Search Results

Russell Shilling, Ph.D. is a retired Navy Captain and DARPA innovator advancing AI, XR, games, and EdTech to improve education, autism support, and mental health. I am a mission-driven innovator with over 30 years of experience spanning military, education, federal policy, interactive media, and R&D. My career has been dedicated to pioneering approaches that profoundly impact policy and social outcomes. Growing up in rural Appalachia, I developed a deep passion for helping individuals overcome barriers to success—a commitment that became even more personal when my two sons were diagnosed with autism. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Wake Forest University and my Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from UNC Greensboro. During graduate school, I focused on auditory perception research and developed video games to embed psychoacoustic tasks, blending neuroscience and psychology with interactive media. Military Service and Technology Innovations Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychologist Training VR Therapy at USC ICT DARPA SimSensei at USC ICT Opting for a non-traditional path, I joined the U.S. Navy as an Aerospace Experimental Psychologist (AEP), working on spatial auditory interfaces and virtual reality training devices. At the Office of Naval Research (ONR), I launched the Department of Defense's first Virtual Reality Therapy program for PTSD (2005), now used in over 70 Veterans Affairs clinics nationwide. As a Program Officer, I led initiatives in psychological health, medical training, and pandemic response. As Executive Director for Science & Technology at the Defense Centers of Excellence, I helped plan and execute the investment of nearly $1 billion in funding, bridging basic science and clinical practices for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. I collaborated with Sesame Street to create award-winning media for military families, winning two Cine Golden Eagle Awards and an Emmy nomination. At DARPA, I managed over $60 million in interdisciplinary R&D to transform psychological health and STEM education, pioneering intelligent agents for mental health support and personalized educational games. During academic appointments at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Naval Postgraduate School, I developed psychology and human factors curricula and contributed to America's Army, one of the most successful serious games in federal history. Sesame Street Military Retirement Video U.S. Department of Education After retiring as a Navy Captain following 22 years of service, I joined the Obama Administration as Executive Director of STEM Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Education. I orchestrated STEM initiatives across the White House and federal agencies while advocating for establishing an education equivalent to DARPA (ARPA-ED). I co-chaired a federal committee coordinating serious games efforts across government and led extensive policy development to promote equitable access to high-quality STEM education, focusing on early education issues. My work involved coordinating efforts across government, nonprofits, philanthropies, and industry to translate research into actionable policy frameworks. Continuing to Foster Impact San Diego Comic-Con Panel on STEM Comics Technology Mind and Society Conference Russ Shilling interviews Kumar Garg After the Obama Administration, I collaborated with major philanthropic organizations to apply DARPA-inspired strategies to educational challenges. At Digital Promise, I co-created the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), a $200 million initiative funded by the Gates Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and NewSchools Venture Fund to tackle persistent teaching and learning challenges affecting economically disadvantaged students. As Chief Scientific Officer at the American Psychological Association, I led the Science Directorate, expanded applied psychology initiatives, and advanced national policy on technology ethics in behavioral health. I continue providing strategic guidance for philanthropic endeavors, including Gates Foundation collaborations on Pre-K assessment programs and work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning on education, training, and health programs. In educational technology, I collaborate with startups developing innovative games on platforms like Roblox and generative AI applications building on my DARPA wellness work to support mental well-being. I serve on the Medical and Science Advisory Committee for Autism Speaks and as a founding advisory board member at MVMT Ventures, focusing on accessibility innovations. As Senior Strategic Advisor for the EdSAFE AI Alliance, I help develop policies ensuring safe and equitable AI use in education. Throughout my career, I've leveraged technology to enhance lives, particularly for those facing challenges, bringing innovative solutions through diverse experiences spanning military service, federal policy, and philanthropic innovation. Russ & Elaine Shilling speaking at Jill's House Gala to support a wonderful respite care program

Discover Shilling Forge Consulting. The homebase for Russell Shilling, Ph.D.—innovation consultant, former DARPA program officer, and Navy Captain—advancing AI, XR, and emerging technology in education, autism, and psychological health. Learn how his cross-sector consulting drives breakthroughs in education, mental health, autism advocacy, and emerging technologies. Innovations in Education and Psychological Health

Shilling Forge Consulting’s AI & LLM use policy promotes responsible, transparent use of generative AI with attribution, ethics, and impact in mind. Russell Shilling, Ph.D. Shilling Forge Consulting, LLC AI & LLM Use Policy

Explore Dr. Russell Shilling’s pioneering work in mental health innovation—advancing VR therapy for PTSD, trauma-informed media with Sesame Workshop, and AI-driven support tools for veterans, caregivers, and neurodiverse individuals. Russell Shilling, Ph.D. Shilling Forge Consulting, LLC

Psychologist and defense innovator Dr. Russell Shilling applies DARPA strategy, immersive tech, AI, and public media to transform global education systems. Russell Shilling, Ph.D. Shilling Forge Consulting, LLC

Discover insights from an Accomplished Cross-Sector Speaker on Innovation. Enhance your skills with an Accomplished Cross-Sector Speaker on Innovation.

Explore Russell Shilling's blogs and articles, delving into evidence-based innovation R&D within psychological health and education. Discover the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, XR (Extended Reality), chatbots, and educational games. Detailed Psych Health Background Detailed Education Background