UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has named Amanda Clase to the Information Science & Technology (ISAT) Study Group beginning in August 2024. The group brings 40 of the brightest scientists and engineers together to identify new areas of development in computer science and information technology and to recommend future possible research directions.
Clase is an associate research professor at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) where she leads the Biodefense Initiative. In addition to her role at ARL, she serves as an associate research professor of global health at Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.
Clase received her doctorate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Colorado in 2004 and a graduate certificate in Public Health Surveillance and Preparedness from the University of New York at Albany in 2019. Her research interests span a wide range of biodefense topics including cyber biosecurity; microbial forensics; detection and characterization of biological threats; military health and performance; agricultural biosecurity; and novel biomaterials.
The ISAT Study Group was established by DARPA in 1987 to support its technology offices and provide continuing and independent assessment of the state of advanced Information Science technology as it relates to the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Members of the ISAT Study Group represent the forefront of innovation in computer science and it’s a distinct honor to be selected to join. Dr. Clase has proven herself a highly capable researcher who has made significant contributions while at ARL. I’m confident she’ll have an immediate and measurable impact as part of this group,” said Allan Sonsteby, Ph.D, ARL executive director.
About the Applied Research Laboratory
As a University Affiliated Research Center, Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application. As the largest research unit at Penn State, ARL continues to do vital work through cutting-edge research and innovation.