Manufacturing & Industrial Materials

A roster of manufacturing and materials specialists at the forefront of innovation in the production and utilization of industrial materials

Punit Shetty

Punit Shetty

Results-Driven Business Growth Consultant | Leveraging Lean Six Sigma & Quality Tools | Empowering SMBs to Thrive | Personalized Strategies for Sustainable Success

Results-Driven Business Growth Consultant | Leveraging Lean Six Sigma & Quality Tools | Empowering SMBs to Thrive | Personalized Strategies for Sustainable Success Show more

Mahsa Shekari

Mahsa Shekari

Mahsa Shekari is a PhD researcher at Politecnico di Milano working on AI-driven digital twins and reinforcement learning for real-time control and optimization in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on advanced process control, data analytics, and production efficiency.

Mahsa Shekari is a PhD researcher at Politecnico di Milano working on AI-driven digital twins and reinforcement learning for real-time control and optimization in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on advanced process control, data analytics, and ... Show more

Hariprasad Reddy

Hariprasad Reddy

Hariprasad Reddy is a Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain (D365 F&O) Production and SCM Lead architect at Forvis Mazars. He leads complex implementations across product/ECM, planning, production execution, quality , Supply chain and warehouse operations. Hari has delivered solutions in discrete and process manufacturing across consumer goods, food & beverage, retail/commerce, distribution, industrial equipment, chemicals, life sciences/medical device, metals, and energy-related operations, often in regulated or high-control environments requiring traceability and audit-ready execution.

Hariprasad Reddy is a Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain (D365 F&O) Production and SCM Lead architect at Forvis Mazars. He leads complex implementations across product/ECM, planning, production execution, quality , Supply chain and warehouse operati... Show more

Bryn Smith

Bryn Smith

Product and technology leader with 15+ years’ experience delivering industrial IoT platforms across mining, construction, and rail sectors. Proven track record defining product strategy, shaping roadmaps, and leading end-to-end delivery of hardware-enabled SaaS solutions in asset-intensive environments.

Built and scaled high-performing teams, aligning engineering, product, and commercial stakeholders to deliver reliable, scalable platforms and support go-to-market execution. Led cloud platform development and large-scale system evolution, including migration of globally deployed devices and integration of new capabilities to support long-term product growth.

Earlier experience includes embedded systems and firmware development for automotive OEMs including Holden, Ford, Toyota, and BMW Motorrad at Continental Automotive, providing a strong foundation in safety-critical, high-reliability systems.

Product and technology leader with 15+ years’ experience delivering industrial IoT platforms across mining, construction, and rail sectors. Proven track record defining product strategy, shaping roadmaps, and leading end-to-end delivery of hardware-e... Show more

Lorenzo Lagna

Lorenzo Lagna

Passionate about bridging physical engineering with intelligent systems, Lorenzo Lagna is currently pursuing his Master's in Mechanical Engineering and Automation. His recent 6-month experience in Xi'an, China, sparked a deep dive into using AI for additive manufacturing. Driven by this challenge, Lorenzo is returning to China to research the "domain shift" problem in AI models for his thesis under the guidance of Prof. Xiang Li. A former basketball player turned rower and avid skier, Lorenzo brings the same dedication and drive from sports into solving complex engineering problems.

Passionate about bridging physical engineering with intelligent systems, Lorenzo Lagna is currently pursuing his Master's in Mechanical Engineering and Automation. His recent 6-month experience in Xi'an, China, sparked a deep dive into using AI for a... Show more

Laura Murphy

Laura Murphy

Laura brings over 30 years of industry experience to include project management, finance, consulting, distribution and manufacturing, food and beverage industry, customer service and operational management. Her years working as a controller and end user of Dynamics GP provided a solid foundation for consulting and project management.

Laura's experience with Dynamics GP spans 30+ years as an end- user, senior consultant, and practice manager. Laura has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and specializes in software implementations, data conversion, data importing, reconciliations, client project management, problem resolutions and business analysis for Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Laura brings over 30 years of industry experience to include project management, finance, consulting, distribution and manufacturing, food and beverage industry, customer service and operational management. Her years working as a controller and end u... Show more

Dennis Pelton

Dennis Pelton

Just a dude who tinkers with hardware and loves to help others learn how to do the same.

