AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Appoints David Jung as Network and Programs Director

Dr. Jung will oversee the Network’s membership and funding programs that focus on translational dual-use technologies that benefit both the defense community and commercial markets.

ITHACA, NY – July 2, 2024 – The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic, a leading pilot innovation network that fosters collaboration across academia, industry, and defense to fuel dual-use commercialization and technological advancements, announced today the appointment of Dr. David Jung as its Network and Programs Director.

Dr. Jung began his career in R&D before transitioning to management roles at prominent institutions such as the Cornell Center for Materials Research and the KAUST-Cornell Center for Energy and Sustainability. Most recently, he served as Planning and Programs Analyst at Aramco Americas, where he managed laboratory operations and fostered university collaborations.

In his new role, Dr. Jung will oversee the Network’s membership and funding programs that focus on translational dual-use technologies that benefit both the defense community and commercial markets.

“I am thrilled to join the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic and contribute to its mission of driving innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and the defense sector,” said Dr. Jung. “I look forward to working with our diverse community to advance technologies that will have a significant impact on both defense and commercial applications.”

Patrick Govang, Co-Director of the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Jung’s appointment. “David’s extensive experience and proven track record in managing research initiatives make him an excellent fit for our Network,” said Govang. “We are confident that his leadership will enhance our efforts to bridge the gap between innovative research and practical applications, and foster growth and development across the Mid-Atlantic region.”

This appointment follows the recent addition of Dr. John W. Luginsland as its Collaboration Director and highlights the Network’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team. Dr. Luginsland, who joined in March 2024, is responsible for fostering partnerships and bridging connections between AFRL and the Network’s diverse members to accelerate groundbreaking technologies and critical dual-use innovations.

Since its launch in 2022, the AFRL Mid-Atlantic Network has seen remarkable growth and achievements, expanding its founding membership from eight to over forty institutions and directing $2.5M in funding to 19 innovative project teams. The Network also recently secured a two-year contract extension through 2027 along with a $15 million funding ceiling increase – underscoring its success and dedication to nurturing innovation ecosystems across the region. 

Projects supported by the Network span critical areas such as performance quantification in extreme environments, edge computing, and complex systems modeling.

For further information about the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic and its programs, please visit https://www.midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/. 

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ABOUT THE AFRL REGIONAL HUB NETWORK – MID-ATLANTIC 

The AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic is the regional pilot innovation network funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and led by Cornell University.  Its academic, corporate, small business, startup and investment community spans from Maine to Pennsylvania to Virginia and focuses on funding and facilitating innovations from the region onto viable dual-use commercialization paths while empowering the next generation of regional scientists and technologists. In addition to Cornell, founding members include Binghamton University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, Griffiss Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and the SUNY Research Foundation. The Regional Network - Mid-Atlantic Network aims to be the flyway to innovation, collaboration, translation, incubation and commercialization with the Air and Space Forces. For more information about the Hub or inquire about becoming a member, visit https://midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/.