Advisor & Innovator

Turning ambitious ideas into real-world solutions that scale

I help organizations turn ambitious ideas in AI, XR, mental health, and education into real-world solutions that scale—from DARPA-style research to nationwide deployment.

25+ Years Innovation TS/SCI (Former) $100M+ Programs Multisector Collaborations

Strategic Advisory

From policy to deployment
AI & XR
Autism & Neurodiversity
Mental Health
Education Innovation

I work with foundations, startups, and government agencies to design and deliver high-impact technology initiatives in education and psychological health—from DARPA-style R&D portfolios to real-world deployment.

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From rural Appalachia to DARPA innovation labs — discover the 30-year journey

Currently Advising Foundations · Startups · Nonprofits

Experience & Services

25+ years of innovation impact

Experience & Impact

From DARPA to deployment

A seasoned executive and policy innovator with 25+ years creating and managing multi-million dollar technology innovation programs in psychological health and education. I specialize in the messy, fascinating work of getting academia, government, philanthropy, and startups to actually collaborate.

  • Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychologist – Retired Navy CAPT trained in aeromedical R&D and aviation human factors
  • DARPA Program Officer – Pioneered psychological health AI agents and STEM education innovation programs ($60M+)
  • Office of Naval Research – Led first military VR therapy for PTSD, now in 70+ clinics worldwide
  • Game Development – America's Army (10M+ users), current Roblox projects with Sesame Street
  • Presidential Appointee – Created first Office of STEM at U.S. Department of Education, 200+ partnerships
  • Chief Science Officer – American Psychological Association (118,000 members)

How I Can Help

Strategic advisory services

Strategic Advisory

Long-term R&D strategy, organizational transformation, and cross-sector innovation in education, behavioral health, and autism.

  • Clarify goals, theory of change, and success metrics
  • Design a milestone-driven roadmap (portfolio, governance, partnerships)
  • Deliver decision memos + a 6–12 month execution plan

Speaking & Workshops

Keynotes and hands-on sessions on AI, autism, mental health, innovation methods, leadership, and AI policy.

  • Keynotes (30–60 min) for conferences, boards, and executive teams
  • Workshops (90 min–1 day): Heilmeier-style framing, rapid prototyping, responsible AI
  • Takeaways: shared vocabulary, prioritized next steps, and reusable templates

Project Consulting

Product and program consulting across AI agents, XR, games, evaluation, and policy.

  • Assess concepts and vendors (feasibility, risks, accessibility, governance)
  • Plan pilots and evaluations (metrics, study design, IRB-ready methods)
  • Build practical guardrails (ethics, safety, procurement-friendly requirements)
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Featured Speaking & Media

Talks, panels & interviews

TechEquity AI Summit panel on conversational AI in healthcare, education, and nonprofits

TechEquity AI Summit – AI Conversational Agents

Panel exploring how conversational AI is transforming service delivery across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.

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Dr. Russell Shilling discussing AI, autism, and educational technology on AI Optimist Podcast

AI Optimist Podcast with Skip Rizzo – AI, Autism, & EdTech

Exploring AI, autism and mental health, VR therapy, and how innovation scales through public service and partnerships.

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Russell Shilling speaking at United Nations AutismTech 2025 panel on inclusive technology policy

United Nations – AutismTech 2025

Policy and innovation strategies for inclusive tech in global autism and mental health and disability ecosystems.

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Dr. Shilling moderating Games for Change panel on strategic partnerships in social impact gaming

Games for Change: Strategic Partnerships for Social Good in Gaming

Moderating a panel on games for diabetes support and child motor therapy—how small teams spark big change.

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Captain Russell Shilling Navy retirement video featuring Sesame Street character Murray

CAPT Russ and Murray Retirement Video

When you retire from the U.S. Navy after 22 years – including time at DARPA – you don't expect Sesame Street to make you the star of your own farewell sketch.

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See more talks and workshops →

Want to know the full story?

From rural Appalachia to DARPA innovation labs—discover the 30-year journey behind the innovation in VR therapy, AI education, and autism advocacy.

Read My Journey: Navy to DARPA to Neurodiversity Advocacy