Dr. John Schiel joined ARPA-H as a Program Manager in December 2024. Prior to joining ARPA-H, Schiel led a research team developing innovative analytical characterization methods for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and cell and gene therapies. He led the development of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) mAb Reference Material (NISTmAb). Schiel also served as the Federal Technical Program Manager for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, which included managing biomanufacturing efforts to improve pandemic preparedness and response, innovative manufacturing technology adoption, and emerging therapeutic modalities. Schiel has extensive federal interagency coordination experience and has contributed to National biomanufacturing policy and priorities. He is an author of over 50 publications and national strategy reports, an editor of three books, and a recipient of numerous awards, including the Department of Commerce Gold Medal and the Arthur S. Flemming Award. He received his doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and completed postdoctoral work at NIST.