Just a dude who tinkers with hardware and loves to help others learn how to do the same. Show more

Kristjan Cuznar

Kristjan Cuznar

Kristjan Cuznar is a development engineer and researcher in the field of industrial automation and smart manufacturing. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, specializing in data-driven decision support and machine learning. His professional work bridges academic research and industrial application, covering PLC-based control systems, manufacturing execution systems, digital twins, and advanced analytics for production environments. His interests center on Industry 4.0 solutions and the integration of automation with intelligent data processing.

Kristjan Cuznar is a development engineer and researcher in the field of industrial automation and smart manufacturing. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, specializing in data-driven decision suppor... Show more

Anneasa Manna

Anneasa Manna

Anneasa Manna is a product design student working at the intersection of speculative design and real world impact. Her work focuses on building systems that respond to extreme constraints, often addressing underserved communities and overlooked problems.

She has led the design and development of projects ranging from ultra low cost multifunctional footwear aimed at improving mobility and safety for marginalized users, to experimental concepts like adaptive tactical systems and Water extraction and air purification devices. Her approach blends material research, structural design, and systems thinking with a strong focus on sustainability and human need.

Anneasa’s work is driven by a belief that design is not just about making things better, but about deciding what deserves to exist in the first place.

Anneasa Manna is a product design student working at the intersection of speculative design and real world impact. Her work focuses on building systems that respond to extreme constraints, often addressing underserved communities and overlooked probl... Show more

Mitali Atkins

Mitali Atkins

Mitali is a maker and entrepreneur based in Bath, United Kingdom. Working at the intersection of product design, craft, and material science, she has studied how to apply origami folding principles to develop innovative novel packaging. She is interested in what happens when you bring craft logic to industrial problems — and what folding, as a design philosophy, can teach us about the future of how things will be made.

Mitali is a maker and entrepreneur based in Bath, United Kingdom. Working at the intersection of product design, craft, and material science, she has studied how to apply origami folding principles to develop innovative novel packaging. She is intere... Show more

Gaurav Pokharkar

Gaurav Pokharkar

Autonomy isn't about taking control away - it's about giving safety back.

Nine years in automotive, seven of them in ADAS - building and validating the systems that make autonomous vehicles and intelligent machines reliable in the real world. My work spans Ford, Valeo, and Woven by Toyota, where I develop test strategies, build automation pipelines, and work at the boundary of hardware and software to prove that complex systems do what they're supposed to.

Key wins: cut data analysis time by 60–70% with HPC automation, owned $1M+ engineering change programs as the primary OEM interface at Valeo, and resolved 60+ production stop-ship issues across camera and sensor feature lines. Technical toolkit: Python, ROS, MATLAB, sensor fusion, a bit of C++ and test hardware from OXTS GNSS to ABD robots.

My interest in intelligent systems doesn't stop at vehicles. I'm drawn to any domain where rigorous validation, sensor integration, and systems thinking determine whether a product is safe to deploy - including robotics, surgical systems, consumer electronics and medical devices.

IEEE Senior Member. Recent speaker at the IEEE Robotics & Automation Society on testing and validation challenges in ADAS and autonomous systems. I build Raspberry Pi projects and 3D-print practical solutions in my spare time - curiosity doesn't clock out.

Open to connecting if you're working on intelligent, safety-critical systems of any kind.

Autonomy isn't about taking control away - it's about giving safety back. Nine years in automotive, seven of them in ADAS - building and validating the systems that make autonomous vehicles and intelligent machines reliable in the real world. My w... Show more

Adrian Reisch

Adrian Reisch

Dr. Adrian Reisch is a Partner at EY and a European leader in Physical AI and Industrial AI. He advises industrial CEOs on scaling AI, digital twins, and robotics into core operations and platforms, bridging strategy, ecosystems, and execution. His focus: turning industrial AI from pilots into measurable business impact.

Dr. Adrian Reisch is a Partner at EY and a European leader in Physical AI and Industrial AI. He advises industrial CEOs on scaling AI, digital twins, and robotics into core operations and platforms, bridging strategy, ecosystems, and execution. His f... Show more

Pranjal Mandal

Pranjal Mandal

UX Designer at ABB (Motion), with a Master’s in Interaction Design from the National Institute of Design.
I design AI-driven and complex systems where usability directly shapes real-world decisions focusing on transparency, control, and human–AI collaboration.

UX Designer at ABB (Motion), with a Master’s in Interaction Design from the National Institute of Design. I design AI-driven and complex systems where usability directly shapes real-world decisions focusing on transparency, control, and human–AI col... Show more

Jason Spanos

Jason Spanos

Jason Spanos applies method and rigor to everything he approaches. He is about to hit 30 years of experience working with ERP systems and has done everything from building interfaces to project management to sales and marketing. Jason stays focused on current research data and methods for successful projects and firmly believes that reflection and continuous improvement are required for growth. His current pet peeve is the term "best practice" - which should be replaced with the term "better practice", suggesting there is always room to explore better ways to do things in the future.

