AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Appoints John Luginsland as Collaboration Director
Dr. Luginsland will primarily foster partnerships and bridge connections between AFRL and the Network's diverse members to accelerate groundbreaking technologies and critical dual-use innovations.
ITHACA, NY – March 29, 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. John W. Luginsland as its new Collaboration Director.
As Collaboration Director, Dr. Luginsland will oversee the strategic direction of various Network initiatives, foster partnerships, and bridge connections between AFRL and the Network's diverse members. His leadership will be instrumental for accelerating the development of critical dual-use technologies that can serve to bolster national defense and provide market value.
This pivotal role will leverage Dr. Luginsland's extensive experience in scientific research, leadership, and his commitment to advancing national security and defense technologies.
“I am deeply honored to join the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic as the Collaboration Director,” said Dr. Luginsland. “This role presents an unparalleled opportunity to harness the collective expertise and innovation of academia, industry, and defense to address some of the most pressing challenges in national security and technology. I look forward to leading our efforts to foster meaningful collaborations that will not only advance dual-use commercialization but also significantly contribute to our nation's defense capabilities and technological forefront.”
Dr. Luginsland previously served as a Principle Physical Scientist at the AFRL/Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Arlington, VA, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Mid-Atlantic Network.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. John W. Luginsland to the team as the new Collaboration Director of the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic,” said Patrick Govang, Co-Diector of the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic. “John's remarkable track record in fostering innovation and his deep understanding of the complexities of national security and defense technology make him the perfect leader to drive our mission forward. His appointment marks a significant milestone for our Network, and we are confident that under his guidance, we will achieve new heights in innovation and collaboration across our diverse community.”
With a background that spans across government, industry, and academia, Dr. Luginsland's career highlights include serving as Program Officer for High Energy Radiation-Matter Systems, various leadership roles within the AFOSR, and contributions to plasma physics, lasers, optics, and directed energy systems. His industrial and academic experiences, combined with his roles in influential committees and organizations, position him uniquely to drive the Network's mission forward.
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/.
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/.
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