Critical Contributions to Critical Challenges | February 17, 2026

A Lab research team helped set new standards that could help drones more safely share America’s skies.

Mitch Nikolich and James Gosler, national security experts from APL, have been named to the Department of War’s first Science, Technology and Innovation Board.

APL has been awarded one of three new NASA science investigations designed to strengthen humanity’s understanding and exploration of the Moon. The research payloads will be integrated into the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and Artemis campaign, with delivery to the lunar surface planned for 2028.

With support from APL, former staff members John Sittmann and Tom Curtis have launched Deep Root Biolabs, a startup advancing a patent-pending biological platform. By applying plant- and microbial-based systems, the company aims to tackle real-world challenges in agriculture, environmental remediation, and the bio-mining of critical minerals.

Brian Geesaman will lead a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives focused on integrated strike warfare capabilities, kinetic and non-kinetic weapon systems, and end-to-end capability development.

Stephanie Caporaletti, assistant branch supervisor in the Asymmetric Operations Sector at APL, has been appointed as chair of the Engineering Management program in the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering’s Engineering for Professionals program.

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