Meet the Team

Marla joined EDGE in Spring 2025 as the Consortium’s inaugural Executive Director. Previously, she served as Director of the CHIPS Metrology Program and as Director of the NIST Boulder Laboratory at the U.S. Department of Commerce. A recognized expert in photonics, communications, and research innovation, she has represented the U.S. on national and international standards committees and advisory boards. Her pioneering work in precision optical measurement has enhanced laser safety, communications, manufacturing, and medical laser applications.

With over 25 years in the public sector, Marla has built a vast network supporting semiconductor R&D and fostering partnerships across academia, industry, and government. Her leadership has earned prestigious honors, including the Allen V. Astin Award, the Arthur S. Flemming Award, and the Presidential Rank Award as a Distinguished Executive. She holds a physics degree from the University of Michigan, a PhD in physics from MIT, and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is a fellow of AAAS and SPIE.

Lesley is the Program Director for the EDGE Consortium and has more than 20 years of experience at all levels of education, from pre-K to graduate level work. As a seasoned leader of admissions, recruiting, marketing and communications, and assessment professionals, Lesley brings these skills to the Consortium, seeking to build a broad coalition of committed educators, industry leaders, federal partners, and motivated students.