Tim Howard is an independent consultant in optical systems and an Adjunct Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. His recent work and research interests include sensors and optical system design for space-based remote sensing and astrophysical instrumentation, networked unmanned sensor systems, and image processing for fractionated and networked aerospace systems. In addition to his consulting practice and university teaching he frequently teaches short courses for industry. He has over 30 years experience in research and development for aerospace and civil space and science programs, holds two U.S. patents, and is the author or coauthor of over 20 publications. He is a member of SPIE, the IEEE, and the American Physical Society; an Associate Fellow of AIAA; and a Fellow of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. He is currently a reviewer and has been a guest editor for the AIAA Journal of Aerospace Computing, Information, and Communications. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics and is an IEEE Certified Software Development Professional.