Andrew C. Merkle

Dr. Andrew C. Merkle is head of the Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD) at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where he leads multidisciplinary teams developing breakthrough technologies for critical national security, space, and health challenges. REDD advances research in key areas, including quantum physics, materials science, neuroscience, biotechnology, and robotics, and is home to APL’s Intelligent Systems Center and a range of world-class advanced prototyping facilities. Previously, Dr. Merkle served as mission area executive for Research and Exploratory Development, launching major initiatives and accelerating the transition of emerging technologies into national security, space, and health applications. An expert in human injury biomechanics, he has led warfighter protection research, published extensively, and holds multiple patents. Dr. Merkle serves as chair of Systems Engineering for the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals program and is a member of the Maryland Science Center Board of Trustees. He holds a D.Eng. in engineering management from George Washington University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.S. in engineering mechanics and B.S. in engineering science and mechanics from Virginia Tech.