Robert Hull
Program Manager
General Dynamics Corp.
Falls Church, Va. Customer: Air Force Research Laboratory
How the customer benefited: Hull coordinated General Dynamics' Laser Materials Testing contract with a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between General Dynamics and the Air Force Research Laboratory to increase the innovative use of the Laser Hardened Materials Evaluation Laboratory and its 150-kilowatt carbon dioxide laser. Enhancements that Hull orchestrated through the contract and CRADA led to a 60 percent increase in the testing and data production carried out at the materials lab.
What makes him a leader: Hull knows how to emphasize the Air Force Research Lab's objectives and requirements while placing equal weight on the business and growth factors that allow his company to flourish.
Drawing on his materials engineering background, Hull can interact with the laboratory's technical experts, while his understanding of the customer gives him the insight needed to advance the lab's interests.
As a result of his efforts, multiple General Dynamics Information Technology business partners and government organizations benefit from the Laser Hardened Materials Evaluation Laboratory facilities. Through his innovative thinking, he created a situation where General Dynamics Information Technology, its partners and the Air Force Research Lab are all active stakeholders in the materials lab, with equal incentive to promote and advocate use of the laser and the lab's other facilities.