APL Names Schatz Head of Milton S. Eisenhower Research Center and Science and Technology Business Area

James R. Schatz has been named head of the Milton S. Eisenhower Research Center and Science and Technology Business Area at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md.

In his new role, Schatz will assume leadership of the premier research and advanced technology development organization within APL. Schatz, who joined APL in 2009, previously served as acting managing executive of the Applied Information Sciences Department, which develops advanced information technology for critical national challenges. He is renowned across academia, industry, and government for his service as director of the Research Directorate of the National Security Agency (NSA), and for his research that has significantly enhanced America’s security. Schatz’s career accomplishments have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award.

The role of the Milton S. Eisenhower Research Center (MERC) is to create breakthrough technologies and build world-class expertise at APL. The Science and Technology Business Area, which resides in MERC, specifically works to make scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs, and to explore advanced concepts through prototyping that ultimately address the most challenging sponsor needs. Science and Technology programs are supported by internal research and development funds, as well as external sponsors such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Schatz has served in a number of technical and senior leadership roles throughout his long career at NSA. He has degrees in mathematics and computer science, with a Ph.D. in mathematics from Syracuse University.