Jason Spanos applies method and rigor to everything he approaches. He is about to hit 30 years of experience working with ERP systems and has done everything from building interfaces to project management to sales and marketing. Jason stays focused o... Show more

Miquella de Boer

Miquella de Boer

Program manager on-premises data gateway.

Program manager on-premises data gateway. Show more

Chad Lich

Chad Lich

Chad Lich has over 30 years of experience in information technology and is currently a Director Azure Infrastructure Specialist (Sales Guy) and formerly Principal Cloud Solution Architect for Cross Solution & Industry Innovation (Tech Guy) at Microsoft and has been with the company for nine years leading global enterprises in their successful digital transformation. Prior to Microsoft, Chad worked with Build-A-Bear and Intelligrated (Honeywell Company) as a director of BI and development, leading teams and building software to enable these businesses with data insights and tools that focused on adding value and business transformation. Chad holds a bachelor’s in information management from Webster University and an MBA from Southeast Missouri State University Harrison College of Business and Computing. Chad is also active as a contributor to STEM events in the St. Louis region, engages as a board member to a public institution and private STEM focused company, while also contributing to his local tech community as part of Azure and DOTNET Meetup groups.

Chad Lich has over 30 years of experience in information technology and is currently a Director Azure Infrastructure Specialist (Sales Guy) and formerly Principal Cloud Solution Architect for Cross Solution & Industry Innovation (Tech Guy) at Microso... Show more

Jesus Barajas

Jesus Barajas

Egresado de la Facultad de Ciencias en la carrera de Ciencias de la Computación, Jesús es un profesional en el área de ciberseguridad con 6 años de experiencia en múltiples sectores de la industria. Se ha destacado como líder de equipos de SOC (Security Operations Center), Respuesta a Incidentes y Seguridad Defensiva. Actualmente, se desempeña como líder en el manejo del ciclo de vida de vulnerabilidades e incidentes dentro del sector de manufactura automotriz.

Egresado de la Facultad de Ciencias en la carrera de Ciencias de la Computación, Jesús es un profesional en el área de ciberseguridad con 6 años de experiencia en múltiples sectores de la industria. Se ha destacado como líder de equipos de SOC (Secur... Show more

Fika Mahleza

Fika Mahleza

Fika Mahleza is a dynamic Industrial Engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and the founder of OptLean Solutions, a consulting firm focused on operational excellence and digital transformation. With over 5 years of experience in operational improvement, she has led cross-functional initiatives across automotive, aerospace, and defence environments - delivering measurable results in productivity, quality, and employee engagement.

Fika has extensive experience in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), using the framework not just as a performance metric, but as a strategic tool to drive real operational improvement. She has successfully improved performance by integrating OEE with data-driven insights, enabling organisations to identify losses, optimise processes, and make informed decisions.

Her approach combines strong analytical capability with a deep respect for frontline workers, leveraging Lean principles not only to improve processes but to develop people. She has facilitated Kaizen events, developed skills matrices, implemented visual management systems, and designed practical training programs rooted in Standard Work and TWI principles.

Fika has been researching innovative solutions to bridge the gap between traditional engineering practices, traditional factories and modern technologies, leading to the development of OEESmart, an AI-driven operational efficiency platform that transforms how organisations measure, analyse and optimise performance in real-time.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning and inclusive leadership, Fika brings both technical expertise and a human-centered perspective to her work. She is committed to helping organisations thrive in the digital age by ensuring that their most valuable resource - their people - are equipped, engaged, and empowered to lead continuous improvement.

Fika Mahleza is a dynamic Industrial Engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and the founder of OptLean Solutions, a consulting firm focused on operational excellence and digital transformation. With over 5 years of experience in operational improvem... Show more

Gregor Bauer

Gregor Bauer

Started career in international teams developing and delivering custom device management and IoT solutions for leading telecom providers worldwide. During this time leading technical teams in the delivery of customer solutions and in PreSales, which included as well the creation of architectures and cost estimates. As a solution engineer at Couchbase, he now focuses on challenging solution consulting, such as application modernization and development as well as multi-cloud strategies and especially edge computing with a focus on sustainable high user experience.

