Meet the NASA iTech Team

As the Program Executive for NASA iTech, Maxwell Briggs aims to continue the iTech tradition of leveraging the incredible engine of innovation that is the U.S entrepreneurial ecosystem for NASA’s benefit.

Mr. Briggs spent his early career at NASA as an engineer working on power systems for various applications across the agency’s Science, Human Exploration, and Space Technology Mission Directorates. His background includes hands-on experience supporting NASA small business engagement programs, including Regional Economic Development (RED) and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), where he managed the technology portfolio for the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD).

In each of these roles, he has leveraged private sector innovation by reducing entry barriers for commercialization-focused companies looking to engage with NASA. Easing those barriers allows innovators to maintain their commercial focus while providing an onramp for the private sector to contribute to new technologies that drive exploration.

email: maxwell.h.briggs@nasa.gov

Dr. Quenton Bonds is currently supporting the NASA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office (PMO) in Entrepreneurial Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA), and Post Phase II initiatives. Dr. Bonds brings a unique skillset to the program, with extensive experience in research & development and entrepreneurship. He has started for- and non-profit businesses and won competitive research awards for technology development across various sectors, including automotive, biomedical, and earth science.

Before joining NASA SBIR/STTR, Dr. Bonds developed microwave instruments for various applications. His research at NASA has mainly been focused on the design and development of remote sensors for geoscience and various other space and aircraft applications. In particular, he has been very involved in the research and development of radar & radiometric sensors, as well as novel radiometer calibration algorithms.

Dr. Bonds has supported the Agency on a myriad of projects in various capacities, from serving as Design Engineer & Instrument Lead to providing Proposal Development and Product Development Lead – type support for projects including SWESARR – Snow Water Equivalent Synthetic Aperture Radar and Radiometer, WISM – the Wideband Instrument for Snow Measurement, HIWRAP – High-Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler, and CubeRRT – CubeSat Radiometer Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). These projects have earned numerous distinguished awards at the division, directorate, center, and Agency levels.

email: quenton.bonds@nasa.gov

Harla has 20+ years providing communications and outreach support to the aerospace community. She is currently responsible for public relations and all media communications to further the National Institute of Aerospace's mission in Research, Graduate Education, and Outreach. She is also responsible for developing strategies to secure funding for key NIA initiatives and for cultivating external strategic partnerships with universities, industry, professional societies, government, and non-profits.

Harla leads NIA's Media Communications Group which produces NASA 360, a web and television broadcast program; Innovation Now, a daily radio program that explores the newest advances from NASA and the aerospace community; NASA Home and City; and is the principal investigator for the NASA iTech program.

email: harla.sherwood@nianet.org