Dr. Randy Tompkins

Dr. Randy P. Tompkins is the Chief of the Sensor Experimentation Branch at the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. In this capacity, he manages an extensive, highly complex R&D portfolio, directing the rapid experimentation and assessment of emerging sensor technologies to accelerate Army system development. Operating at the forefront of defense strategy, Dr. Tompkins also serves as the ARL Lead for the DEVCOM Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Integrated Planning Team.

A recognized expert in wide and ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, Dr. Tompkins' research spans sensors, energy conversion devices, and electronic materials and devices for high-power electronic and optoelectronic applications. Prior to his current role, he served as the Compact Power Team Lead, Electromagnetic Spectrum Sciences Division Deputy, and completed a developmental assignment as the Technical Assistant to the Director of the Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD). In this executive-support role, he facilitated high-level engagements and shaped strategic communications across the Department of War (DoW).

Dr. Tompkins earned his Ph.D. in Physics from West Virginia University, where his dissertation focused on the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth and fabrication of GaN photonic crystals for bio-sensing applications. He began his ARL career as a postdoctoral researcher with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and later as a scientist with General Technical Services. Throughout his career, he has authored or co-authored over 30 scientific papers in a variety of disciplines.

A 2021 graduate of ARL's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, Dr. Tompkins is highly active in the broader scientific community where he has previously represented ARL on the Energy and Power Community of Interest (COI) working group and served as the Army Alternate Representative on the Interagency Advanced Power Group (IAPG) Steering Committee. Passionate about developing the next generation of STEM talent, he has also served as an adjunct professor of Physics at Morgan State University from 2015 - 2021.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Randy is an avid reader who enjoys fitness, martial arts, and outdoor recreation, including mountain biking and camping