Brian Watson
About Brian Watson
Brian Watson is a Senior Manager at General Atomics, where he oversees a molecular diagnostics development program for DARPA's Biological Technologies Office. He holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Maryland and has a background in chemical engineering and materials science.
Work at General Atomics
Brian Watson has been employed at General Atomics since 2022, holding the position of Senior Manager. In this role, he oversees a molecular diagnostics development program that is contracted from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO). Prior to this position, he served as Principal Engineer at General Atomics from 2011 to 2022, contributing to various projects and initiatives within the organization.
Education and Expertise
Brian Watson earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Materials Engineering from the University of Maryland, where he studied from 2006 to 2011. He also holds a Master of Science (MS) in Materials Science from the same institution, completed in 2009. Earlier, he obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, graduating in 2006. His educational background supports his expertise in materials and chemical engineering.
Background
Before joining General Atomics, Brian Watson worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Maryland from 2006 to 2011. He also served as a Visiting Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology from 2008 to 2011. His experience in research and development spans both academic and governmental institutions, providing a strong foundation for his career in the biotech and engineering sectors.
Achievements
Brian Watson is recognized as an inventor of a process for producing renewable cellulosic ethanol from recycled newspaper. He has authored eight peer-reviewed publications, including a notable article in the Journal of Bacteriology, which has been cited 128 times globally. Additionally, he co-founded Vanadis Labs, a biotech company focused on developing assays to prevent anaphylactic reactions. His leadership in process development for a multiphase effort with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and his work in building a technology roadmap for Vanadis Labs further highlight his contributions to the field.