Johns Hopkins APL’s Finley Honored for National Security Technology Contributions

In recognition of her work focused on industry collaboration and technology development, Jennifer Finley was honored by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) with the 2024 Edwin H. Land Industry Award.

Finley, an electrical engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, was commended for leading the development of communications technologies in support of Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives, and for her leadership and mentoring contributions. The award celebrates the accomplishments of early- to mid-career professionals who work on intelligence, defense, homeland and national security issues.

Finley, who helps manage the Science and Technology program in APL’s Cyber Operations Mission Area and assists in leading the Lab’s Communication and Networking Systems Group, spearheads teams of researchers finding solutions to operational communications challenges for special-tailored missions and the intelligence community. She manages a portfolio of communications technologies applied to DoD initiatives and oversees the execution of multiple projects under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

“This recognition means a great deal, especially because it’s my work that is being highlighted,” Finley said. “I am grateful to the community of people here at APL who have supported my career development and enabled me to be part of a team that makes these kinds of contributions.”

INSA will recognize Finley at its Achievement Awards in Arlington, Virginia, on Feb. 15.

Playing an integral role in overseeing testing, evaluation, integration and transition of novel communications technologies, Finley has been particularly critical in helping translate the team’s work into actionable, executive-level briefings and recommendations for government sponsors. On her DARPA project, she worked closely with the agency to transition the technologies to other government organizations, determined gaps in performer capabilities and worked with colleagues to further the work — including the creation of new interfaces.

“Jennifer’s expertise built critical trust between APL and its external sponsors and partners, and was instrumental in securing APL’s role in a groundbreaking program under DARPA’s Adaptive Capabilities Office,” said Jason Mok, who leads the Communication and Networking Systems Group and nominated Finley for the award. “Her efforts have created an environment where external organizations are able, and encouraged, to work together and actively seek APL’s support in developing new capabilities for the nation.”

Finley has also served as the diversity and inclusion innovation manager in APL’s Innovation and Collaboration program, encouraging staff members to explore ideas and participate in innovation efforts such as affinity groups.

She was lauded by her supervisors as a role model for APL staff members, taking time to build connections with colleagues, identify their goals and needs, and serve as an advocate on their behalf. In February 2022, Finley represented APL at the Society of Women Engineers conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and presented on 5G technologies.

Finley joined APL in 2016 as part of the Laboratory’s two-year rotational Discovery program, where recent graduates work on various assignments that reach across different technical domains. She has held a multitude of roles that enabled her to apply her experience in testing and evaluation, network and protocol analytics, link-layer analytics, as well as 4G and 5G systems.

She has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and a master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University.