Luke Barbano

Luke Barbano is a scientific software developer in the Applied Space Research Group within APL’s Space Exploration Sector. His unique blend of technical and liberal arts expertise brings a distinct perspective to the development of advanced software solutions, combining physics-based modeling and machine learning to tackle complex programs. Barbano is well versed in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications in strategic analysis, wargaming, and complex decision-making. He led the Laboratory’s inaugural foray into digital wargaming with Hedgemony AI, adapting RAND’s strategic tabletop wargame into a highly interactive, online, multiplayer computer game powered by large language models. Barbano holds a B.A. in physics from Swarthmore College and an M.S. in applied physics from the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering.