Defense industry vet to head Purdue Applied Research Institute

Purdue University has named Mark Lewis as the inaugural CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute. PARI, which was established in 2021, is designed to extend the reach and impact of Purdue’s research efforts and academic programs, especially in fields related to national security and defense in the U.S.

Purdue says Lewis is a renowned researcher, professor and former deputy undersecretary of defense with expertise in hypersonics and advanced propulsion.

Lewis taught at the University of Maryland for 25 years, where he conducted research in hypersonic aerodynamics, advanced propulsion and space vehicle design and optimization.

From 2004-08, he served as chief scientist of the U.S. Air Force. He’s also been a scientific advisor to the White House.

In 2019, Lewis became director of defense research and engineering for modernization in the Defense Department. A year later, he was named acting deputy undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.

“Mark Lewis is one of the most prominent leaders in defense research in our country. He brings the perfect combination of academia excellence, industry experience and government leadership,” said Purdue President Mung Chiang.

Since its founding, PARI has launched multiple initiatives related to Purdue research in engineering, agriculture, science and technology, including the Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center.

While PARI is heavily focused on defense and cybersecurity issues, it’s also a driving force in the use of technology to address food issues, such as safety, supply chain, sustainability and environmental impact.

“PARI is really cutting edge,” said Lewis. “Its agile structure brings together Purdue’s world-class research talent and state-of-the-art facilities in strategic collaborations with federal agencies and industry. This combination will advance the development of emerging technologies that are critical to the economic prosperity and security of the United States and the world.”

Lewis begins his new role May 8 and will be based in the new Purdue office in Washington, D.C.