Meet Mike Wessing

Meet Mike Wessing, the Chief Engineer of Griffiss Institute (GI)!

After a 36-year career at Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Mike joined GI in 2017 to continue supporting the AFRL mission from the outside. While working here, he has contributed to countless endeavors, but his standout achievement has been collaborating with Oneida County on the design and construction of the Innovare Advancement Center: a talent and technology hub for innovation in quantum, IoT, drone tech, and more.

To our incoming interns and next generation of tech professionals, Mike encourages them to take advantage of their time at the GI: ask questions, learn as much as possible, and connect with new people. Everyone at GI is here to help, and any of them could be an invaluable asset  for future research.

Outside of work, Mike highlights countless things to do in Central New York! From nature hikes around the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks to festivals like Rome’s Honor America Days and Utica’s Munson Sidewalk Arts Festival. There is always something new for everyone.

Meet Our Team

Meet Makenzi Enos

🎉 Meet Makenzi Enos, the Talent Division Portfolio Analyst at Griffiss Institute (GI)! 🎉 Makenzi brings a wealth of experience to the GI team, with a background as a Special...

Meet Ashley Springer

Meet Ashley Springer, the Human Resources Manager at Griffiss Institute (GI)! Ashley felt an immediate sense of belonging the moment she stepped into the Griffiss Institute’s headquarters at the...

Meet Ariana Belluscio

Meet Ariana Belluscio, the Project Support Associate for the Intern Team here at the Griffiss Institute (GI)! Having grown up in a military household, Ariana was inspired by the GI’s...

Meet Jen Marshall

Meet Jen Marshall: Director of Strategic Program Pursuits & Launches at Griffiss Institute (GI)! Jen brings a wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm to the Griffiss Institute, where she is...

Meet Tom Kramer

Meet Tom Kramer, the Safety and Security Operations Manager of Griffiss Institute (GI)! This summer, you’ll see Tom making his rounds across the Innovare Advancement Center to ensure it is...

Meet Katie Morrissette

Meet Katie Morrissette, our VICEROY Student Success Coordinator at Griffiss Institute (GI)! Joining the team at the end of 2022, Katie was excited to immerse herself in an environment full...

Meet Dr. Kimberly Gasaway

Meet Dr. Kimberly Gasaway, Griffiss Institute’s LEGACY Site Lead for Eglin Air Force Base, Florida! Did you know that GI employs staff from across the country? Through our outreach and...

Meet Mike Wessing

Meet Mike Wessing, the Chief Engineer of Griffiss Institute (GI)! After a 36-year career at Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Mike joined GI in 2017 to continue supporting the AFRL...

Meet Darian Deeley

Meet Darian Deeley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Griffiss Institute (GI)! Darian joined our team in mid-2023, starting her journey with us as part of the Events Team before transitioning...

Meet Pam Mustee

Meet Pam Mustee, Marketing and Communications Manager at Griffiss Institute (GI)!  Pam joined our team in the middle of 2023 and she’s thrilled to be at the forefront of tech...

Meet Wendy Carpenter

Meet Wendy Carpenter, our Griffiss Institute Intern Project Team Lead! Since joining us in 2022, Wendy has been instrumental in shaping many of our summer programs, including the Advanced Course...

Meet Dylan Snow

Meet Dylan Snow: Griffiss Institute Events Intern and graduate of the 2022 Air Force Research Laboratory – AFRL Challenge Competition!  As we head into our busy summer season, Dylan is...
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Due to the severe weather conditions and state of emergency declared by the City of Rome, Rome Labs & Innovare Advancement Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This closure affects all Griffiss Institute staff, residents, guests, and program participants, including STEM campers, interns, visiting faculty, fellows, and incubator clients. We will resume normal business hours of operation on July 18, 2024.

If you are impacted by the tornado and need assistance please call 211 or text 898-211, the United Way of Mohawk Valley can assist you with proper resources during this time. www.211midyork.com