David Blanchard, Ph.D.

Dr. David Blanchard is Director of Biochemistry for Chemical & Biological Defense Programs at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska, the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command.

At NSRI Dr. Blanchard leads scientific efforts in chemical and biological threat mitigation, defense technology development and national health security innovation in direct support of U.S. strategic deterrence and countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) operations.

With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of science, operations and national security, Dr. Blanchard is a nationally recognized expert in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. He has led multi-agency research and development programs and fielding operational capabilities for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, among others.

Prior to joining NSRI, Dr. Blanchard served as Program Director in the Asymmetric Operations Sector at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. In this role, he spearheaded a portfolio of high-impact programs for federal health and defense agencies, including ARPA-H and ASPR, leading teams advancing next-generation countermeasures, biosurveillance platforms and AI-enabled tools to address biological and radiological threats.

Dr. Blanchard also previously served as Program Manager and Branch Chief (pro tem) at Dugway Proving Ground with the U.S. Army, where he directed critical counter-WMD testing, training and operational integration efforts in collaboration with the USSOCOM, FBI, DIA, WINPAC and international partners, including working groups with the Defence Science Technology Laboratory United Kingdom and the Defence Science Technology Group Australia. His work supported the development of fieldable chemical weapons destruction systems, improvised explosive countermeasures and advanced nuclear material assessment tools.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Dugway Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Chemical Corps Regimental Association Order of the Dragon Award, Government Purpose Invention Award finalist and multiple internal innovation and invention awards. His recent work focuses on integrating biosciences and artificial intelligence to enhance detection of emerging threats and improve public health preparedness.

Dr. Blanchard holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry and a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from Oregon State University. He earned dual Bachelor degrees in Chemistry and French Literature from Southern Utah University and completed a Master of Business Administration at Columbia University.