Dr. Miguel O. Román
Senior Director and Chief Scientist of Climate and Environment
Leidos
Alma Mater: Cornell University
Dr. Miguel O. Román serves as Senior Director and Chief Scientist of Climate and Environment at Leidos – a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader. As part of the Integrated Missions Operation (IMO) within the Leidos Civil Group, Román is responsible for planning, leading, directing, and growing a $100M+ portfolio of earth science research and application programs including climate-sensitive water and agriculture, renewable energy, disaster resilience, and sustainable urban infrastructure.
Dr. Román has served in multiple leadership, organizational management, and technical capacities across the federal government, academic, and nonprofit sectors. A leading researcher in the field of Satellite Remote Sensing, Román has championed translational research, sustainability science, and data-intensive approaches to address climate-related risks. Since 2014, Dr. Román has led a worldwide group of scientists and technical staff in charge of two of the largest and most comprehensive satellite systems operated by NASA and NOAA to monitor our planet’s vital signs. His work is highly recognized for shedding light on the disproportionate risks experienced by socially vulnerable and underserved communities following major disasters.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Román was recognized by President Barack Obama in 2016 with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). He is also a 2014 Service to America Medal “Sammies” finalist, one of the highest honors for federal civil servants. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, a master’s degree in systems engineering from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in geography from Boston University.
