(HEROES) Program
The QEM Network HEROES programs strengthen the nation’s STEM innovation ecosystem by connecting institutions, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the expertise, resources, and support needed to compete for federal funding, build sustainable partnerships, and accelerate commercialization.
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The Hiring Experienced Researchers to Optimize Ecosystems in STEM (RESEARCH-HEROES) program brings together former federal scientists to lend their expertise and support to the STEM research community. Our Research-HEROES are here to support academic scientists in navigating the federal funding landscape, developing STEM programs and partnerships, and improving talent retention in in-demand fields. This program’s goal is to build sustainable ecosystems for STEM research and education at emerging research institutions across the country.
The Technical Enablement and Commercialization Help to Expand SBIR/STTR Research, Outreach, and Entrepreneurial Support (TEC-HEROES) is a two-year initiative that helps entrepreneurs in EPSCoR states strengthen their competitiveness for NSF SBIR/STTR funding. Through training, coaching, proposal support, and technical assistance, our TEC-HEROES aim to increase the quality and success of submissions, accelerate commercialization, and expand participation in America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF.
Please navigate to the interactive map to contact a HEROES Fellow serving your region.
Search HEROES Fellows
Amaka Nwankwo
Previous Agency
Centers for Disease Control, USAID
Expertise
Data Science, Public Health, STEM
State / Region
NJ / PA
Aprille Ericsson
Previous Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Expertise
Aerospace and Defense Technologies, Space Science
State / Region
CT / MA / MD / ME / NC / NH / NY / RI / VA / VT
Bradley Lusk
Previous Agency
Department of State, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), USAID
Expertise
BioTechnology, Environmental Science, Science Communication, STEM, TechTransfer
State / Region
AZ / NM
Carrie Hall
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Biology, Ecology, Education, Mentoring
State / Region
AR / LA / OK
Chaz Gipson
Previous Agency
Department of Education
Expertise
Capacity Building, Proposal Development
State / Region
GA / TN
Christopher Atchison
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Broadening Participation
State / Region
IN / KY / OH
Frances Carter-Johnson
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Analytics, Engineering, Evaluation, Physics, Policy
State / Region
AL / AR / LA / MS / WV
Jennifer Riehl
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Genetics, Outreach
State / Region
NJ / PA
Joseph Isaac
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Education, STEM
State / Region
DE / MD
Josh Trapani
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Geoscience
State / Region
CO / UT
Kenneth Wright
Previous Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Expertise
Technology
State / Region
MI
Naomi Hall-Byers
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Evaluation, Methodology, Social Sciences
State / Region
NC / SC
Shadei Jones-Laird
Previous Agency
Naval Sea Systems Command
Expertise
Systems Engineering, Workforce Development
State / Region
AL / GA
Sharmini Pitter Boghos
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Education, Quantum Science
State / Region
FL / GA / IL / MO
Tori Rhoulac Smith
Previous Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expertise
Education, STEM
State / Region
MS / NC
