USTF Board Member Dr. Mark Lewis Named Purdue Research Foundation’s First Chief National Security Officer and Recognized Among Nation’s Top Defense-Tech Innovators

August 12, 2026

Dr. Mark Lewis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Odon, Ind. — The Uplands Science & Technology Foundation (USTF) is proud to celebrate two major milestones for its board member Dr. Mark Lewis, whose leadership in national security research and defense technology continues to bring distinction to the NWS Crane innovation ecosystem and to the broader southern Indiana region.

Dr. Lewis was recently named the inaugural Chief National Security Officer for the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), effective July 1, 2026 — a newly created role that reflects both the growing national importance of university-affiliated defense research and Dr. Lewis's unique standing at the intersection of academia, government, and applied research. In this position, he will facilitate research partnerships between Purdue University and key federal entities including the Department of Defense, national laboratories, and the intelligence community, as well as private defense and aerospace partners. He will operate from both West Lafayette, Indiana, and Washington, D.C.

In the same month, Washingtonian magazine recognized Dr. Lewis among Washington, D.C.'s 2026 Leading Defense-Tech Innovators — an acknowledgment of his decades-long commitment to advancing hypersonic weapons systems, aerospace technologies, and the broader defense-industrial base. His years of championing hypersonic research have directly laid the groundwork for the venture capital investment now funding a new generation of companies developing these critical capabilities, including those now here at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park.

Dr. Lewis brings an extraordinary depth of national security experience to both his USTF board service and his new role at Purdue. His career includes serving as Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force, Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization at the Pentagon, Acting Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute. He is widely regarded as one of the nation's foremost experts in hypersonics.

As a member of the USTF board, Dr. Lewis has been an invaluable voice in shaping the defense technology ecosystem surrounding Naval Weapons Station Crane, one of the Navy's most significant technical warfare centers. His relationships across the Pentagon, the national laboratory system, and the defense-research community have strengthened USTF's ability to connect regional partners with federal programs, attract emerging technology companies to the Crane corridor, and position southern Indiana as a national hub for defense innovation.

"Mark's accomplishments speak to exactly the kind of leadership that drives our mission forward," said Bryant Niehoff, CEO of the Uplands Science & Technology Foundation. "His appointment at Purdue and his recognition by Washingtonian are well-earned honors, but what matters most to us is what he brings to the table every day — deep expertise, trusted relationships across the national security enterprise, and a genuine commitment to this region. The entire Crane ecosystem benefits from having Mark in our corner."

Tina Peterson, board chair of USTF, echoed that sentiment. "Dr. Lewis represents the best of what USTF stands for — bridging world-class talent with the unique strategic assets we have here in southern Indiana," said Peterson. "His vision has helped us think bigger about what this community can be, and his new role at Purdue only deepens the connections between our region's defense mission and the broader national security research community. We are honored to have him as a board member and proud to celebrate these well-deserved recognitions."

USTF works to accelerate the growth of the innovation and technology economy in the Uplands region by supporting workforce development, technology transfer, and the attraction and retention of defense-oriented businesses and talent. USTF also serves as the exclusive management partner of the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. Dr. Lewis's continued engagement with the foundation's board reflects USTF's commitment to bringing the highest level of national security expertise to bear on the opportunities and challenges facing the communities of the region.

About the Uplands Science & Technology Foundation

The Uplands Science & Technology Foundation (USTF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. Created in 2021, following the completion of the technology park’s Master Plan, USTF supports the park’s long-term strategy and growth, building on the successes achieved by the WestGate Authority and other partners. For more information, please visit ustfwestgate.org.

About the WestGate@Crane Technology Park

Just beyond the gates of the world’s third largest naval base, the WestGate@Crane Technology Park connects a world-class innovation ecosystem that includes the rich knowledge and capabilities of NWS Crane, the park’s 70+ tenants, and Indiana’s top research, development, and educational institutions. Set on 750 acres of the rolling hills and forests of southern Indiana, the cutting-edge technology park offers competitive advantages and exclusive amenities leveraged through the one-stop assistance of the park’s management partner, Uplands Science & Technology Foundation (USTF).