University of Maryland Distinguished University Professor
Department of Physics & Institute for Physics and Science Technology
College Park, MD 20742
Distinguished University Professor Ellen Williams earned her B.S. in 1976 from Michigan State University and her Ph.D. in 1981 from the California Institute of Technology. Her research interests are in surface chemistry and nanotechnology. She founded the University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center and served as its Director from 1996 through 2009. She served as Chief Scientist at BP from 2010-14, and as Director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) from 2014 until early 2017.
Under his leadership the Clark School’s research expenditures reached their highest level in history. He has also contributed to a number of strategic partnerships with industry and government, and helped to grow the number Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) awards put forth by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other agencies. Additionally, Dr. Briber has overseen major renovation and capital projects in the college, including planning and construction for the E.A. Fernandez IDEA (Innovate, Design and Engineer for America) Factory.
Eric joined the Division of Research in November of 2013, after working as the Senior Director of Corporate and Government Relations for the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences and as the inaugural Deputy Director of the Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2). Eric came to the University of Maryland in 2011 following five years of service as the National Security Advisor to Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) on Capitol Hill and extensive work in the Department of Justice.
Eric is responsible for building strong ties to federal funding agencies, federal Labs, industry, medical centers, foundations and other universities to facilitate the development of large, multi-disciplinary proposals and initiatives. He works closely with the Vice President for Research and the Director of National Research Initiatives to bring together and support teams of faculty from various disciplines and Colleges to pursue funding opportunities and to build cross campus, innovative research programs and initiatives. Eric received an M.A. from The Johns Hopkins University and his B.A. from Syracuse University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Santhanam manages the $5.6M Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) program investing in commercialization and start-up companies spun out of five participating universities; Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland College Park, Baltimore and Baltimore County campuses, as well as Morgan State University. Dr. Santhanam leverages over 20 years of experience in life science research, and a multidisciplinary background, providing subject matter expertise for conception, design and delivery of technical and commercialization solutions for start-ups. At TEDCO, Dr. Santhanam has served various roles over the years including Investment Analyst for the Maryland Venture Fund and Manager for the Life Science Investment Fund, where she was responsible for over $3M of seed investments and served in a Board Observer role for multiple Portfolio Companies.
As the Director of UM Ventures - College Park, Ken leads a team of dedicated professionals who serve faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maryland at College Park. UM Ventures - College Park manages the University IP portfolio, engages corporate partners for research, supports faculty startups, and provides experiential learning opportunities for students.