Anup Singh has been named Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL) principal associate director (PAD) for the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) Directorate, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Singh will serve as the first PAD for the new organization.
In this role, Singh will be responsible for bringing together strategic partnership programs outside LLNL's core Strategic Deterrence mission. STAR will include support to the intelligence community and nuclear threat reduction work along with conventional munitions, directed energy, space, critical infrastructure protection, cyber, missile defense and biosecurity to create a stronger center of gravity for this critical national security work.
"Anup brings incredible energy and valuable relationships across the Department of War, other partner agencies, the White House and beyond," said LLNL Director Kim Budil. "His experience building our bioresilience and hypersonics programs will be instrumental as he leads the launch of STAR."
Previously, Singh served as the PAD for LLNL's Engineering Directorate, overseeing the Lab's world-class engineering expertise, facilities and people supporting LLNL missions. He joined the Lab in 2021 following a 24-year career at Sandia National Laboratories, where he held a range of technical and leadership positions, most recently serving as director of the Center for Biological and Engineering Sciences. During Singh's leadership, Engineering expanded significantly, growing by nearly 600 employees to a total of approximately 3,000. It has contributed to several critical Laboratory accomplishments, including nuclear stockpile modernization programs, fusion ignition and other national security initiatives.
Singh is internationally recognized for his scientific leadership in microfluidics, having authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and patenting 40 inventions. His inventions have been licensed by multiple companies and have led to successful commercial products. He holds a B.Tech. in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, in Bombay, India, and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University.
Donn McMahon will serve as the acting PAD for Engineering. Previously serving as principal deputy associate director, he brings broad background in directorate leadership, supporting the Lab's national security and science programs, and promoting and advancing engineering capabilities and its workforce. His experience and background will be an asset to Engineering and the Laboratory during this transition.
