Mr. Alfred Grasso, President
MITRE Corporation
President and CEO (Ret.)
VASEM Leadership
President's Message
Dear Colleagues and Friends of VASEM,
As I begin my term as President of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM), I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Jim Aylor for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to our mission. Jim’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative. Under his stewardship, the Academy has expanded its reach, deepened its relevance, and solidified its role as a trusted convener and advisor to the Commonwealth on matters of science, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
Through programs such as the Annual Summits and the COVES Policy Fellows Program, and through thought leadership on topics ranging from renewable energy to coastal resilience and semiconductor strategy, Jim has elevated the Academy’s voice at both the state and national levels. His vision for strategic engagement and cross-sector collaboration has been foundational to our recent progress—and a model for what thoughtful leadership can achieve.
I also want to extend appreciation to all the former presidents of VASEM, whose service and foresight have shaped the Academy into the vibrant and respected institution it is today. Each of you has contributed to a legacy of integrity, impact, and innovation. I am honored to follow in your footsteps and to build upon the strong foundation you have created.
As we look ahead, I am excited to work alongside our dedicated Board, staff, and the newly appointed leadership team to continue this momentum. Together, we will explore emerging opportunities where science, engineering, and medicine intersect with public good—from ensuring energy resilience and sustainable infrastructure to nurturing the next generation of science policy leaders.
Throughout my career, including my time as CEO of MITRE and service on boards that advance research, technology, and national security, I have seen the profound difference that evidence-based thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration can make. I look forward to applying that experience to help further VASEM’s mission and support the Commonwealth in navigating its most critical challenges.
Thank you again to Jim for his extraordinary leadership, and to all who continue to invest their time, talent, and passion in the Academy. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve and energized for what lies ahead.
With sincere appreciation,
Alfred Grasso
President-Elect
Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
Meet VASEM's Executive Director
Nathaniel “Nat” Draper, M.Ed.
Nathaniel (Nat) Draper assumed the role of Executive Director at the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM) in July 2024. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Randolph-Macon College and a master’s degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to joining VASEM, Nat dedicated sixteen years to teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Earth Science at public high schools in Henrico County. In 2011, he contributed to the College Board and BFW Publishing, co-authoring the inaugural edition of an AP Environmental Science textbook, which continues to be widely used.
During his tenure as Director of Education for the James River Association (JRA), Nat played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s educational programs throughout the James River watershed. His efforts were instrumental in establishing three educational centers in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Nat brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his role at VASEM. In his leisure time, he enjoys paddling the upper James River, gardening, and playing golf and pickleball. He looks forward to leveraging his background to enhance VASEM’s impact and visibility across Virginia.
Mission of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
INFORM
- Provide an independent resource of expertise in science, engineering, and medicine to Virginia.
- Envision future trends and provide leadership in catalyzing emerging opportunities.
ADVOCATE
- Promote investments in job growth, research, and solutions to challenges in science, engineering, and technology.
- Support emerging leaders in science, engineering, and medicine toward their election in the national academies.
SERVE
- Foster new collaborations between businesses and Virginia universities and colleges.
- Grow Virginia’s competitiveness for new business investments, federal funding, and job growth.
Extending Our Record of Accomplishment
The Virginia Academy provides nonpartisan, objective technical guidance to decision-makers on the most difficult, challenging issues of the day.
Looking Back on Our First Ten Years
Since its founding 10 years ago, VASEM has established a diverse set of programs. We have convened nine annual summits, written a series of reports detailing how the Commonwealth could confront its most pressing challenges, and strengthened policymaking in the state by giving graduate students from universities across Virginia have gained hands-on experience applying their expertise to public policy issues at state agencies, legislative offices, corporations, and nonprofits.
Our Vision for the Future
The Virginia Academy’s record of accomplishment over the past 10 years has place it in an ideal position to reflect on its record. Now is the time to evaluate our efforts, expand on our successes, and pursue initiatives in areas where we have yet to realize our full potential. Our strategic plan is our roadmap for moving forward over the next five years.
VASEM Executive Board
Dr. James Aylor
Immediate Past President
Dean Emeritus, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Louis T. Rader Emeritus Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Virginia
Profile +
Dr. X.J. Meng
Vice President
Member, National Academy of Sciences
University Distinguished Professor
Virginia Tech
Profile +
Mr. David Roop
Vice President
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Principal Consultant
Adjunct Professor - VT
Director of Electric Transmission (Ret.) at Dominion Energy
DWR Associates, LLC
Profile +
Dr. Jennifer West
Secretary / Treasurer
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Member, National Academy of Medicine
Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Saunders Family Professor of Engineering
University of Virginia
Profile +
VASEM Board Members
Dr. Barbara Boyan
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Former Dean, College of Engineering
Executive Director, Institute for Engineering and Medicine
Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Chair in Biomedical Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University
Profile +
Dr. Robert Carey
Member, National Academy of Medicine
Dean Emeritus, School of Medicine
University Professor and David A. Harrison III Distinguished Professor of Medicine
University of Virginia
Profile +
Dr. Patricia Dove
Member, National Academy of Sciences
University Distinguished Professor and C.P. Miles Professor of Science
Virginia Tech
Profile +
Dr. Antonio Elias
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Ret. Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
Orbital ATK
Profile +
Dr. Anita Jones
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Professor Emerita
Department of Defense
Former Director of Defense Research and Engineering
University of Virginia
Profile +
Dr. Robert Kahn
Member, National Academy of Sciences
Member, National Academy of Engineering
President & CEO
Corporation for National Research Initiatives
Profile +
Dr. Alex Krist
Inaugural Sheldon M. Retchin Professor in Healthcare Innovation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Profile +
Dr. Chen-Ching Liu
Member, National Academy of Engineering
American Electric Power Professor
Virginia Tech
Profile +
General (ret.) Lester Lyles
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Former Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (Ret.)
U.S. Air Force
Profile +
Dr. Robert Phillips
Member, National Academy of Medicine
Executive Director
The Center for Professionalism & Value in Health Care
Profile +
Mr. Thomas Young
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Executive Vice President (Ret.)
Former Director of Goddard Space Flight Center
Lockheed Martin
NASA
Profile +
NASA
Academic Support
Many of the Commonwealth’s universities support the Virginia Academy’s operations as well as the COVES Policy Fellowship program.
Industry Support
Since it began, VASEM has been fortunate to have the corporate and foundation support of the following organizations:
