Dr. Joseph Bonivel Jr. is a Subject Matter Expert at the Department of Defense and leads disruptive technology incubation for the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He’s a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, where he provides science policy guidance on emerging technologies to ensure the use of “technology for good” among individuals, societies, and the international community.
In tandem with his role in the defense sector and the Atlantic Council, Bonivel serves on NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health’s diversity advisory board, focusing on deep space exploration challenges for humans. His career has been characterized by multifaceted roles in technical project management, policy analysis, and cutting-edge engineering.
He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Materials Science Engineering from the University of South Florida, with additional engineering degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of South Carolina.
On what he’s proudest of
“Given that less than 4% of PhDs in STEM go to minorities, having the ability to connect Black boys and girls to my network of Black PhDs is my calling,” Bonivel says. Helping people understand and recognize that minorities can be in top positions brings him the most joy.
His inspiration
“As cliche as it may be, my mother inspires me more than anyone else,” Bonivel says. He explains that her mantra, “failure is not an option,” has driven him his entire life. “It is vital to keep those around you who push you to greatness even if it’s uncomfortable.”
His personal mantra
“All avalanches are started by a single snowflake. Take that first step to greatness.”
Advice for people aspiring to work in STEM industries
Bonivel advises young STEM professionals to learn to network and work in collaborative teams. “Engineering is no longer siloed to a single engineer in a lab; all innovations are built as a team.”
Bonivel has been awarded Technologist of the Year by the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals and featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and Wired, so take his advice when he says that everyone should gain a basic understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning. “This technology can propel you, but if you don’t understand it, you will be left behind.”
