VP, Strategic Health Sciences
TRC Companies
Patricia Underwood, PhD, DABT, MBA
Vice President, Strategic Health Sciences | TRC Companies
Former Principal Director, Chemical Risk Management | U.S. Department of Defense
Dr. Patricia Underwood is a nationally recognized leader in toxicology, chemical risk management, and environmental health sciences, with over two decades of experience driving innovation and regulatory strategy across defense, industrial, and technology sectors.
Currently serving as Vice President of Strategic Health Sciences at TRC Companies, Dr. Underwood leads multidisciplinary teams focused on product stewardship, sustainability, and chemical safety. Her work directly supports clients in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries, helping them navigate evolving global regulations, manage hazardous materials, and ensure compliance across complex supply chains. She plays a pivotal role in aligning environmental, safety, and health (ESH) strategies with business and innovation goals—especially in sectors where material integrity and reliability are mission-critical.
Previously, Dr. Underwood served as Principal Director of Chemical and Material Risk Management at the U.S. Department of Defense, where she spearheaded efforts to safeguard critical materials essential to national security. Her leadership helped shape DoD policy on chemical risk, ensuring continuity of supply for key components used in advanced electronics, aerospace systems, and defense platforms. She worked closely with the defense industrial base to mitigate risks to microelectronics supply chains, particularly in the face of emerging regulatory pressures and geopolitical challenges.
Dr. Underwood holds a PhD in Toxicology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, an MBA from Duke University, and a BS in Molecular Biology and Psychology from Penn State University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology and a trusted advisor to both government and industry on chemical policy, sustainability, and strategic risk management.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing chemical safety, regulatory transparency, and environmental stewardship in support of national defense, technological innovation, and resilient supply chains.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
12:00pm - 12:45pm MT