Meet Our People

SRI's innovative thinking depends directly on the people who work here. Meet members of our team in Computing and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Materials, Drug Discovery, Drug Development and Health, Economics and Education, Environment and Energy, Business Development, and Administration and Corporate Activities, and learn why they joined SRI—you may discover that you would like to join the team, too. Visit Careers @ SRI for descriptions of current openings.

Meet Chris Lantman, Director of Commercial and International Business Development, Physical Sciences Division

Focus at SRI:
My focus is to commercialize technology, especially for the Physical Sciences Division. This diversifies our business as it brings SRI’s solutions to the marketplace and into people’s lives.

Day in the Life at SRI:
Well, I guess there are no “typical days” at SRI — my work is marvelously diverse and layered. For example, I’ve recently worked on next-generation displays, ecologically-friendly wood products, and medical microsensors. The common thread is team-building — matching SRI’s researchers and technology with the right business partners.

Before SRI:
Prior to joining SRI, I worked in international business as both a marketing director and a technology manager. My work focused on the security of currency and took me to central banks around the world. I also started my own materials company and developed new products at a major chemical/pharmaceutical corporation.

Academics:
MBA at the University of Phoenix

Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ecole Superieure of Paris

Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Massachusetts

M.S. in Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Massachusetts

B.S. in Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Why SRI?
I was drawn to SRI by its reputation and mission. I stay because of our integrity, our community built on respect, and the opportunities I see to make a difference.

Inspiration and Motivation:
I am motivated by change and diverse challenges. Great things can happen when out-of-the-box creativity collides with honest realism.

What has changed in your field since you began your career, and what new or exciting trends are you seeing?
The path to market for new ideas has changed profoundly as the means of funding has moved from large corporations to local investors. Technology commercialization is now more agile, rapid and vibrant.

Proudest Professional Accomplishment:
I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from great people, from Nobel laureates to investment bankers. My proudest accomplishment is sharing what I’ve learned by mentoring several colleagues and friends.

Languages:

Understanding how people see the world — by understanding their language — is a special interest of mine. I’m a native English speaker and have studied French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Classical Arabic, and most recently, Middle Egyptian.

Away from the Office:
I recently ran my first marathon, in Rome, to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My partner and I enjoy the California wine country, cooking great meals for friends, and discovering new architecture.

Words of Wisdom for New SRI Team Members:
Keep looking deeper at people — grow empathy for your colleagues and your clients, imagine walking in their shoes. Be adaptable and seek collaborations to grow a professional network beyond our walls.