Dave Schroeder named UW–Madison’s Director of National Security Initiatives

Dave Schroeder has been named UW–Madison’s Director of National Security Initiatives, continuing more than 30 years of service to UW–Madison. Schroeder brings a deep understanding of the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and the national security enterprise.

In this new role supporting both the Vice Chancellor for Research and Vice Chancellor for University Relations, Schroeder will identify national security research opportunities and build strategic national security partnerships in Wisconsin and beyond. He will work closely with university leadership to align his efforts with campus research and partnership priorities.

“In today’s complex global environment, federal research partnerships in national security are more critical than ever,” says Dorota Brzezińska, vice chancellor for research. “I’m confident Dave’s efforts will deepen our impact, expand opportunities for researchers and students, and reinforce our role as a leader in research that safeguards the public good.”

“Dave is a passionate advocate whose relationships across the national security enterprise will amplify the university’s voice in critical conversations,” says Craig Thompson, vice chancellor for university relations. “Dave will help connect our campus strengths to new partners, bringing UW–Madison’s ingenuity and the Wisconsin Idea to the forefront of the national security landscape.”

Schroeder began his UW–Madison service in 1995 in the Division of Information Technology, and most recently served as the Associate Director for Intelligence and Security Initiatives in the College of Letters & Science where he created opportunities for UW–Madison faculty, staff and students in L&S and beyond with defense and intelligence agencies including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Sandia National Laboratories, and consortia such as the Intelligence and Security University Research Enterprise.

He also coordinated campus visits and engagements with agencies and senior national security officials, highlighting UW–Madison’s expertise. Additionally, Schroeder is the Research Director for the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC), a UW-affiliated non-profit corporation which will enable sensitive national security research, and coordinates UW–Madison’s Cyber Programs and Designations for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences.

Schroeder continues to serve as a Cyber Warfare Officer and Military Intelligence Officer in the Wisconsin National Guard, focused on state and national cyber efforts. He previously served as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserve in the special operations community.

Schroeder holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a master’s degree in Information Warfare from American Military University, a graduate certificate in Space Systems from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a graduate of the Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College. He is currently a Ph.D candidate in Cyber Defense at Dakota State University, where his research focuses on effective utilization of National Guard cyber forces. He speaks to groups throughout the state on cyber and national security topics as a part of Badger Talks.

“UW–Madison is among our nation’s crown jewels as a land-grant public research university, with a long and proud legacy of conducting groundbreaking research in the national interest,” says Schroeder. “It’s a tremendous honor to connect the incredible people and cutting-edge capabilities at UW–Madison to our most urgent national security challenges.”

Schroeder’s role along with Elizabeth Hill, the new Director of Federal Relations for Research, comes at a pivotal time for higher education, as federal support for research continues to evolve. His experience with defense and intelligence agencies will support UW–Madison’s continued efforts to diversify its research portfolio to support sustained research investments in critical areas to drive innovation, support economic and workforce development, and advance the public good.

 

To learn more about UW–Madison’s research, visit research.wisc.edu.