The Joint Research Laboratories (JRL) at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering is a pioneering initiative that fosters collaboration between UMD and federal and corporate partners. By integrating the unique expertise and advanced facilities of both university and partner labs, JRL aims to enhance research productivity, relevance, and cost-effectiveness in both fundamental and applied research areas. This collaboration drives innovation and creates world-class research capabilities to address complex engineering challenges. UMD researchers from any College will have the opportunity to affiliate with the JRL. Researchers from partner organizations will also have the opportunity to join the JRL as members or as affiliates.
Don Woodbury
Don Woodbury joined the School of Engineering in January 2017 as the Director of Innovation and Partnerships where he is focused on enhancing innovation and impact in the research portfolio, fostering the development of big ideas, creating new partnerships with government and industry, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the campus and region.
In 2023, Woodbury founded JRL where he serves as the Director. The JRL is an Engineering unit that is focused on joint and collaborative research with federal and corporate partners to establish cutting-edge capacities for conducting both fundamental and applied research. Woodbury has over 30 years of experience within the government science and technology community. He previously served as the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Strategic Technology Office, as a Program Manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, and as the Technical Director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Woodbury has over 30 years of experience within the government science and technology community. He previously served as the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Strategic Technology Office, as a Program Manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, and as the Technical Director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Contact Don Woodbury at woodbury@umd.edu if you are interested in learning more about affiliating with the JRL.
Christopher M. Byrd, PhD
Dr. Chris Byrd is a former military officer with 21 years of active-duty service in the US Army. His career included a wide array of experiences including leadership at various echelons of tactical and operational units both stateside and in combat zones. He led or oversaw dozens of Program Management efforts as part of the Army Acquisitions Corps and was selected for the Uniformed Army Scientist and Engineer program, through which he championed DoD research and development efforts in positions such as the Director of Biosciences for the Army Research Laboratories, Deputy Director of the Center for Molecular Science at the United States Military Academy, and Strategic Science Advisor/Fellow to the Chief of Staff of the Army. He retired in 2016 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving as an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, teaching Chemistry and Biochemistry to future military scientists, doctors and nurses.
Dr. Byrd is now the the Associate Director of the University of Maryland Joint Research Laboratory, a collaborative research organization teaming UMD faculty researchers and Army Research Laboratory scientists for rapid technology development efforts. He also serves as a Biological Senior Subject Matter Expert for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency focusing on vaccine developments against potential biological weapons.
Dr. Byrd holds a B.S. in Design Engineering from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland.