Dr. Kaplinger received his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University in 2013 where he researched asteroid hazard mitigation under Dr. Bong Wie, developing an expertise in high-performance computing. Dr. Kaplinger also received a Graduate Certificate in Student Teaching from the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, as a scholar of the Preparing Future Faculty program. He has a strong interest in innovative course and curriculum design for engineering education. Throughout his education and career Dr. Kaplinger has maintained a strong interest in space sciences, mathematics, and numerical calculations.