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Martha R. Grabowski, Ph.D. – KP ‘79 - Board Chair

Distinguished Research Scientist, Industrial & Systems Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Professor Emerita, Information Systems Program, Madden College of Business & Economics, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY

Martha R. Grabowski is the Distinguished Research Scientist in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where she leads research teams exploring the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on individuals, groups and organizations in mission- and safety-critical systems. She is also a Professor Emerita of Information Systems at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. Her research, patents and patent applications center on the integration, impact and use of advanced technology, including wearable augmented reality devices, uncrewed aerial systems, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence in safety- and mission-critical applications.

Dr. Grabowski was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024 in recognition of her work in ‘engineering information systems that promote transportation safety and for national leadership in marine transportation policy.’ Dr. Grabowski twice led the  National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine (NASEM)’s Transportation Research Board (TRB)’s Marine Board, serves on the TRB’s Executive Committee, and has chaired or served on twelve NASEM studies, including a current (2024-2025) study for Congress examining the impact on safety culture of the use of alcohol by mariners on seagoing vessels. Dr. Grabowski is an Executive Counselor in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center of Excellence for Arctic Homeland Security and Arctic Domain Awareness (ADAC-ARCTIC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage; is a member of the American Bureau of Shipping; and is a member of the City of Syracuse (NY)’s Surveillance Technology Task Force. Dr. Grabowski is widely published; has given many invited keynote addresses and presentations; and has testified before Congress on such topics as our nation’s tsunami readiness, Arctic oil spill response capabilities, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s challenges in the Arctic.

Dr. Grabowski is a licensed former merchant marine officer and retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. She received a B.S. in Marine Transportation/Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and an M.B.A., an M.S., Industrial & Management Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Management/ Information Systems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 2023, she received her FAA Part 107 Remote Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Pilot’s license, and in 2024, she received her Certified Associate in Project Management certificate from the Project Management Institute.