Laurie Locascio

Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards & Technology; NIST Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards & Technology; NIST Director| National Institute of Standards and Technology

Address

What I Do

I lead a science and technology agency in the federal government. I am a Presidential appointee, appointed by President Biden.
Why Engineering?

I always loved both math and science and I found that engineering was a great combination of those.
School Days

BSc in Chemistry: James Madison University
MSc in Bioengineering: University of Utah
PhD in toxicology/pharmacology: University of Maryland
My Day At Work

For much of my career I was a researcher and an inventor, and now I am a leader of a large scientific organization. As the director, every day is different and interesting. I make decisions on the scientific priorities and strategy for NIST. I oversee large research programs that include biotechnology, quantum science and engineering, and AI. The work we do has important partnerships internationally so I travel to other countries to discuss priorities and establish collaborations.
Best Part

I love inventing.
Proud Moments

Leading NIST - an organization that I love and am very proud to be a part of.
Being elected into the National Academy of Engineering.
Inventing: I have 12 patents related to bioengineering.
Challenges

Early in my career, there were very few women around me working in the laboratories. Today there are more women engineers but still very few female leaders as role models. I love to mentor young women to show them the possibilities and the excitement in a career in science and engineering.
My Family

I am part of an Italian and Irish family from New England. I have 3 grown sons and 5 grandchildren who all live near Washington DC.
Dreams and Goals

My short term goal is to be a great director and make this a place where everyone feels they can be their best and do their best work.

My long term goal is to return to my startup company (I left it for this position) and help it to grow and be successful.
Inspiration

My father was a physicist who inspired my love of science and math and encouraged me to become an engineer.
Want to be an Engineer?

Be self motivated and be brave. You will encounter opportunities and challenges in every career- but opportunities need to be seized and challenges need to be overcome. This will require both bravery and motivation. Work on your ability to speak with people about what you do.
Hobbies

My favorite hobbies are yoga and hiking. I love to hike with good friends and family.

After I got my graduate degree in bioengineering, I got my first job at NIST doing research. I realized that I wanted to lead scientific programs so I went back to school to get my PhD. I did research in a laboratory for about 20 years but gradually moved into higher level leadership positions in my organization. As a leader, I love the combination of working with people and thinking big thoughts about science.

I worked at NIST for 31 years and then, in 2017 I was hired by the University of Maryland as a professor of bioengineering and vice president for research. In 2021, I was nominated by President Biden to be the NIST Director. The Senate held a confirmation hearing for me in late 2021 and I was voted into my position in early 2022.

I raised 3 incredible sons while working in a federal laboratory- one is a cybersecurity specialist, one is a master brewer, and one is a psychologist.