Innovationin service of people.
My work has focused on translating emerging technologies, behavioral science, and neuroscience into practical programs that advance learning, health, accessibility, and human performance.
Former Navy Captain, DARPA Program Officer & Aerospace Experimental Psychologist. Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Education. Three decades translating emerging technology into public benefit.
Areas of experience
My career spans federal R&D, emerging technology, applied psychology, neuroscience, accessibility, education, and implementation—from early research through deployment at scale.
Federal R&D & Innovation
Program leadership across DARPA, ONR, education, behavioral health, human performance, and cross-sector research partnerships.
Emerging Technologies
Experience translating rapidly evolving technologies into evidence-based research programs, prototypes, and practical capabilities.
Human-Centered Research
Psychology, neuroscience, accessibility, and neurodiversity as foundations for technology that responds to real human needs.
It's not innovation if it does not scale and reach practice!
From lab prototype to deployed public benefitSelected evidence
A few signals explain the work quickly: federal R&D, national policy, serious games, VR therapy, AI agents, and a personal commitment to inclusive design.
DARPA & ONR
Managed portfolios in psychological health, STEM education, VR therapy, pain control, virtual humans, adaptive learning, and serious games.
National Policy
Founded the Department of Education's first Office of STEM, coordinated 60+ programs, and helped define an ARPA-style model for education R&D.
Personal Mission
Autism, Veteran, and Education advocacy is the lens for inclusive design, family impact, independent living, and responsible technology deployment.
Featured Speaking & Media
Talks, panels & interviews
Featured talks and interviews
TechEquity AI Summit – AI Conversational Agents
Panel exploring how conversational AI is transforming service delivery across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Watch Panel
AI Optimist Podcast with Skip Rizzo – AI, Autism, & EdTech
Exploring AI, autism and mental health, VR therapy, and how innovation scales through public service and partnerships.
Watch InterviewUnited Nations – AutismTech 2025
Policy and innovation strategies for inclusive tech in global autism and mental health and disability ecosystems.
Watch Panel
Games for Change: Strategic Partnerships for Social Good in Gaming
Moderating a panel on games for diabetes support and child motor therapy—how small teams spark big change.
Watch Panel
CAPT Russ and Murray Retirement Video
When you retire from the U.S. Navy after 22 years – including time at DARPA – you don't expect Sesame Street to make you the star of your own farewell sketch.
Watch Video