Dr. Patrick Carrick, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is Director, Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA), Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security As the HSARPA Director, he guides the management of the national technology research and development investment for DHS. Carrick leads five divisions, consisting of a staff of more than 200 scientists, engineers, and administrators in Washington, D.C. Each year, HSARPA selects, sponsors, and manages revolutionary research that impacts the future of the Homeland Security Enterprise. As HSARPA's principal scientific and technical adviser, he is the primary authority for the technical content of S&T's portfolio. He evaluates the directorates’ entire technical research program to determine its adequacy and efficiency in meeting national and DHS objectives in core technical competency areas, and identifies research gaps and analyzes advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields to provide advice on their impact on laboratory programs and objectives. He recommends new initiatives and adjustments to current programs required to meet current and future Homeland Security needs.
Carrick earned his doctorate of philosophy degree in chemistry from Rice University in 1983 and was an assistant professor of physics at Mississippi State University, and Director of the Shared Laser Facility at the University of Oregon prior to joining the Department of Defense in 1989. He served for 10 years at Edwards Air Force, California becoming Chief of the Propellants Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate in 1994. He successfully led a team conducting cutting-edge scientific research and engineering. He also directed the High Energy Density Matter Program, which develops advanced rocket propellants and energetic materials. As a senior research physical scientist, he developed the first cryogenic solid hybrid rocket engine.
Carrick served for two years as the Air Force Program Element Monitor for Propulsion and Power Technologies and Deputy for Science and Technology Policy in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science, Technology and Engineering. He monitored and provided guidance for the $300 million science and technology investment in propulsion and power. He served on national steering committees for both rocket propulsion and turbine programs and was the lead editor and coordinator of the national report on hypersonic technology. Carrick also served as the Air Force representative to the Department of Defense Functional Integrated Process Team on Scientist and Engineer Career Field Management.
Prior to becoming part of HSARPA, Carrick was the Director of the Basic Science Program Office and the Acting Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, in Arlington, Virginia where he guided the management of the entire basic research investment for the Air Force. He led a staff of 200 scientists, engineers and administrators in Arlington, VA., and foreign technology offices in London, Tokyo and Santiago, Chile. Dr. Carrick has published more than 25 articles in peer-reviewed professional journals.