration Southwest Region Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year, 2000

Air Force Space Command Air Traffic Control Officer of the Year, 1998

Strategic Air Command Air Traffic Controller of the Year, 1985