Dr. Vinod Veedu is the Assistant Vice President in the Office of Research at Rice University, where he leads the Defense Research Advancement initiative, serving as a platform to connect Rice’s world-class researchers and facilities with national security needs, gaps, and resources. In this role, Dr. Veedu spearheads national security initiatives by facilitating and building partnerships for the discovery, development, and application of dual-use technologies, while fostering scientific and engineering collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
Previously, Dr. Veedu served as the Executive Director of the Rice University National Security Research Accelerator (RUNSRA). In this role, he led national security research and development, covering defense, energy, international cooperation, and science and technology policy. He worked closely with Rice’s faculty and staff, as well as scientists and engineers in government, academia, and industry. Established in 2019, RUNSRA partnered with the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) under a multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement to advance research in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, benefiting both defense and civilian sectors.
Dr. Veedu is an innovator and entrepreneur with a unique blend of expertise in technology, engineering, marketing, and business development. Prior to joining Rice, he spent nearly two decades in the industry, focusing on the creation and commercialization of disruptive platform technologies. He began his career at Oceanit as a senior nanotechnology engineer and later served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for 12 years.
Dr. Veedu holds over 30 approved or pending patents and a Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest nanotube brush. He is passionate about science communication and hosted “Weird Science with Dr. V,” a live, televised segment for children. He was named an Invention Ambassador by the AAAS-Lemelson Foundation, aiming to influence public policy and highlight the importance of fostering and inspiring talent.
Dr. Veedu earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.