ODU Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation (OERI) Welcomes Dr. Thomas Irwin as New Executive Director of the Center for Mission Engineering

Suffolk, VA (January 25, 2024) – The Old Dominion University Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation (OERI) has announced the appointment of former deputy director for Joint Force Integration Thomas Irwin, Ph.D. as the newly established Center for Mission Engineering’s Executive Director. The Center for Mission Engineering is a research business unit that will operate under the OERI.

Irwin has assumed his role and will lead the Center for Mission Engineering (CME) to advance design, analysis, integration, and improvement of the ability of engineered systems to deliver desired effects.

“I’m really excited about joining ODU’s Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation and leading the new Center for Mission Engineering,” said Irwin. “We want to develop transformative first-of-their-kind tools in modeling and simulation to advance the state of the art in mission engineering. It’s not just about building spacecraft or systems; it’s about coordinating innovation, precision, and collaboration to reach new frontiers.”

Irwin boasts an exceptional track record of leadership positions including executive director of Joint Warfighting Development; executive director of Joint Force Development and Design Integration; executive director of Joint Training; and deputy director of Joint Environment. Irwin also has an extensive career in the NAVSEA Warfare Centers, holding various technical and management positions for Theater Warfare Systems, Battle Force Interoperability, Aegis Combat Systems, and Self Defense Missile Systems.

“I’m looking forward to working with Thomas on CME,” said Dr. Eric Weisel, ODU Senior Associate Vice President for Applied Research. “His background, expertise, and leadership will help catalyze CME as the premiere research center focused on mission engineering and supporting the warfighter in accomplishing defense missions.”

In his previous position as deputy director for Joint Force Integration, Irwin provided executive management, oversight, and integration of Joint Force development and design activities to mitigate future joint force deficiencies. Irwin also served as the Science and Technology lead for the Joint Staff JZ and sat on a myriad of senior leadership organizations such as DoD Chief Engineers Council, JT&E Executive Committee and OSD R&E RDER.

CME will be located in both Suffolk, Virginia and Washington D.C.

About OERI: The Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation (OER) is Virginia’s premier university research center of Old Dominion University focusing on applied research leading to digital transformation. Staffed by over one hundred faculty, scientists, and support staff, OERI provides modeling and simulation, analytic research, and technological support for partners across various industry, government, and community sectors. Building upon years of success, OERI was developed and oversees five research enterprises.

About CME: The Center for Mission Engineering (CME) is an interdisciplinary applied research center focused on advancement in designing, analyzing, integrating, and improving the ability of engineered systems to deliver desired effects.  Our offices are in Washington D.C. and Suffolk, Virginia.