From Moonshot Research to Real-World Impact

Experience & Impact

From DARPA to deployment

For 25+ years, I've built and led technology innovation programs in psychological health and education—specializing in the messy, fascinating work of getting academia, government, philanthropy, and startups to actually collaborate.

I'm also deeply committed to autism advocacy, both personally and professionally. As a parent of two adult sons on the spectrum, my work focuses on technologies and policies that improve independence, education, and lifelong outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.

• Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychologist (Retired Captain) – One of fewer than 50 officers in this specialized designation combining neuropsychology, aviation human factors, and aeromedical R&D. 30+ years designing human-centered technology for high-stakes environments
• DARPA Program Officer – One of ~100 program managers nationwide responsible for high-risk, high-reward R&D. Built $60M+ portfolio pioneering psychological health AI agents and STEM education innovation programs—technologies now deployed at scale
• Office of Naval Research – Led first military VR therapy for PTSD, now in 70+ clinics worldwide
• Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & TBI – Executive Director of Science & Technology. Instrumental in developing investment strategy for $900M congressional appropriation to improve lives of service members, veterans, and families
• Game Development – America's Army (13M+ registered users), current Roblox projects with Sesame Street
• Executive Director of STEM Initiatives (U.S. Department of Education) – Political SES appointment creating nation's first Office of STEM. Coordinated 60+ federal programs, built 200+ public-private partnerships to reduce STEM education disparities
• Chief Science Officer – American Psychological Association (118,000 members)

How I Can Help

Strategic advisory services