Frances Keel is a Program Officer at CSIT, where she manages several key programs including the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, the Catalyst R&D Voucher Program, and the SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program. These initiatives provide crucial support to research and development projects in clean technologies, innovative R&D across other various sectors, and small businesses engaged in cutting-edge research with commercialization potential. Frances plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborations between small businesses, universities, and other core facilities to bolster New Jersey’s technology advancements. Prior to her current role, Frances was a Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development, managing approximately $25 million in R&D contracts and grants. She also contributed to the Department of Energy’s SBIR Advisory Board, enhancing the SBIR evaluation process and commercialization pathways. Frances holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in International Business and Communication.