Dr. Kathleen Gilpin has 20 years of experience in leadership and scientific research. She leads the Discovery and Engagement team for APEX, where she conducts outreach on behalf of the DAF SBIR/STTR program and helps small businesses navigate the SBIR/STTR process. Prior to joining APEX, she was an applied research scientist within the 711th Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Laboratory and a research scientist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where she conducted research to assess the effects of traumatic brain injury. She served six years in the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer, navigating amphibious ships, and remains a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.