Zachary J. Lemnios facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zachary J. Lemnios
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Official portrait
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| Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering | |
| In office July 2, 2009 – November 30, 2012 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | John J. Young, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Stephen P. Welby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 21, 1955 Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Stephanie Bicoulis |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan (BSEE) Washington University in St. Louis (MSEE) |
Zachary John Lemnios (born February 21, 1955) is an American scientist, leader, and engineer. He has worked in government, big companies, and universities. He is best known for being the top technology officer for the U.S. Department of Defense from 2009 to 2012. He was also the first Chief Technology Officer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and a Vice President of Research at IBM. Later, Mr. Lemnios started his own company, ZJL Consulting, LLC.
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Early Life
Zachary Lemnios was born on February 21, 1955. He grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. He went to public schools there and finished Lexington High School. As a kid, he loved amateur radio (his call sign was WA1LTA). He also enjoyed building his own electronic projects.
Education
Mr. Lemnios studied electrical engineering in college. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) from the University of Michigan in 1976. He then received his second degree (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) in 1979. This was from the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. His master's paper was about making special parts for microwave devices. He also took advanced courses, including a program for leaders in national security.
Career Highlights
Zachary Lemnios held important technical jobs at several companies. These included Hughes Aircraft, Westinghouse Electric, and Ford Microelectronics. His work helped create advanced microelectronic parts.
Leading Technology at MIT
Mr. Lemnios was the very first Chief Technology Officer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He started there in April 2002. He played a key role in creating a program called "Personalized Assistant that Learns." This program helped develop early forms of AI assistants.
Top Technology Role in Defense
On June 19, 2009, the United States Senate approved Mr. Lemnios for a big job. He became the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He officially started on July 2, 2009. In this role, he was the main technology leader for the entire Department of Defense. He helped decide what new technologies the military should develop.
Mr. Lemnios also started the DoD Science and Technology Executive Committee. This group helps guide science and technology efforts for the military.
He also served on many important committees. These included groups focused on technology, defense buying, and medical research for the armed forces.
Future of Defense Technology
Mr. Lemnios set out four main goals for defense science and technology. These goals helped prepare the Department of Defense for future national security needs:
- Get new tools faster: Speed up how quickly new technologies reach soldiers. This helps win current fights and prepare for future ones.
- Plan for what's next: Invest in key technologies for the future. These include cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and systems that turn data into quick decisions. It also includes protecting against WMDs.
- Save time and money: Reduce the cost and time it takes to get new defense systems.
- Build strong talent: Develop world-class skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. This helps both the military and the nation.
Mr. Lemnios announced he would leave his role on November 20, 2012. He then joined IBM. There, he became a Vice President for research strategy.
Awards and Patents
Mr. Lemnios has written over 40 papers about his work. He also holds 4 patents for advanced technology.
He is a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This is a high honor for engineers.
In 2018, he received a special award from the University of Michigan. It recognized his impact on electrical engineering and computer science. He also received an Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University in St. Louis.
His patents include inventions related to making special circuits for microwave devices. They also cover ways to create parts for advanced computer chips.
Personal Life
In October 2010, the United States Department of Defense chose Mr. Lemnios as a "Nifty Fifty Speaker." He spoke to middle and high school students about his work and career.
Mr. Lemnios was also a special guest at several events for young students. These included the Team America Rocketry Challenge in 2010 and the FIRST Robotics Competition in 2012. He also spoke at the Real World Design Challenge in 2012.
