Press Release
Semmel Named Next Director of the 秘密直播 Applied Physics Laboratory
Semmel Named Next Director of the 秘密直播 Applied Physics Laboratory
Credit: 秘密直播 APL
Dr. Ralph D. Semmel, who currently oversees a variety of research and development activities at The 秘密直播 University Applied Physics Laboratory, has been selected to lead the Laboratory as its next director. On July 1, Dr. Semmel will succeed Dr. Richard T. Roca, who has served as APL鈥檚 director since January 2000.
Stuart S. Janney, chair of the APL Board of Managers, says 鈥渢he Board is confident that Ralph Semmel is highly qualified to lead the Laboratory as it takes on national critical challenges. Ralph will be leading a strong institution with an impressive record of accomplishments. He has proven ability to lead such a dynamic institution.鈥 Dr. Roca is in agreement. He says, 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that such a remarkable R&D executive as Ralph Semmel will be leading this prestigious laboratory.鈥
Dr. Semmel has for the past five years served as head of APL鈥檚 Applied Information Sciences Department and its Infocentric Operations Business Area. He has been instrumental in making infocentric operations a core business for the Laboratory, enabling APL to develop critical technologies that enhance the security of the nation.
During his 23-year career at APL, Dr. Semmel has also served as assistant head of the Power Projection Systems Department, deputy director of the Milton S. Eisenhower Research Center, and Science and Technology Business Area executive.
Dr. Semmel also chairs The 秘密直播 University computer science, information assurance, and information systems engineering programs in the JHU Engineering for Professionals graduate program. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, received master鈥檚 degrees from the University of Southern California and The 秘密直播 University, and received his doctorate in computer science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Dr. Semmel becomes the eighth director in APL鈥檚 68-year history. He was selected after an extensive nationwide search conducted by the APL Board of Managers.
APL, a division of the University located in Laurel, Md., performs research and development on behalf of the Department of Defense, NASA and other government sponsors. More than 70 percent of APL鈥檚 nearly 5,000 staff members are scientists and engineers.
Dr. Semmel lives in Columbia, Md., with his wife, Esta. They have two grown children.