James P. Carney, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new executive director of The University of Texas at El Paso’s W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation. His tenure will begin on September 1. Carney previously served as manager of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation (CAMINO) at Sandia National Laboratories, where he led efforts in advanced manufacturing.
The W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation is recognized as a leading university-based research facility in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. The center spans more than 36,820 square feet and contains over $8 million in research infrastructure with more than 100 advanced manufacturing systems. It focuses on technology development, engineered materials, and applications in additive manufacturing.
UTEP President Heather Wilson commented on the appointment: “Dr. Carney has had an impressive career in additive manufacturing, and I am excited to see how he can take the Keck Center to the next level.”
Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the UTEP College of Engineering, stated: “Dr. Carney’s vision for integrating cutting-edge technology with practical applications will strengthen UTEP’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing research. His record of building successful advanced manufacturing programs at the national laboratory level, paired with his technical expertise and commitment to workforce development, makes him the right leader to expand the Keck Center’s impact across research, education, and industry partnerships.”
Carney’s background includes roles at Sandia National Laboratories where he established CAMINO as a key part of Sandia’s strategy for advanced manufacturing by developing facilities and leading initiatives such as rapid prototyping and workforce development. He has also managed the Advanced Materials Laboratory at Sandia and held leadership positions at both the U.S. Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Carney holds a doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Education from Niagara University. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications, holds multiple patents, and received honors including the Department of Energy Secretary’s Appreciation Award.
“I am thrilled to join UTEP and lead the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation at this pivotal moment in advanced manufacturing,” said Carney. “The center’s impressive infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach position it uniquely to drive innovation in advanced manufacturing while preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists for the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.”
For further information about the Keck Center’s work visit https://www.utep.edu/keck/.
