Air Force cyber operations specialist finds new solutions at ACEP

May 22, 2026
By Yuri Bult-Ito

If Kjell Olson hits a roadblock, he does not see it as a reason to stop. Instead, he sees an opportunity to find a new solution.

Projects at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power have reignited Olson’s passion for computer science, building on a lifelong curiosity about how things work.

“They have helped me see how something small and seemingly innocuous can have large and real impacts,” he said.

Olson joined ACEP as an intern in February through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which helps active-duty service members gain civilian work experience and transition smoothly after military service.

Before joining ACEP, Olson served for more than 10 years in Air Force Cyber Defense Operations, specializing in radio frequency communication systems. Some assignments took him by helicopter to remote locations where he established secure data links through a variety of communication methods. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at UAF.

At ACEP, Olson focuses on finding practical and efficient ways to integrate technology into everyday life while ensuring systems remain secure, safe and energy efficient.

Kjell brings a combination of curiosity and hands-on expertise in radio communications and hardware from his Air Force service. That experience is already benefiting ACEP’s work, said Dayne Broderson, who works closely with Olson.

“[His knowledge] is already unlocking new capabilities for our lab,” Broderson said.

Olson believes innovation happens when people look at existing tools through an unconventional lens. He enjoys uncovering the hidden potential in systems by combining technical precision with creative curiosity.

That mindset shapes the projects he works on at ACEP.

His current work includes developing secure power sensing and control devices that help rural communities monitor and use energy more effectively. He is also building a software-based radio display. Software-defined radio, or SDR, is a system in which many traditional radio functions are handled through software rather than hardware. The display is designed to help people better understand radio frequency fundamentals, how transmission works and the many uses of radio waves.

In addition, Olson collaborates with the Teaching Through Technology initiative, which prepares young people in rural communities for future careers and introduces them to evolving technologies.

Broderson said Olson has already made a strong impression on both ACEP and its community partners.

“On a recent training trip to Kotzebue, Kjell shared his knowledge of SDRs — a tool ACEP has used for sensor networks — with students there, connecting with them in a way that made the technology feel immediate and accessible,” Broderson said. “It is a great way to support their continued learning through our workforce development programs.”

Outside of work, Olson’s enthusiasm for technology extends well beyond computers.

One of his favorite hobbies is flying small, unmanned quadcopters (a type of helicopter with four rotors). “Unlike drones, a quadcopter would be like a racing car with a full manual transmission with no bells and whistles,” he explained.

“Almost everything must be controlled by the driver. It has only what it needs to make it go fast,” he said. “Much less user-friendly and more fun.”

He is also an avid remote-control vehicle enthusiast. He builds and operates scale-model boats, cars, planes and trucks.

Olson’s interests also extend outdoors. He enjoys biking, bikepacking (a mix of all-terrain cycling and backpacking), hiking, packrafting (a mix of hiking, backpacking and river rafting), kayaking, rock and ice climbing, camping and skiing.

Originally stationed in Fairbanks by the Air Force, Olson now considers Alaska home.

With a life filled with both intellectual and outdoor pursuits, he said he cannot imagine living anywhere else.

“I can’t see myself ever leaving,” he said.