HOLT, MI, July 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nestor DeOcampo, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. DeOcampo has led a distinguished career of nearly three decades in higher education and scientific research, culminating in his current role as the Science & Innovation Development Leader at Integrated Design Solutions. Since joining the Troy, Michigan-based firm in 2026, he has led a team dedicated to developing advanced science and innovation spaces. His responsibilities include guiding organizations toward their goals in designing functional, cost-effective environments that enhance teaching and research capabilities.
With a particular focus on market development, Dr. DeOcampo is striving to expand Integrated Design Solutions' presence within the science and innovation sector. He collaborates closely with project managers, translating scientific and pedagogical requirements into practical design solutions for architects and designers. By developing tools that streamline the design process, he enables creative professionals to focus on their core strengths, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of functionality and innovation.
Prior to joining Integrated Design Solutions, Dr. DeOcampo served as the Director of Facilities and Planning for the College of Engineering at Michigan State University from 2021 to 2026. In this capacity, he achieved several significant milestones that have had a lasting impact on the institution. Notably, he expanded the college's footprint by more than 25% — approximately 100,000 square feet — without performing new construction thanks to his strategic repurposing of existing spaces. This expansion was critical to accommodating 24 new investigators and fostering a number of collaborative research environments.
Dr. DeOcampo also played a pivotal role in developing a new undergraduate degree program, which required the creation of nearly 20 courses and the allocation of 30,000 square feet for teaching laboratories and office space. This initiative supports up to 1,200 students across four-year cohorts and marked one of the most comprehensive educational expansions at Michigan State in decades. Additionally, he served as administrative liaison for the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, overseeing its completion and ensuring it met the evolving needs of faculty and students.
From 2013 to 2026, Dr. DeOcampo contributed as a data resource analyst within Michigan State's Office of Planning and Budgets — specifically in the Facilities, Planning and Space Management Division — utilizing his data analysis skills to inform strategic decisions about campus infrastructure and resource allocation.
Dr. DeOcampo initially joined Michigan State University as an assistant professor in 2004, serving with distinction for seven years. He taught courses such as Fundamentals of Genetics for juniors — incorporating lectures and recitation sessions that focused on problem solving — and an innovative freshman course that utilized active learning strategies to boost engagement and participation. Recognized for his commitment to educational excellence beyond classroom instruction — he regularly trained teaching assistants to ensure comprehensive student support — he was presented with the James D. Hoeschele Endowed Teaching Award in 2006 as well as the Ronald W. Wilson Endowed Teaching Award in 2009.
Dr. DeOcampo's academic journey began with a four-year postdoctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where he was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschtein Fellowship by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for significant research contributions.
Alongside his primary roles, Dr. DeOcampo is an active member of professional organizations such as the Society for College and University Planning, reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership development within higher education.
Hailing from an equally accomplished student background, Dr. DeOcampo earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics in 2001 from Michigan State University, where his passion for discovery laid the foundation for his future achievements in both academia and facilities management. He also completed a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1993. Determined to make an impact outside the classroom as well, he was a member of the Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Phi Lambda Upsilon National Honorary Chemical Society.
Happily married for nearly 30 years and the proud father of one child, Dr. DeOcampo enjoys a rich personal life centered around family activities such as hiking with his wife, playing golf and cooking for his loved ones. Also maintaining a small laser etcher and computer numerical control (CNC) mill, he is passionate about technology and remains engaged with scientific innovation both professionally and recreationally.
Determined to further his impact in the coming years, Dr. DeOcampo is focused on expanding Integrated Design Solutions' reach beyond Michigan into neighboring states such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, upstate New York and Wisconsin by showcasing his professionalism and expertise within science facility design. His life and career reflect a rare blend of scientific acumen, educational leadership and visionary planning — qualities that continue to shape innovative environments for research and learning across the Midwest and beyond.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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