Skip to main content
Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy
Visit WVU Request Info Apply Now
Tompkins

Randy P. Tompkins

B.S. 2003, Ph.D. 2009; Chief, Integrated Photonics Branch, Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL)

Contact

301-641-7316 randy.p.tompkins.civ@army.mil

“The WVU physics department provided me with an excellent physics education. I was surrounded by excellent professors who cared about their students and challenged me intellectually. I was fortunate enough to perform research as an undergraduate then transition into Dr. Thomas Myers' laboratory as a graduate research assistant where I learned how to do effectively perform research. He and others in the department taught me important ideas related to attention to detail, communication, and intellectual curiosity that I still use in my job today. I am forever grateful to the faculty and staff at WVU. Being a WV native and earning both degrees from WVU is something that I take great pride.”

A native of New Haven, WV, Dr. Randy P. Tompkins received both his undergraduate and Ph.D. in physics from West Virginia University in 2003 and 2009 respectively. 

Dr. Randy P. Tompkins is the Chief of the Integrated Photonics Branch at the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. He leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers pioneering chip-scale photonic technologies, with a focus on Integrated Photonics, Meta-Optics, and RF-Photonics. Additionally, Dr. Tompkins serves as the ARL Lead for the DEVCOM Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Integrated Planning Team. 

Previously, he served as Chief of the Sensor Experimentation Branch, where he managed an extensive, complex R&D portfolio. In this role, he directed the rapid experimentation and assessment of emerging sensor technologies to accelerate Army system development, operating at the forefront of defense strategy. 

A recognized expert in wide and ultra-wide 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 Chief, and completed a developmental assignment as the Technical Assistant to the Director of the former Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD). In this strategic advisory role, he facilitated high-level engagements and shaped strategic communications across the Department of the Army and 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 graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s Data-Driven Leadership Course, ARL’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and ARL’s Greening Course, Dr. Tompkins is highly active in the broader scientific community. He has previously represented ARL in 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 also served as an adjunct professor of physics at Morgan State University from 2015 to 2021. 

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

Contact: randy.p.tompkins.civ@army.mil | (301) 641-7316
Return to Listing