Leveraging APL’s technical expertise, our team works to identify intersections of emerging military needs and domain opportunity in the fields of biomimetics, environmental security, indications and warnings, novel sensing paradigms, and operational enablers.
Program Manager: Sarah Herman
Focus Areas
BIOMIMETICS
Exploring biologically inspired or derived material
We utilize state-of-the-art techniques such as bioprinting to achieve structures inspired by nature for various uses such as sensor development and 3D tissue model development. We customize our materials for one-of-a-kind capability and performance, including high resolution, patterning, and enhanced cellular activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY
Discovering technologies for natural resource stability
Through careful characterization and monitoring of natural communities, we strive to identify early indicators of environmental stress and conduct research on ways to bolster sensitive biological systems. We also conduct research toward provision of clean water through novel decontamination and remediation technologies.
INDICATIONS AND WARNINGS
Identifying signatures of nefarious activity
We conduct research to assess vulnerabilities across dual-use capabilities and devices that could be exploited by nefarious actors. These systems include a range of technologies, such as biometrics sensors and biotechnological instrumentation and data.
NOVEL SENSING PARADIGMS
Developing living systems as sensors
We strive to transform the inherent capabilities of biological systems into sensing networks and platforms by translating endogenous responses into data streams. We also engineer and safely contain living “surveillance platforms” that transfer actionable data in near-real-time for specific sensing capabilities.
OPERATIONAL ENABLERS
Creating technologies that sustain military missions
We develop capabilities that sustain military missions through enabling technologies such as antifouling coatings, biologically derived adhesives, recycling and upcycling waste, and extraction of clean water from the environment.
Research Highlights
Press Release
APL Researchers Plant Ideas for Building Better Biological Sensors
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In a recent article in Plant Phenome Journal, APL scientists describe the development of a method for scanning plants without destroying them — using computerized tomography — to collect data on how they grow, and the creation of an algorithm to extract important plant-response metrics.
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Press Release
Johns Hopkins Researchers Retrace COVID-19 Introduction and Impact in D.C. Region
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A study from scientists across Johns Hopkins University and Health System who’ve sequenced the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, points to multiple entries of the virus into the National Capital Region, but similar clinical presentation, indicating that — despite small genetic differences — circulating viruses are likely causing identical disease.
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Press Release
APL Researchers Develop Method to Extract Water from Thin Air
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APL scientists have identified highly absorbent materials that can extract drinkable water out of thin air — which could potentially lead to technologies that supply potable water in the driest areas on the planet.
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