Bios

Mitchell C. Ruda

B.S. Astrophysics, Colgate University, 1971

M.S. Optics, University of Rochester, 1973,

Ph.D. University of Arizona, Optical Sciences Center, 1979

Dr. Ruda, President of the corporation, has broad experience covering the complete range of optical system design, engineering, fabrication, testing, and evaluation. He has been responsible for the development of numerous optical systems, including refracting and all-reflecting, aspheric, on-and-off-axis optical systems for use in the UV, visible and infrared regions for both consumer, commercial, industrial, laboratory and space-based use. He has contributed his expertise to a variety of program areas, including laser communications, laser radar, space-based pointing and tracking, projection lithography, hyperspectral imaging and others.

Dr. Ruda is a fellow of the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) with an active DoD Secret clearance.

Kenneth R. Castle

B.S. Physics, University of Massachusetts, 1977

Ph.D. University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center, 1985

Dr. Castle, Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing, has over 24 years experience in the optics field covering optical design, optical engineering, radiometry, stray-light analysis, assembly and test.

Ken has been involved with both commercial and aerospace oriented projects. He is responsible for optical engineering and analysis, and ensuring that the mechanical department has the optical information necessary to move forward for each project.

Tilman W. Stuhlinger

B.A. Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, 1975

M.S. Physics and Astronomy, University of Georgia, 1979

M.S. Optics, University of Arizona/Optical Sciences Center, 1981

Ph.D., University of Arizona, Optical Sciences Center, 1984

Dr. Stuhlinger, Vice President of Research and Development, is highly accomplished in the areas of optical testing and optical design/analysis utilizing ACCOS V, CODE V, ZEMAX, and ASAP/Rabet.

Among his many accomplishments, he is responsible for the following optical designs:

• All-reflective space-based hyperspectral imager
• Catadioptric panoramic imager
• Analysis for National Ignition Facility
• Tolerance analysis of next-generation space telescope
• SmART Lens, winner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Scientific and Technical "Oscar" Awards 2009

Cathryn J. (Kay) Dorman

As Vice President of Business and Finance, Kay is responsible for contract negotiation and administration, client and supplier relations, corporate accounting and human resources. She has over 25 years experience in these fields, providing mature and professional judgment and results. She has training in government import and export requirements, as well as Department of Defense security and contract administration procedures.

Alan W. Greynolds

Al is Ruda-Cardinal's Chief Scientist specializing in optical analysis. He has conducted research into algorithms for future software products, and has implemented enhancements to ASAP commercial software including polarization, automotive lighting, integrated optical waveguides, surface/volume scattering, and CAD (IGES, DXF) surface translation.

Al is primarily involved in the design and analysis of unusual coherent and incoherent non-imaging optical systems using the ASAP commercial software. He is also responsible for all required stray-light analyses using both ASAP and a proprietary in-house code.

Geoff Wruck

Geoff is Ruda-Cardinal's energetic General Manager with responsibilities of project management, product development, customer liaison, purchasing and quality control. As the company's first employee, he has a thorough knowledge of the company, its culture and its products and services. He is responsible for all aspects of the company's operation, planning, directing and coordinating various aspects of RCI. He implements the company's policies and procedures with his superior decision-making skills, problem-solving skills and conflict-management abilities.

His dedication and tireless perseverance make him a brilliant motivating force for the company. Geoff earned his Bachelors of Science in Optical Engineering in 1999 from the University of Arizona.

Scot Sumner

Scot serves as part of the Ruda-Cardinal team as Sr. Production Specialist.  This Master Optician specializes in optical fabrication including generating, grinding and polishing standard and exotic optical components to specific tolerances. Scot served as Senior Optician at the University of Arizona Optical Sciences Department from 1993 to 2000. Scot's vast experience, meticulous attention to detail and knowledge provide flexible, creative solutions to any optical design requirements.

Robert Crawford

Bob Crawford is RCI's Sr. Mechanical Engineer, with over 16 years experience in the optics field. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering in 2002 from the University of Arizona. He is responsible for overseeing the mechanical engineering department, mechanical design and drawing approval, conducting design reviews and technical interchange with suppliers and customers. His attention to detail and common sense approach to problem solving help the RCI team achieve its customer's goals. Bob's training includes SolidWorks Essentials & Advanced Courses and Geometrical Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).

Asher Susman

Asher is RCI's AS9100 certified IPC J-STD-001 Soldering Electrical and Electronic Assemblies specialist and trainer. He serves as Lab Technician, generates CAD models and drawings for opto-mechanical systems, assembles and tests opto-mechanical assemblies, sets up, aligns and MTF tests optical systems. A highly motivated individual with solid work ethic, Asher is RCI's next shining star. He is currently attending the University of Arizona in pursuit of his Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering.

Associates in Science, Pima College 2006
Certified SolidWorks User

Margo Itule

Margo has been with RCI since 2005 and is the Quality Manager. Her experience in business management, legal research and technical writing transitions easily into the AS9100 realm. She brings to the organization, attention to detail, strong organizational skills and word crafting. Her fire, creativity and sense of humor provide a unique, efficient and evolving quality department.

Patricia A. Jones, CPS

Pat, RCI's newest member, is a new resident of Tucson and brings with her 20+ years of administrative support experience. Pat received her professional certification as CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) in 2003 from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Her areas of support are bookkeeping, accounting, documenting minutes, letters, memos, and reports, organizing, travel arrangements, meeting planning and scheduling.