Research and Development Project Manager
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Erica Ward is a biochemist and certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with experience leading research and development projects across academia, government, and industry. Her work bridges all areas of science and engineering to transform complex research into practical, scalable solutions.
As a Research and Development Program Manager, she oversees multimillion-dollar initiatives for the DoD that modernize machine repair and sustainment through advanced manufacturing technologies. Erica’s previous experience in pharmaceutical development and academic research operations has honed her ability to manage diverse, cross-functional teams and align scientific innovation with strategic goals.
Equally dedicated to workforce development, Erica has mentored more than 80 undergraduate research teams, guiding students as they apply project management and scientific principles to real-world challenges. She fosters creativity, collaboration, and accountability which are essential for tackling issues in sustainable manufacturing, biomedical innovation, and process optimization.
Her contributions include patented polymer formulations in medical devices and publications in biochemistry and microbiology. Erica’s career reflects a passion for applied science and for preparing the next generation of innovators to address today’s scientific and industrial challenges.
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Building the Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline Through Research and Industry Collaboration
Monday, April 13, 2026
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM East Coast USA Time