US Ignite is a research nonprofit that leverages smart city technologies to accelerate economic development. We target underserved communities with a national support system that offers new economic opportunities. Launched and led a $4 million smart transportation testbed and autonomous vehicle pilot program at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. This program also includes a smart base testbed focused on energy resiliency at MCAS Miramar and City of San Diego. Principal Investigator for US Ignite’s Smart Cities Data Exchange, designed to help cities analyze civic data more effectively, creating an online tool that will help communities explore COVID economic recovery strategies.

Built the Saros data analytics platform empowers users to clearly understand current technology market dynamics and accurately predict future technology trends. Provided clients with granular market forecasts in the IT and communications markets using global economic, social, demographic, and financial data.

Launched a $100 million advanced wireless testbed initiative with over 30 of the largest global telecom firms to accelerate new wireless network infrastructure, devices, and applications. Also designed NSF's Convergence Accelerator program to drive increased investment in long-range, cross-disciplinary research.

Championed the AIM Integrated Photonics Institute with DOD, to support next-generation photonic devices with $610 million from federal, state and industry partners. Launched President Obama's ConnectHome initiative with HUD, to reduce the barriers of broadband access and adoption for 52,000 children living in public housing. With First Lady's Joining Forces initiative, launched new non-profit, Warriors4Wireless, for training and certifications for hundreds of veterans. Drove a broadband access Executive Order, making it easier for rural and tribal communities to access broadband. Built a big data analysis platform for DOD, IC, and NIST to model out future technology sector trends.

Created US Ignite with NSF, 100 corporations, communities, universities, and agencies to support next-gen broadband networks and applications. Launched Startup America to support mentoring, access to capital, and commercialization programs for entrepreneurs while designing a Presidential Memorandum on R&D commercialization, requiring all research agencies to support rapid IP for startups. Coordinated 7 Federal agencies to launch the i6 Challenge for 6 proof-of-concept centers nationwide.

Initiated a public-private partnership between SCORE Foundation and 10 global service providers, retailers, and vendors to provide free small business technology training for low-income communities nationally. Led a team of policy researchers, statisticians, and GIS experts to assess broadband availability, adoption, and competition within the small business market.

Researched best practices for R&D strategies for Qatar National Research Foundation and evaluated regional S&T policies to attract global investment and technology transfer.

Developed $7.2 billion in national broadband programs and budget estimates for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the BTOP/BIP programs.

Analyzed the impact of global economic, demographic, and regulatory trends on the international wireless market for a global telecom equipment company. Developed a model of telecom indicators to assess ICT adoption across 150 countries. Carried out demand and cost analysis of Latin American and Asian fiber networks.

Led benchmarking effort national innovation systems for the European Commission. Assessed best practices for technology-led economic development to launch a North Carolina pilot program.