Patrick Mendez

Dr. Patrick M. Mendez is the Director of Research Development Capture Management at the University of Maryland. As a distinguished leader in strategic business development, capture management, and research innovation, Dr. Mendez orchestrates the development and execution of capture strategies to secure proposal opportunities from the Federal and related agencies, aligning closely with UMD's strategic initiatives and extensive research capabilities. 

With a strong emphasis on advancing UMD’s Translational Research capabilities through deep engagement with the Department of Defense, Energy, and NSF’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, Dr. Mendez enhances institutional competitiveness through business development, strategic partnership management, and meticulous strategic planning. His role is pivotal in driving the university's research enterprise towards achieving $1 billion in external awards. 

Prior to joining UMD, Dr. Mendez brought his expertise as a Strategy and Capture Manager to SRI International, where he led the design, refinement, and implementation of processes that translate cutting-edge technology innovations into high-impact strategic engagements, proposal submissions, and financial forecasting methods that leverage industry best practices. As the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, he led the development of transformational partnerships and consortia that married impactful research with the pressing needs of industry to drive regional economic development and job creation. Dr. Mendez played a crucial role in fostering strategic collaborations across multi-state institutions, enhancing Alabama’s capabilities in attracting targeted industries and advancing the state’s research priorities. 

Earlier in his career, Dr. Mendez led capture and proposal management for PARC, a Silicon Valley California-based for-profit R&D Laboratory, and a Washington, D.C.-based firm specializing in Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. He worked with over 200 scientists, researchers, and engineers in those roles to develop commercial and academic partnerships and manage government proposal responses. A recipient of multiple professional certifications and accolades, Dr. Mendez is recognized for his strategic understanding and ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of grant and proposal responses. His work ensures that UMD remains at the forefront of innovation, nurturing a fertile ground for research advancements that resonate across government, industry, and academia. 

Dr. Mendez has a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Keiser University and an MBA from the University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management. He also proudly served as an Infantry Paratrooper in the United States Army.