Robert brings over three decades of distinguished technical leadership in the development of advanced radiological and nuclear (R/N) detection systems. Formerly a Research Physicist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for 21 years, Chief Scientist at the Homeland Security Institute, and then Chief Nuclear Scientist at Applied Research Associates and Parsons, Robert is a recognized authority on counting physics, sensor fusion, and anti-nuclear terrorism technologies. His technical portfolio includes inventing the HELGA II anti-nuclear terrorism detection system, funded by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, which provided best-in-class passive identification of covert nuclear weapons. Additionally, Robert invented the concept of the "neutron signature" developed for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to verify ICBMs under the SALT II Treaty. He holds U.S. patents for both a unique fast-neutron detector and an entirely solid-state neutron detector.
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Robert’s strategic influence extends to the highest levels of national security: he served as a Charter Member of the Nuclear Defense Working Group that recommended to U.S. Congress the formation of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), later known as the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD). Most recently, he led initiatives in Active Muon Imaging and neutrino detection funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as well as AI and Deep Learning programs for the U.S. Army Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate. Robert is well-known among industry leaders as a technology pioneer who has repeatedly identified, developed or delivered innovations that were successfully implemented at scale.
