Patricia Sullivan

PSL Director

Dr. Patricia Sullivan serves as Director of the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) at New Mexico State University and as Interim Vice President for Research, bringing more than four decades of experience as a mentor, innovator, and strategic leader. A three-time graduate of NMSU, she holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, a master’s degree in Economics, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology.

Dr. Sullivan has built a distinguished career advancing applied research, strengthening partnerships, and expanding workforce development initiatives that directly support national security, economic growth, and student success. At PSL, she leads one of the nation’s premier university-affiliated applied research laboratories, guiding efforts that integrate cutting-edge research with real-world mission impact in collaboration with federal agencies, industry, and academic partners.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sullivan has been widely recognized for her leadership and service, playing a key role in advancing NMSU’s research enterprise and contributing to its Carnegie R1 trajectory. She has led or co-led more than $21 million in recent proposal submissions and contributed to over $300 million in awarded or pending public-private partnerships, driving innovation and economic development across New Mexico.

Her leadership has expanded research capacity in critical areas such as water-energy systems and has strengthened access to STEM education and workforce pathways for rural, remote, and tribal communities. In addition to her roles at NMSU, Dr. Sullivan serves on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, reflecting her commitment to regional collaboration and national impact.

Jennifer  Bjoraker

Interim Division Director Aerospace, Manager FAA-designated UAS Test Flight Site

Jennifer Bjoraker serves as Interim Aerospace Division Director and Manager of the FAA-designated UAS Test Site. She leads Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), scientific ballooning, and suborbital aerospace initiatives, supporting mission-driven research, flight operations, and workforce development. Her work includes contributions to the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, advancing the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System through flight campaigns and applied research.

Bjoraker brings extensive aerospace industry experience, including roles with Lockheed Martin as an aircraft mechanic and crew chief, and with Honeywell International, where she led global customer support teams serving more than 1,300 commercial airlines.

Joanne Esparza

Division Director Information Sciences & Security Systems

Joanne Esparza serves as the Director for PSL’s Information Sciences and Security Systems managing our efforts around electronic warfare, countermeasures, and cyber-security. Joanne joined the PSL team in 1979, and has served in various capacities to include PSL Deputy Director and Director. Joanne, earned her Bachelor’s in mathematics from Stanford University in 1974.

Margaret Campos

Interim Division Director Telemetry & Missile Systems

Margaret Campos is currently the Interim Director of Telemetry and Missile Systems (TMS).  She oversees multiple contracts that support various research and design applications in the field of communication and telemetry, as well as the TMS Internal Service Center that manufactures flight and ground systems for the PSL Telemetry Product Line.

Marcella Shelby

Strategic Initiatives Officer

Dr. Marcella Shelby joined PSL as the Strategic Initiatives Officer in August 2020. As SIO, Marcella oversees business and economic development initiatives, and student programs. Marcella brings over 20 years of experience working in community and economic development. Marcella holds a Doctorate in Economic Development from New Mexico State University, a Masters of Public Administration and Bachelors of Science from Texas Tech University.