Started career in international teams developing and delivering custom device management and IoT solutions for leading telecom providers worldwide. During this time leading technical teams in the delivery of customer solutions and in PreSales, which ... Show more

Chase Peterson

Chase Peterson

Chase is an Adjunct Instructor and AI Faculty Fellow at Metro State University, where he teaches Data Mining Tools, Advanced Data Mining and Applied AI in Business. His journey began on the factory floor as a welder, evolved through systems integration and building management systems, and landed squarely in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and Industrial Controls. With an MBA and CISSP, Chase bridges the gap between industry reality and academic insight. He’s been featured on Minnesota Public Radio discussing the evolving role of AI in higher education, and has spoken at conferences like MWAIS, ICAIS, and IACIS. Known for his lighthearted and generally optimistic approach to serious tech, Chase’s talk explores the chaos found in the algorithm if you're brave enough.

Chase is an Adjunct Instructor and AI Faculty Fellow at Metro State University, where he teaches Data Mining Tools, Advanced Data Mining and Applied AI in Business. His journey began on the factory floor as a welder, evolved through systems integrati... Show more

Detlef Houdeau

Detlef Houdeau

40 years working at SIEMENS,BOSCH-SIEMENS and INFINEON in a broad range of roles and responsibilities.

40 years working at SIEMENS,BOSCH-SIEMENS and INFINEON in a broad range of roles and responsibilities. Show more

Jens Mueller

Jens Mueller

Jens Müller is a seasoned Enterprise Architect with a strong track record in shaping IT landscapes for global organizations. Currently serving at Allianz Kunde und Markt GmbH as Business Owner of the Eventing Platform in Germany, he specializes in Integration Architecture, Eventing, IAM, and external Partner integration. With over a decade of experience, he has held key roles at Allianz in Germany, BMW Group, Red Bull, EY and Accenture, demonstrating expertise in CRM systems, BI, Reporting and cutting-edge technologies such as Salesforce, SAP, AWS, and Cloud Solutions. His leadership spans strategic development, global financial planning, and overseeing end-to-end processes. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business informatics from Hochschule Furtwangen and a short detour at TU Munich (TUM).

Jens Müller is a seasoned Enterprise Architect with a strong track record in shaping IT landscapes for global organizations. Currently serving at Allianz Kunde und Markt GmbH as Business Owner of the Eventing Platform in Germany, he specializes in In... Show more

Maria Knoll

Maria Knoll

- Development engineer at IAV GmbH since 2017
- Team Manager at IAV GmbH since 2025

- Development engineer at IAV GmbH since 2017 - Team Manager at IAV GmbH since 2025 Show more

Kevin Dalmeijer

Kevin Dalmeijer

Kevin Dalmeijer is a Senior Research Associate at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) at Georgia Tech and the Managing Director of the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT). He obtained a Ph.D. in Operations Research from the Erasmus School of Economics and specializes in using artificial intelligence and optimization to improve large-scale complex systems, including public transit systems, supply chains, and transportation networks.

Dalmeijer's research on autonomous trucking has received widespread media attention, including coverage by The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press, and was featured as a top story on Freightwaves. His work on redesigning public transit has led to real-world pilots in Atlanta and Savannah, GA, serving thousands of riders. Current projects also include rail transportation and circuit design for quantum computers.

As the lead of the AI4OPT management team, Dalmeijer oversees $20M in federal funding and over 40 interdisciplinary research projects. He has been invited to AI events organized by the White House, Congress, and the Senate, and currently serves on the INFORMS Artificial Intelligence Integration Committee. Dalmeijer is also a co-principal investigator on a $2.8M grant with Clark Atlanta University to build an AI Hub and provide opportunities for students to enter the AI workforce. In recognition of their service, Dalmeijer and his team were awarded the Georgia Tech Excellence Award in 2025.

Kevin Dalmeijer is a Senior Research Associate at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) at Georgia Tech and the Managing Director of the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT). He obtained a Ph.D. i... Show more

Gagan Kapahi

Gagan Kapahi

Gagan Kapahi is a hands-on Technology Leader with deep expertise in platform engineering, product, automation and delivery of transformative capabilities and solutions across multiple tiers, data centers and cloud.

With over 18 years of industry experience, Gagan has built and delivered various Enterprise capabilities, product integrations, automations and self-healing modules leading to improved outcomes and consumer experience.

Gagan has led various cross-functional teams and programs to provide engineering guidance and towards generating value from strategic technology investments as part of various Enterprise modernization and transformation initiatives to improve reliability, uptime and NPS.

