Institute for Space and Defense Electronics Executive and Leadership Team

Bart Brunk, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Investments at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, manages the financial frameworks and capital allocation strategies supporting large-scale research operations. Overseeing the fiscal health of the facility, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Investments ensures alignment between endowment growth and the expansion of laboratory capabilities. Brunk directs the administrative processes that sustain the facility's position as the largest academic research center of its kind. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Investments supports the procurement of advanced testing equipment essential for space and defense applications. Bart Brunk coordinates with university leadership to leverage investment returns for long-term infrastructure development. This role involves mitigating financial risks while maximizing the impact of research grants. Through disciplined operational oversight, Brunk maintains the stability required for sustained scientific innovation and the continued growth of the research portfolio.

Marleigh Canter, the President, Volunteers For Health at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, leads community engagement and outreach initiatives that bridge the gap between technical research and public health outcomes. Overseeing volunteer programs, the President, Volunteers For Health drives awareness regarding the societal benefits of advanced electrical engineering research. Canter coordinates with internal stakeholders to translate complex scientific findings into accessible information for the broader community. By fostering partnerships with health-focused organizations, the President, Volunteers For Health expands the reach of the facility's mission beyond traditional academic boundaries. Marleigh Canter manages the strategic alignment of volunteer efforts with the core research objectives of the facility. This leadership role involves cultivating a network of supporters who advocate for the importance of space and defense electronics in modern society. Through effective communication and community mobilization, Canter enhances the public profile and institutional impact of the research facility.

Jan Goddard, the President, Advisory Board Osher Lifetime Learning Institute At Vanderbilt at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, guides the educational outreach and lifelong learning programs that complement the facility's research mission. Overseeing the advisory board, the President, Advisory Board Osher Lifetime Learning Institute At Vanderbilt ensures that educational offerings remain relevant to the evolving needs of the community. Goddard directs the strategic planning for programs that integrate scientific literacy with broader academic pursuits. By facilitating collaboration between the research facility and the learning institute, the President, Advisory Board Osher Lifetime Learning Institute At Vanderbilt promotes a culture of continuous intellectual growth. Jan Goddard manages the board's engagement with university leadership to align educational goals with institutional priorities. This leadership role involves fostering an environment where complex technical knowledge becomes accessible to diverse audiences. Through dedicated advisory oversight, Goddard supports the long-term educational impact of the facility.

Shane Callahan, the Chief Information Officer at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the world's largest academic research facility. Overseeing high-performance computing clusters and secure data networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between complex electrical engineering simulations and institutional research requirements. Callahan manages the technological backbone that enables researchers to analyze radiation effects on microelectronics, driving efficiency across North American research initiatives. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer facilitates collaboration between academic departments and defense partners. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive intellectual property. Shane Callahan optimizes hardware resources to support massive computational workloads, directly impacting the speed and accuracy of scientific discovery. Through strategic technology investments, Callahan secures the operational continuity necessary for maintaining the facility's status as a premier global research hub.

Maria Misbach, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, architects the brand strategy and external messaging for the world's largest academic research facility. Overseeing global communications, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the facility's breakthroughs in microelectronics and radiation testing reach key stakeholders in the defense and aerospace sectors. Misbach directs the development of digital content and media relations that highlight the facility's unique capabilities. By managing the institutional narrative, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer drives visibility for research achievements across international markets. Maria Misbach coordinates with academic leadership to ensure consistent messaging regarding the facility's role in advancing electrical engineering. This leadership role involves executing strategic campaigns that attract top-tier research talent and industry partners. Through precise communication, Misbach strengthens the reputation of the facility as a critical node in the global defense research ecosystem.