John P. Sawyer is the Director of Strategic Research Initiatives for the University of Maryland, where he builds and manages major programs and partnerships that enhance the impact and visibility of the university. As part of the Capital of Quantum Fearlessly Forward Initiative, Sawyer serves as the coordination lead for quantum-related efforts across campus and the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance, which enhances collaboration with regional partners. Sawyer was also the main architect of a large-scale regional autonomy and AI research collaboration that brings together nearly 300 researchers supported by a $68 million cooperative agreement with the Army Research Laboratory.

Sawyer previously served as the Director of Strategic Corporate Research Relationships, where he expanded the unique partnership between the University of Maryland and Lockheed Martin, and grew the volume and visibility of other corporate research collaborations. Before that, he was a senior researcher at UMD’s National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), where he co-founded a research program incubator and served as START’s Commercialization Director. His experience in the private sector includes domestic and international business development consulting and serving as the Chief Financial Officer for a successfully acquired EdTech startup. 

Sawyer graduated from UMD with degrees in History and Government and Politics before earning an M.A. in Security Studies and Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University.