ORAU names associate director of scientific, technical resource integration

Oak Ridge Associated Universities has appointed David Duncan as associate director of its scientific and technical resource integration program.

In his new role, Duncan is responsible for managing research peer review activities that coordinate the use of independent, expert reviewers to evaluate proposals and scientific and technical information for a variety of federal and state funding agencies. Additionally, he is responsible for identifying viable options for new business development and for establishing and developing business networks and partnerships.

Prior to joining ORAU, Duncan served as a senior safety and health specialist for the Knoxville-based environmental and engineering consulting firm, Strata-G. He also served as president of The ConneXions Group from 2005-2011, a business management and consulting group which supported safety, leadership development and business continuity planning for Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

In 1993, he co-founded PrSM Corp., an engineering and environmental consulting firm, which grew to more than 80 staff members and achieved $8 million in annual revenue before the firm was sold in 2005. From 1979 to 1991, Duncan managed safety, health, and environmental programs at both ORNL and the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

“As an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in operational planning and business development, Dave has demonstrated the type of skillsets that are necessary for diversifying our business portfolio while also continuing to provide quality and outstanding performance for our existing customers,” said ORAU President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Page. “He’s a strong leader, a great fit for our corporate culture, and we’re delighted to have him join our team.”

Duncan received a doctorate in educational psychology and research from the University of Tennessee in 2009. He also received a master’s degree in air and industrial hygiene from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1977, as well as a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Harding University in 1975.

A certified industrial hygienist, Duncan has previously served as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Tennessee environmental and health graduate program and is a fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. In 1994, Dr. Duncan was one of several individuals honored with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Quality Team Award, which was presented by Energy Secretary Hazel R. O’Leary in recognition of an employee empowerment program at ORNL.