Program Managers
IARPA Program Managers are experts in their fields of research who bring imagination and dedication to challenges facing the Intelligence Community (IC). The work of IARPA PMs directly and substantially impacts the IC's future capabilities and, more broadly, the field of science. This includes a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technology that ranges from machine learning and quantum computing to human cognition and linguistics.
Dr. Paul Kolb
Dr. Paul Kolb joined IARPA in January of 2019. He currently manages both the SCISRS and EQuAL-P programs.
Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Kolb worked for the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) since 2002, initially as the technical lead for advanced research in the area of optical microscopy for mission applications. Subsequently, he developed proficiency in the computer simulation of metamaterial and other electromagnetic structures. During lengthy details with mission organizations, he designed dozens of antennas for deployments and developed techniques to enhance antenna performance or to facilitate antenna tuning which are still in use by mission partners today. For his contributions, he was awarded the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation (NIMUC). Upon returning to LPS, Dr. Kolb co-founded the Electromagnetics team (E-team) for advanced antenna design and research – a team that has won multiple awards and delivered antenna designs for systems which have been deployed around the world.
Born and raised in Kingsville, MD, Dr. Kolb holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland where he authored the thesis “Cryogenic Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy” in 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Valparaiso University where he also earned the degree of Scholar from the Christ College humanities program in 1986.
Outside of IARPA, Dr. Kolb frequently travels with his wife, daughter and son. Some of those travels include whale watching in Nova Scotia, hiking the coastal path in Devon, visiting the Dali Museum in Figueres, and hiking the moors of the Isle of Skye.
Dr. Paul Kolb joined IARPA in January of 2019. He currently manages both the SCISRS and EQuAL-P programs. Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Kolb worked for the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) since 2002, initially as the technical lead for advanced research in the area of optical microscopy for mission applications. Subsequently, he developed prof...