Lt. Col. Andrea M. Peters, PhD, of Princeton, New Jersey, has distinguished herself as a multifaceted professional with a dynamic career spanning various roles within the United States Army and beyond. Currently serving as the Battalion Commander for the 2-315th Brigade Engineer Battalion since 2023, she exemplifies leadership and dedication to country. She also proudly co-founded Culturally and Racially Intelligent Literacy in 2023, an initiative that underscores her commitment to fostering understanding and inclusivity beyond her military duties. Dr. Peters founded Xpresso Unicorn in 2022 and currently serves as CEO of this socially conscious brand that works hard to drive authentic thriving and elevate impactful voices of the common man. Notably, Dr. Peters also places a deliberate focus on advancing her own literary talents, working actively as a creative and poet since 2007.
Before accepting her current roles, Dr. Peters made significant contributions as the Chief of Engineer Programs Division and Deputy Command Engineer for the United States Forces Korea from 2022 to 2023, where her broad expertise shaped engineering strategies and partnerships in support of military operations across the Korean Peninsula. Between 2019 and 2022, she contributed her knowledge as a PL394-Anthropometrics and Biomechanics and PL100-General Psychology for Leaders instructor at the United States Military Academy West Point, where Dr. Peters also served as an Assistant Professor from 2020 to 2022, exhibiting a commitment to educating future military leaders in critical engineering disciplines.
Dr. Peters’ journey through various leadership positions within the Army Engineer Corps has been characterized by her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. From leading the Warrior Transition Battalion Bravo Company as a Company Commander to managing complex projects for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, her career reflects a broad spectrum of expertise across diverse engineering contexts and in leadership. Notably, Dr. Peters’ early roles as a Support Platoon Leader for the 2nd Engineer Battalion and an assistant S-3 for the 12th Aviation Battalion laid the foundation for her distinguished career of service.
Exceptional academic credentials have proven foundational to Dr. Peters’ advancement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the United States Military Academy West Point, which she completed in 2002. She proudly earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2008 as well as a Master of Science in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2009. Notably, Dr. Peters also holds a terminal degree in the field after completing a PhD in industrial engineering with a focus in human factors from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL in 2020.
Persistent about continued learning, Dr. Peters also completed various military schooling that has shaped her operational understanding and ability to lead Soldiers well. In 2003 she graduated from the Engineer Officer Basic Course. She excelled in Engineer Captain’s Career Course in 2009 and successfully fulfilled all requirements for intermediate level education at the Command and General Staff College in 2013. Dr. Peters’ educational pursuits have been enhanced by distinct certifications such as the project management professional designation from the Project Management Institute and Joint Engineer Operations professional by the United States Army.
Throughout her career, Dr. Peters has been recognized with several awards including Black Engineer of the Year Award’s (BEYA) Modern-day Technology Leader of the Year. She also humbly accepted the Phi Kappa Phi Faculty of the Year Award in 2021 and the USMA DEI Junior Faculty Award in 2022. These accolades reflect not only Dr. Peters’ professional excellence but also her meaningful contributions to advancing technology, technological thinking and diversity within her field.
One of Dr. Peters’ proudest personal achievements is being a single mother who successfully raised her now college-educated only child. Today, she finds balance and inspiration in spending quality time with her family. Looking toward the future, she aims to persist in her military service trajectory with aspirations of achieving higher ranks and responsibilities, while focusing on inclusivity and innovation within her units. Dr. Peters is also passionate about establishing a foundation dedicated to elevating the human collective effort to promote more peace, prosperity, and enhancement of knowledge.
In her spare time, Dr. Peters enjoys hiking, going to the gym, reading, watching podcasts, and listening to audiobooks. She believes in the importance of self-care and unity, and her passion for promoting these values is evident in her professional and personal endeavors. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.