Dr. Melissa Henriksen is the Senior Director of Research Strategy in the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute. In this role she drives growth in the university’s defense and national security research portfolio, particularly around critical and emerging technologies, in order to advance strategic research at ASU that positively impacts U.S. and allied national security.
Prior to joining the Global Security Initiative, Dr. Henriksen served as Senior Scientist for Biology Exploitation at the Defense Intelligence Agency. With a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and extensive experience across government, industry, and academia, Dr. Henriksen specializes in biodefense, scientific research and development, and strategic planning.
She has also held leadership positions at the University of Virginia, including Director of Operations and Research Development at the National Security Policy Center. A certified Project Management Professional, she has directed multimillion-dollar research portfolios and led infrastructure-building programs in both academia and government.
Dr. Henriksen's experience includes faculty appointments as Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia and Research Assistant Professor at The Rockefeller University, where she conducted research in chromatin biology and epigenetics.
Throughout her career, Dr. Henriksen has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and advancing scientific research in both academic and national security contexts.