Robert has been managing life science grants and programs for ESD since 2020. He is currently leading the launch of a new fund as part of the Governor’s Bolstering Biotech initiative, managing the Entrepreneur Development Grant program with business schools across the state, and coordinating outreach throughout New York’s regions to foster collaboration with life sciences. Robert was also heavily involved in ESD’s Biodefense Commercialization Fund, managing grants to startup recipients and coordinating services with the Fund Administrator. Before joining ESD, Robert served as an Excelsior Service Fellow at NYSERDA, working as a project manager with Communities and Local Governments.