Strategic Research Alliance

Speakers: Jon Porter (Virginia Tech Strategic Research Alliances), Steven McKnight (Virginia Tech Strategic Research Alliances), John Provo (Virginia Tech), & Dr. Christopher Williams (Virginia Tech)

Jon Porter serves as the associate vice president for the Strategic Research Alliances office and director of research development for Virginia Tech. He works closely with university leadership, faculty, and staff to develop strategic collaboration and partnerships with federal agencies, other academic institutions, and Washington D.C. area-based foundations and business groups to advance Virginia Tech’s strategic priorities. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Porter served as chief scientist in the Federal Highway Administration’s office of Research, Development and Technology within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Previously, Porter managed defense laboratory policy initiatives and science and technology programs for the secretary of defense and the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force (science, technology, and engineering). Before being assigned to the Pentagon, Porter led research and technology development programs for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Dr. Christopher Williams is the L.S. Randolph Professor  in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He is the Founding Director of Virginia Tech MADE – Virginia Tech’s interdisciplinary center for advanced manufacturing. His Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems (DREAMS) Laboratory, which was named the “2023 Academic Research Team of the Year” by 3D Printing Industry, has published over 150 journal articles on topics spanning innovations in additive manufacturing processes and materials, Design for Additive Manufacturing methodologies, and cyber-physical security for AM.  Chris has been involved in over $40M of externally funded research. He is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2013) and the 2012 International Outstanding Young Researcher in Freeform and Additive Manufacturing Award. He is a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Williams holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia) and a B.S. with High Honors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida).

John Provo is the executive director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic & Community Engagement. Provo provides leadership for the university in the design and implementation of its economic engagement mission. A “pracademic,” he has almost 25 years of experience in higher education and government. He builds relationships between businesses, communities, and the university and leads a team that delivers applied research projects that create economic opportunities.

Provo received his Ph.D. from the School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. He received a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 and a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary in 1989. While in Richmond, he worked for Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade on implementation of revisions to the state’s workforce development system. 

Steven McKnight of Virginia Tech Strategic Research Alliances.