Marcela Najarro (Fed)

Marcela Najarro serves as the Deputy Chief of the Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In this leadership role, she oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including strategic planning, program development and execution, workforce development, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives.

Marcela plays a key role in shaping both the strategic vision and operational direction of the division. She leads the Rapid Analysis and Research (RaDAR) program, driving its mission to deliver timely, impactful solutions and ensuring it consistently meets its goals while providing significant value to stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.

MMSD aims to strengthen personal safety and economic security for the Nation. The division's multidisciplinary research portfolio spans critical national priorities, including safety and security, forensic science and public health, micro- and nanoplastics, semiconductors, industrial gas separation and purification, and ceramic additive manufacturing.

• About MMSD
• Core capabilities
• Primary focus areas 

• US Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award, 2023 – For extraordinary leadership in establishing the infrastructure for the U.S. to increase stakeholder participation in forensic science standards development.
• MML Accolade for Collaboration and Teamwork, 2020 – For leveraging expertise from NIST and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division in a strategic partnership that has advanced measurement capabilities and developed the necessary controlled substance metrology for understanding the impact of drug background in forensic laboratories
• US Department of Commerce Silver Medal Award, 2012 – For developing a world-class measurement science and standards program that supports the widespread deployment of trace explosives detectors throughout the U.S. for homeland security.