Laura Freeman Named Director of Hume Center's Intelligent Systems Lab
Dr. Laura Freeman has been named the Director of the Hume Center’s Intelligent Systems Lab, located in Arlington, VA. Her research leverages experimental methods for conducting research that brings together cyber-physical systems, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to address critical challenges in national security. She develops new methods for test and evaluation focusing on emerging system technology. She is also an Associate Professor of Research in the Department of Statistics and the Assistant Dean for Research in the National Capital Region; in that capacity she works to shape research directions and collaborations across the College of Science in the greater Washington, D.C., region.
Previously, Freeman was the Assistant Director of the Operational Evaluation Division at the Institute for Defense Analyses. In that position, she established and developed an interdisciplinary analytical team of statisticians, psychologists, and engineers to advance scientific approaches to DoD test and evaluation. In 2018, Freeman served as the acting Senior Technical Advisor for Director Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). As the Senior Technical Advisor, Freeman provided leadership, advice, and counsel to all personnel on technical aspects of testing military systems. She reviewed test strategies, plans, and reports from all systems on DOT&E oversight.
Freeman has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, an M.S. in Statistics, and a Ph.D. in Statistics, all from Virginia Tech. Her doctoral research was on design and analysis of experiments for reliability data.
About the Hume Center:
The Hume Center leads Virginia Tech's research, education, and outreach programs focused on the challenges of cybersecurity, autonomy, and resilience for the national security community. Education programs provide mentorship, internships, scholarships, and seek to address key challenges in qualified US citizens entering federal and industry service. Current research initiatives include machine learning and artificial intelligence, assured and secure communications, space and undersea missions, and 5G security.