Gagan believes customer-focused problem solving, innovation, personalization and digital technology are key elements to deliver consistent and effective customer experience.

Gagan Kapahi is a hands-on Technology Leader with deep expertise in platform engineering, product, automation and delivery of transformative capabilities and solutions across multiple tiers, data centers and cloud. With over 18 years of industry e... Show more

Kevin Liebergen

Kevin Liebergen

Kevin Liebergen is a Managing Consultant in the Technology Consulting practice at Forvis Mazars, bringing more than 18 years of experience in the IT industry with a strong focus on software development and systems integration. He specializes in business needs analysis, solution design, data integrations and migrations, and reporting and analytics solutions.
Kevin has extensive experience working with enterprise platforms including Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and Business Central, Salesforce, PeopleSoft, and Dynamics AX. He has also led and delivered integrations using tools such as KingswaySoft, Scribe, MuleSoft, SmartConnect, and related technologies.
In his role as a Managing Consultant, Kevin provides technical architecture, solution design, and effort estimation, supporting clients across multiple industries including manufacturing, nonprofit, and healthcare. His background includes 11 years as a software developer in the manufacturing sector, where he supported a packaging company—experience that continues to inform his practical, business‑focused approach to consulting.
Kevin holds two A.A.S. degrees from Fox Valley Technical College in PC Programming and Database Design, and Website Development and Design. He also earned a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management, with an expected graduation in winter 2026.

Kevin Liebergen is a Managing Consultant in the Technology Consulting practice at Forvis Mazars, bringing more than 18 years of experience in the IT industry with a strong focus on software development and systems integration. He specializes in busin... Show more

Timothy Dahme

Timothy Dahme

I've been in the PPM and PMO space since 2009 and have worked with Planview solutions since 2015. I consult with customers looking to create or extend their PMO using Planview solutions. We help customers acheive their vision for PMLC.

I've been in the PPM and PMO space since 2009 and have worked with Planview solutions since 2015. I consult with customers looking to create or extend their PMO using Planview solutions. We help customers acheive their vision for PMLC. Show more

Rafael Chacón Moreno

Rafael Chacón Moreno

I have always been driven by a curiosity to understand how systems work. I am currently pursuing studies in Electrical Engineering, building on a prior background in mechatronics and industrial maintenance, which has given me a strong practical and technical understanding of electrical and electromechanical systems.

I have been involved in different environments, from consulting to entrepreneurial initiatives, developing a problem-solving mindset and a focus on continuous improvement.

I am motivated to keep learning, take on new technical challenges, and collaborate within teams. I am open to connecting with professionals and organizations in the industrial and technology sectors to share knowledge and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.

I have always been driven by a curiosity to understand how systems work. I am currently pursuing studies in Electrical Engineering, building on a prior background in mechatronics and industrial maintenance, which has given me a strong practical and t... Show more

Jose Felix Coronado

Jose Felix Coronado

José Félix es Principal Cloud Architect en Dell Technologies y líder de la práctica de Nube y Nube Nativa para Latinoamérica. Cuenta con 20 años de experiencia, y ha ayudado a clientes de diversas industrias, incluyendo Finanzas, Telecomunicaciones, Retail, Manufactura y Educación en su Transformación Digital.
Es embajador de la Oficina de CTO, VMware vExpert y cuenta con diversas certificaciones incluyendo VCP-DCV, VCP-NV, VCP-CMA, VMware Cloud Cloud Native Master Specialist, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist, y Dell Technologies Certified Expert Cloud Architect y Technical Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect,Associate y Redhat Certified OpenShift Administrator.
Jose Felix también es líder de comunicad, siendo co-líder del capítulo de VMUG (VMware User Group) de Panamá, como también de la comunidad interna de Dell, LATAM Cloud Curators.
En su tiempo libre, lo puedes encontrar jugando algún video juego, leyendo un libro, estudiando alguna nueva tecnología o pasando tiempo con su esposa e hijas.

José Félix es Principal Cloud Architect en Dell Technologies y líder de la práctica de Nube y Nube Nativa para Latinoamérica. Cuenta con 20 años de experiencia, y ha ayudado a clientes de diversas industrias, incluyendo Finanzas, Telecomunicaciones, ... Show more

Nilesh Khedkar

Nilesh Khedkar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilesh-khedkar-pmp%C2%AE-24628b17/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilesh-khedkar-pmp%C2%AE-24628b17/ Show more

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