Dr. May has been the director of major research and training initiatives at the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) since February 1, 2017. May resigned as director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and undersecretary of commerce for standards and technology on January 3.

In his new role, May works with CMNS Interim Dean Gerald Wilkinson to develop new relationships and expand existing partnerships with corporations, foundations and government agencies on major research initiatives. He also assists the college in obtaining additional support for graduate student education, training and mentoring.

Prior to being appointed Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and director of NIST in May 2015, May served as acting director beginning in May 2014 and as deputy director beginning in August 2011. Before that, he led NIST’s research and measurement service programs in chemistry-related areas for more than 20 years. An American Chemical Society (ACS) fellow, May’s personal research focused on trace organic analytical chemistry and investigations of the physico-chemical properties of organic compounds. His research resulted in more than 90 peer-reviewed publications.

As a leader at NIST, May oversaw significant increases in the NIST budget to take on increasing responsibilities in advanced manufacturing, advanced communications, cybersecurity and the biosciences while supporting the success of his colleagues, facilitating flexible scheduling for female scientists with children and mentoring black scientists at a time when neither activity was encouraged. He was instrumental in establishing the joint NIST–UMD Dolphus E. Milligan Graduate Fellowship to encourage more black chemists to pursue Ph.D’s and the ACS Scholars Program that provides scholarships to underrepresented minorities. He also worked with the State of Maryland to establish the NIST Scientific and Technical Entrepreneurship Program for provide opportunities for motivated postdoctoral researchers to build upon the experience gained while working at NIST to explore entrepreneurial careers.

May’s numerous honors include the ACS Award for Public Service; the Federal Laboratory Consortium Laboratory Director of the Year Award; the National Bureau of Standards Equal Employment Opportunity Award (twice); the Arthur Flemming Award for Outstanding Federal Service; the ACS Public Service and Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Analytical Chemistry Awards; the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Henry Hill and Percy Julian Distinguished Lecture Awards for exemplary work and leadership in the field of chemistry; and Department of Commerce Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals.