Lawrence Schuette, Ph.D.Director, Office of Innovation

Dr. Lawrence Schuette is the director of the Office of Innovation at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Arlington, Va. As the senior civilian responsible for Innovation at ONR, he oversees the high-risk/high-payoff “game changing” technology investments.

Schuette entered the Senior Executive Service in July 2007. He started his career as a research scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory working in the Acoustics, Information Technology and Tactical Electric Warfare Divisions. Prior to joining ONR, he also served as head of the Innovative Systems Subgroup of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Technical Joint Cross Service Group during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure. He also served as deputy chief of the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Laboratory Board and as a special assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

Schuette received his bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from The Catholic University of America. He is a 2008-2009 MIT Center for International Studies Seminar XXI Fellow and a Level III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Science and Technology Manager.

His awards include the secretary of defense's award for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Department of the Navy Superior Senior Service Award, the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Naval Unit Commendation, the Naval Meritorious Unit Commendation and the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.