Applied Physics Lab Names New Executive for Research and Exploratory Development Business Area

Charles Goldblum has been appointed the business area executive for the Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD) at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md. REDD was created this fall — by the merging of areas at the Lab that focused on research, biomedicine, analysis and fabrication — to develop and nurture revolutionary technologies to meet emerging national challenges.

In addition to strategically targeting internal research funds to cutting-edge, nascent technologies, Goldblum said he will also encourage APL researchers to pursue funding opportunities within the Department of Defense research community, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Office of Naval Research.

Goldblum brings broad science and technology expertise to the position, along with demonstrated sponsor engagement skills. He also has an extensive background with diverse technologies that directly support the defense and intelligence communities, and also serves as a Special Government Employee on the Joint Special Operations Command Science and Technology Task Force.

He arrived at APL in 2007, and has served as a program area manager and branch supervisor in the Asymmetric Operations Department. Prior to joining the Lab, Goldblum served as the president and chief technology officer at FINDPOINT, a company that developed algorithms for the analysis of electromagnetic propagation and geolocation; and as vice president for corporate development at Alion Science and Technology, where he was responsible for business development.

“I am fortunate to have sufficiently diverse professional experiences to appreciate and understand some of the operational environments that will ultimately constrain the technologies we seek to create,” said Goldblum. “I will strive to introduce REDD staff members to consumers of advanced capabilities inside and outside of APL who will help inspire them to pursue research in areas that fill pressing and future technology gaps.”

Goldblum received a doctorate and master’s of science degree in physics from the University of Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in physics and English literature from The George Washington University. He lives in Annapolis, Md., with his wife Beth and their son Aaron.