Michael M. Reischman Named Deputy Assistant Director for Engineering

 Michael M. Reischman has been named Deputy Assistant Director for Engineering. Reischman comes to NSF from Old Dominion University, where he was a Research Professor on assignment at NASA Headquarters as Director of University Programs in the Office of Aeronautics. His academic career spans 14 years, focusing on research administration, graduate studies, development of large-scale research and education programs, and economic development.

Before his assignment at NASA (which began in January 2001), Reischman was Associate Dean for Research and Economic Development at the University of South Carolina (1997-2000) and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research for Penn State’s College of Engineering (1990-97). At the Office of Naval Research, he served as Director of the Mechanics Division (1989-90), Program Director for Fluid Dynamics (1985-89), and as a Scientific Officer with responsibility for multidisciplinary, fundamental research programs in fluid dynamics (1983-85).

  “What I enjoy most about my new position at NSF is being at the center of activity in the Engineering Directorate and working with the absolute best technical and administrative people in the U.S. government,” Reischman notes. “Everything they do is cutting edge. The stars really lined up to give me the perfect opportunity to apply my skill set, including my background in research administration, my understanding of federal procedures, and my experience with academic culture.”

One of Reischman’s goals in his new position is to advocate for a more prominent role for engineering within the nation’s priorities for R&D and innovation. “I will also work to ensure that the 135 people of the NSF Engineering Directorate are the happiest and most fulfilled staff on the face of the Earth,” he adds.

Perhaps the largest challenge facing Reischman in his new position is maintaining the Directorate’s cutting edge in a budget environment of potentially flat or even declining federal R&D expenditures. “Especially at a time when the nation is clearly competing globally, we must work to keep the U.S. edge in innovation and other R&D from being eaten away,” says Reischman.

An expert in fluid dynamics and turbulence, Reischman holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as well as a member of the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Physical Society, and the engineering honor society Pi Tau Sigma.

Reischman’s personal interests include antique sports cars and playing seniors’ basketball. He is married with three children and lives in Edgewater, Maryland.