Andrew C. Merkle

Dr. Andrew C. Merkle is the head of the Research and Exploratory Development Department at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The guiding vision of the department is to accelerate transformative innovation and invent the future for APL. Active areas of research for the department include quantum physics, artificial intelligence, robotics, neuroscience, materials science, biology, and biomechanics. REDD is also the home of APL’s facilities for mechanical and electrical design and fabrication. Dr. Merkle previously served as mission area executive for Research and Exploratory Development, where he led the creation of several significant research programs focused on national security. These initiatives included accelerating scientific discovery through artificial intelligence, operationalizing biotechnologies for national security and health, and developing new technologies to strengthen climate security. Dr. Merkle joined APL in 2000 as a biomechanical engineer and has since held several leadership positions, including program area manager and program manager. Dr. Merkle is also chair of systems engineering in Johns Hopkins University’s Engineering for Professionals program. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and has delivered lectures at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Merkle has published in leading biomechanics journals, authored patents on protective technologies, and presented at prominent scientific forums. Dr. Merkle holds a D.Eng. in engineering management from George Washington University, an M.B.A. from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, and both an M.S. in engineering mechanics and B.S. in engineering science and mechanics from Virginia Tech.