Biographical Sketch of Mr. Kenneth S. Gertz,
Associate Vice President for Research Development at the University of Maryland

Ken has served as Associate Vice President for Research Development at the University of Maryland since September 2006. In this capacity, he is developing and implementing a comprehensive research development strategy and infrastructure designed to enhance the visibility, impact and volume of the UM research enterprise. Ken is responsible for building strong ties to Federal funding agencies, Federal Labs, industry, medical centers, foundations and other universities in order to facilitate the development of large, multi-disciplinary proposals and initiatives. He works closely with the Vice President for Research to bring together and support teams of faculty from various disciplines and Colleges to purse funding opportunities and to build cross campus programs. Ken is also developing the first comprehensive, strategic communications plan for research at the University of Maryland, designed to enhance the awareness and appreciation of the University's unique research capabilities.

Ken was previously at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 1988 to 2006. He served as Director of Government Relations for the first 12 years and in 2000, he was appointed Assistant Vice President for Research. While at RPI, Ken played a key role in the development of a number of significant multi-disciplinary initiatives, including the Center for Computational Nanotechnology Innovations, the Center for Polymer Synthesis, the new Biotechnology Center, and two Rensselaer Centers for Advanced Technology. Ken's outstanding skills in building relationships with Federal agencies and laboratories, industry, and other universities, played a significant role in raising Rensselaer's overall research funding from $38M in 2000 to well over $80M upon his departure.