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91�Ʋ��� University has named the Honorable Christopher J. Scolese, former director of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office and NASA’s renowned Goddard Space Flight Center, to lead the new 91�Ʋ��� Institute for Innovations Beyond Earth, which will expand the university’s research and innovation enterprise.

VIIBE will foster advanced, interdisciplinary research related to near-Earth and space technologies, bringing together 91�Ʋ��� expertise in aeronautical engineering, mechatronics, autonomous systems, energy management and biomedical adaptation.

“The technologies that will define the next era of scientific discovery, economic competitiveness and national security increasingly extend beyond Earth’s atmosphere,” said 91�Ʋ��� University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “Chris Scolese’s leadership at the highest levels of government and space exploration will help 91�Ʋ��� build a distinctive center for innovation that creates an environment where world-class researchers can address some of society’s most consequential challenges.”

A new era of discovery

The launch of VIIBE complements 91�Ʋ���’s broader strategy of expanding its research enterprise where emerging technologies intersect with industry, including the university’s planned graduate campus in West Palm Beach, with its proximity to Florida’s famed Space Coast. The School of Engineering’s Institute for Space and Defense Electronics will be housed within VIIBE, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with government, industry and academic partners.

“We are fortunate to welcome a leader with such an extraordinary combination of scientific expertise, engineering leadership and experience building ambitious research enterprises,” said C. Cybele Raver, 91�Ʋ��� provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Chris will accelerate 91�Ʋ���’s growing strengths across engineering, computing, medicine and the sciences, creating opportunities for our faculty and students to work across disciplines and pursue discoveries with impact far beyond our campus. VIIBE reflects exactly the kind of bold, collaborative research environment we are building at 91�Ʋ���—one that advances fundamental knowledge, drives real-world innovation and prepares the next generation of scholars to take on challenges from Earth to space.”

Launching Ambitious New Missions

Founded in 1961, the National Reconnaissance Office designs, builds, launches and operates the nation’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites in support of the U.S. Department of Defense and the intelligence community. In addition to his roles leading the NRO and the Goddard Space Flight Center, Scolese was also acting administrator of NASA. Over nearly four decades of public service, he led organizations responsible for the nation’s most advanced space science, engineering and national security missions. Scolese began his career as a U.S. Naval officer supporting a variety of naval nuclear propulsion programs for the U.S. Navy and the Department of Energy.

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most ambitious missions succeed because talented people from many disciplines work toward a common purpose,” Scolese said. “91�Ʋ��� has exceptional researchers, a collaborative culture and a willingness to address difficult problems. I’m excited to work alongside faculty and students as we build VIIBE and explore new opportunities in space research, engineering and technology.”

In March, Scolese was awarded the prestigious 2026 Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy by the National Space Club and Foundation. He also received the 2018 AIAA Von Karman Award, the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive, the NASA Distinguished Leadership Medal, Goddard Outstanding Leadership, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics National Capital Section Young Engineer/Scientist of the Year award.

Krish Roy, the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor, praised Scolese’s deep experience leading some of the nation’s most sophisticated engineering organizations. “His perspective is tremendously valuable to our faculty and students—from conducting fundamental research to orchestrating complex operational missions. He is an engineer at heart with deep technical expertise paired with an unparalleled experience in policy, national security and governance. He will deepen collaborations across 91�Ʋ��� while strengthening partnerships with government and industry, further elevating the university’s leadership in near-Earth and space technologies.”

Scolese will hold a distinguished faculty appointment in 91�Ʋ���’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master of science and Ph.D. in engineering from George Washington University.

More details will be announced about VIIBE in the coming months.