Alumni Spotlight on Josh M. Goldenberg

Josh M. Goldenberg, PhD., LCDR, MSC, USN. BIOC BS; MCB BS, 2015; Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD, 2018 (Research Mentor: Mark D. Pagel) 

LCDR Goldenberg received his BS in Biochemistry and BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology & Genetics from the University of Arizona in Tucson (2014) and his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Arizona in Tucson (2018). He did his postdoctoral studies in Genitourinary Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center under Dr. Giannicola Genovese. Before commissioning as a naval officer, he worked as a Scientist and project manager at Atomwise Inc. (San Francisco, CA). 

LCDR Goldenberg completed Officer Development School in Newport, RI, before starting his first tour at the US Naval Academy (USNA) in 2021. As an Assistant Professor at USNA, he served as a role model for 317 freshmen chemistry students across 17 sections, 34 Varsity Navy Men’s Soccer athletes, and 31 Jewish midshipmen whom he led as Officer Representative. He excelled as Officer-in-Charge of multiple Yard Patrol Boat Atlantic Professional Afloat Training cruises. As a leader within the Language Regional Expertise and Cultural Immersion organization, he worked tirelessly to shape the future of a critical program that delivered worldwide impact. In addition to his military duties, he was a dedicated research scientist. He published 3 novel manuscripts in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals during his tour, more than most full-time professors at USNA. 

LCDR Goldenberg was assigned to the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit TWO in Norfolk, VA. There, the unit provided specialized support to fleet/shore units in areas of occupational medicine, environmental health, industrial hygiene, audiology, toxicology, preventive medicine, health promotion, and radiological health hazards. As Operations Head, he led 12 personnel and managed $2.8M in assets, executing 13 missions across multiple Combatant Commands. His leadership ensured 61 personnel on 3 Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit teams were ready, providing uninterrupted support for the warfighter. He also advanced Navy-wide biodefense capabilities and deployed as a recognized CBRN subject matter expert for the Exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2026.  

LCDR Goldenberg now serves as the Head of Expeditionary Laboratory Operations at the Biological Defense Research Directorate for the Navy Medicine Research and Development Command at Fort Detrick, MD. There, he leads a team of 7 sailors to provide global, mobile surveillance, scientific expertise, and biological threat agent identification and confirmation assets to small-unit operations.