Speakers

As part of the Science and Technology Division in the J8 Resources and Innovation Directorate, Dr. 'Mike' von Fahnestock is the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command coordinator for S&T projects related to Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). Additionally, he serves as Deputy Operational Manager for a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration and Operational Manager for Rapid Innovation Fund and Coalition Warfare Projects. Prior to his current Interagency Personnel Agreement (IPA) assignment, Dr. von Fahnestock served five years on active duty as an Army Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel with both Pacific Command in the S&T Office and the Army Human Resources Command as the Operations Officer for The Adjutant General. Prior to this latest service activation, Dr. von Fahnestock worked at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH, as a program manager, specializing in environmental process design technologies, and as manager of the Energy and Environment Global Business Unit Internal R&D Program. With over 20 years at Battelle, Dr. von Fahnestock has held positions in the research, line management and program management tracts, including manager of Battelle's Hazardous Materials Research Center. He managed numerous environmental restoration projects, technology demonstrations and chemical-biological research and development efforts. Dr. von Fahnestock earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Ohio State University where he also obtained his M.S. in Chemical Engineering. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he also completed one year at the Institut National des Sciences Appliqu'es, Lyon, France. Military education includes Intermediate Leadership Education Course, the Fundamentals of Acquisition 51 Course, Combined Arms Staff Services School, and the Chemical Officer Advanced and Basic Courses. Dr. von Fahnestock is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management Professional and member of the Army Acquisition Corps with Level III Engineering Certification. He holds four patents and has won two R&D 100 Awards and an Army Lean Six Sigma Enterprise Award.