Design and build tabletop experiments that emulate optical propagation through turbulent media, using spatial light modulators, phase plates, and phase-screen generation; validate them against target statistics (Cn², r0, scintillation, beam wander, wavefront error, fade statistics). Take experiments out of the lab: outdoor horizontal-path links on rooftops and test ranges, then night campaigns at mountaintop optical ground stations and observatories, including site coordination, laser-safety approvals, equipment transport, night operations, and data reduction.