Alexander Giles Washington, DC

Alex Giles is a physicist and management consultant with over 15 years of experience in materials science, emerging technologies, and strategic consulting. His career has spanned academic research, defense innovation, and technology-driven business strategy, with a focus on translating technical concepts into practical and strategic applications that drive mission outcomes and technological progress.

As a Director at Ernst & Young, Alex led high-profile strategic initiatives for clients in the defense innovation sector, helping organizations navigate emerging technology landscapes and complex operational challenges. In this role, he coordinated multidisciplinary teams, conducted in-depth market and organizational analyses, and supported senior executives in making informed, impactful decisions aligned with their strategic goals. His work contributed to shaping strategies that addressed evolving defense priorities and the integration of advanced technologies into mission-critical capabilities.

Alex has also served as an advisor to DARPA, helping to develop and advance programs that addressed defense innovation challenges in optics, photonics, and materials science. His insights have informed the design and execution of cutting-edge research and development aimed at strengthening national defense capabilities and technological leadership.

Previously, Alex served as a Research Physicist and Fellow at the United States Naval Research Laboratory, where he conducted research on engineered materials and advanced optical systems. His research focused on the intersection of materials science and applied physics, contributing to new capabilities in nanoscale optics and photonics. Alex earned the 2018 Innovation Award from the Microscopy Society of America and multiple awards from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Alex holds a PhD in Materials Science from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a BSc in Physics from Clarkson University.