Marla Dowell
- Executive Director, EDGE Consortium and Visiting Professor, Thayer School of Engineering; Dartmouth College
- RESEARCH & INNOVATION EXTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Marla Dowell is a distinguished leader in technology and research, currently serving as the Executive Director of the EDGE Consortium, a collaborative initiative of leading universities dedicated to expanding the semiconductor workforce through innovative education, research, and professional development opportunities. Under her leadership, the consortium is fostering initiatives to expand the workforce in support of semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
Previously, she held key leadership roles at NIST, forging impactful partnerships across academia, industry, and government to advance critical technologies in economic growth and national security. A recognized expert in photonics, communications, and research innovation, she has represented the U.S. on national and international standards committees and advisory boards. Her pioneering work in precision optical measurement has enhanced laser safety, communications, manufacturing, and life-saving cancer therapies.
Dr. Dowell’s leadership and research expertise have earned her prestigious honors, including the Allen V. Astin Award, the Arthur S. Flemming Award, and the Presidential Rank Award as a Distinguished Executive. She is a Fellow of AAAS and SPIE, and holds a B.S. in Physics from the University of Michigan, a Ph.D. in Physics from MIT, and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder.