Physical & Life Sciences

Scholars dedicating their careers to the study of living organisms and non-living systems

Simon O'Toole

Simon O'Toole

I am interested in data authorisation and access control, astronomical data models, systems integration and data interoperability. I have a diverse background; with a PhD in astrophysics, I worked as a research fellow, provided technical support, and managed data systems at the Australian Astronomical Observatory. I'm now based in the Australian Astronomical Optics group at Macquarie University, leading teams to build better data infrastructure for researchers.

I am interested in data authorisation and access control, astronomical data models, systems integration and data interoperability. I have a diverse background; with a PhD in astrophysics, I worked as a research fellow, provided technical support, and... Show more

Vinay Sati

Vinay Sati

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical hacking and cyber defense has earned me recognition at both national and international levels.

I have had the honor of being invited as a speaker by prestigious institutions and government bodies such as the National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi University, IIT Delhi, and IIT Roorkee. In these engagements, I have shared my insights and expertise with senior scientists, government officials, and academic leaders.

My work in securing leading Indian banks—including Axis Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and IndusInd Bank—demonstrates my commitment to enhancing cybersecurity in critical financial sectors. I have also collaborated closely with various government agencies to strengthen digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.

My contributions have been featured in prominent media outlets, including Dailyhunt News, and my recent session with NIC was broadcast live on DD News and is archived on the Government Webcast Portal.

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical ha... Show more

Larissa Azevedo

Larissa Azevedo

Microsoft MVP em Web Development & Developer Tools, mentora de desenvolvedores, palestrante, Software Engineer com + de 9 anos na área de tecnologia, sendo guia de carreira em tecnologia e desenvolvimento front-end nas redes @lari.sazevedo e mãe de 6 gatos.

Microsoft MVP em Web Development & Developer Tools, mentora de desenvolvedores, palestrante, Software Engineer com + de 9 anos na área de tecnologia, sendo guia de carreira em tecnologia e desenvolvimento front-end nas redes @lari.sazevedo e mãe de 6... Show more

Janet Robb Robb

Janet Robb Robb

Janet has been working within the Microsoft Dynamics ego system for over 24 years. Both within Microsoft , Partner networks & Consultancy. She is one of the leading change practitioners in Dynamics & Power Platform, she knows what works & the effort it requires to be successful.

Janet is one of the founding members of the power platform community & known for mentoring & supporting up & coming talent. Janet is passionate about ensuring a safe & equal opportunities for women within the IT industry.
She is known for being straight talking – you have be warned.

Janet has been working within the Microsoft Dynamics ego system for over 24 years. Both within Microsoft , Partner networks & Consultancy. She is one of the leading change practitioners in Dynamics & Power Platform, she knows what works & the effort... Show more

Bradley D. Steyn

Bradley D. Steyn

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower who exposed criminality and extremism within powerful state systems.
Using real-world case studies, never-before-shared stories, and visual documentation from his covert years, Bradley offers a deep-dive into the psychological, moral, and systemic toll of standing up against corruption from the inside.
He’ll walk the audience through key turning points: how intelligence was manipulated to target innocent civilians, the moment he chose truth over complicity, and the personal cost of betrayal, surveillance, and exile.
This is a high-impact, high-integrity talk for organizations navigating crisis, ethical leadership, and institutional reform.
Why it matters: In a world where disinformation and institutional mistrust are skyrocketing, this session delivers a rare inside-out perspective on how integrity — even in the darkest corridors of power — can be a catalyst for reform.

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower... Show more

Colleen Turner

Colleen Turner

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating the electrification of the transportation sector through the development of plans, programs, and policies for state and local governments.

Colleen returned to Michael Baker in February 2021 following her employment as the Assistant Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Planning and Capital Programming (OPCP). During her tenure at MDOT, Colleen oversaw long-range environmental planning and the planning and deployment of innovative transportation technologies including zero emission vehicles (ZEV) and connected and automated vehicles (CAV). She managed MDOT’s air quality and climate change mitigation programs and participated in national discussions related to the electrification of the transportation sector, sharing her expertise with the White House, the National Governor’s Association (NGA), the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Colleen is a member of the TRB Standing Committee on Alternative Fuels and Technologies (AMS40). She is the former Chair of the AASHTO Air Quality Climate Change and Energy subcommittee of the Committee on Environment and Sustainability.

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating ... Show more

Kjell Petter Myhren

Kjell Petter Myhren

Since 2008 working at Statnett, focusing on system operation and market. Have had several positions within Statnett control rooms and development of IT-systems both for asset monitoring and market control.
Now working in Statnett R&D department. Focusing on development of IT systems and methods for Future System operations and Market.
Holds a Master degree of Science in Energy and Environment from 2007 at NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Since 2008 working at Statnett, focusing on system operation and market. Have had several positions within Statnett control rooms and development of IT-systems both for asset monitoring and market control. Now working in Statnett R&D department. Foc... Show more

Leonardo Dipilato

Leonardo Dipilato

Computational Fluid Dynamics engineer, Data Analyst, and BIG nerd.

Leonardo has been doing freelance data analysis for years, doing trend analysis for market prediction, sentiment analysis on event feedback, and explainable AI for high-stakes applications. In recent years, he's also been applying Machine Learning models to physics applications, such as modal decomposition, sparse dynamics, and physics-informed reduced-order modeling.

Leonardo's Pokédex entry says: if he's not solving supercavitating flows around hydrofoils, wondering whether there's any bias in a dataset, or doing random Leetcode/Project Euler questions, you'll find him organizing community tech events or attending them. Approach with some food and you'll be best friends!

Computational Fluid Dynamics engineer, Data Analyst, and BIG nerd. Leonardo has been doing freelance data analysis for years, doing trend analysis for market prediction, sentiment analysis on event feedback, and explainable AI for high-stakes appl... Show more

Travis Frisinger

Travis Frisinger

Travis Frisinger, with over 20 years in the software industry, serves as a Technical Director of AI at 8th Light. His interests lie in exploring development operations, artificial intelligence, and developer productivity engineering, reflecting a passion for the evolving landscape of technology.

Travis Frisinger, with over 20 years in the software industry, serves as a Technical Director of AI at 8th Light. His interests lie in exploring development operations, artificial intelligence, and developer productivity engineering, reflecting a pas... Show more

Ms. Pandu Wisaksono Sastrowardoyo

Ms. Pandu Wisaksono Sastrowardoyo

founder of debio network and myriad.social, cofounder of the indonesian blockchain association, and director of blocksphere, a leading blockchain consulting firm.

with a background in expert systems and over a decade in crypto and ai, she’s helped build public blockchains, advise enterprises, and push the boundaries of decentralized tech.

founder of debio network and myriad.social, cofounder of the indonesian blockchain association, and director of blocksphere, a leading blockchain consulting firm. with a background in expert systems and over a decade in crypto and ai, she’s helpe... Show more

Georgios Ntanakas

Georgios Ntanakas

Starting with an industrial PhD in aerodynamic optimization of airplane engines, I transitioned into the data realm, working as both an engineer and a manager for companies ranging from scale-ups to Meta. I'm currently the Associate Director for Business Data Engineering at GWI. I'm also an avid runner, with distances extending up to marathons.

Starting with an industrial PhD in aerodynamic optimization of airplane engines, I transitioned into the data realm, working as both an engineer and a manager for companies ranging from scale-ups to Meta. I'm currently the Associate Director for Busi... Show more

Nat Girish

Nat Girish

Nat Girish has been an Agile Practitioner since 2010, and has worked with some of the best Agile Coaches, to transform teams that build Products and Services for Ford's Order Fulfilment domain. He is an avid adopter of an Experimentation Mindset to deliver business value.

Nat Girish has been an Agile Practitioner since 2010, and has worked with some of the best Agile Coaches, to transform teams that build Products and Services for Ford's Order Fulfilment domain. He is an avid adopter of an Experimentation Mindset to d... Show more

Jenn Donahue

Jenn Donahue

Jenn Donahue PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and engineer who works on large scale, high profile engineering projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates river in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents. Jenn has led earthquake and tsunami reconnaissance missions in places like Samoa and Japan; designed the seismic plans for a bridge over the Panama Canal; and built roads in the coldest climes of Ketchikan. Along the way she mentored scores of young leaders. Today Jenn runs JL Donahue Engineering and lectures at UC Berkeley and UCLA.

Jenn Donahue PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and engineer who works on large scale, high profile engineering projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates river in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 80... Show more

Marius Muench

Marius Muench

Marius is an assistant professor at the University of Birmingham. His research interests cover (in-)security of embedded systems, binary & microarchitectural exploitation, and defenses. He obtained his PhD from Sorbonne University in cooperation with EURECOM and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He developed and maintains FirmWire, an emulation and fuzzing platform for cellular basebands, as well as avatar2, a framework for analyzing embedded systems firmware.

Throughout his career, Marius publicly shared his findings and presented at venues such as Black Hat, REcon, and Hardwear.io.

Marius is an assistant professor at the University of Birmingham. His research interests cover (in-)security of embedded systems, binary & microarchitectural exploitation, and defenses. He obtained his PhD from Sorbonne University in cooperation with... Show more

Shruti Tiwari

Shruti Tiwari

Being actively involved with the SaaS and Open Source industry, Shruti has a good hold on everything eCommerce and has expertise in framing content, including web content, web marketing, and guest posts. Staying updated with industry activities, she delivers the right content to help the end audiences grow their ecommerce sales. Ms. Tiwari Shruti is a proud Ambassador at Women Techmakers and leads the content marketing and partner collaboration between CedCommerce and the Grow Big Initiative.

Being actively involved with the SaaS and Open Source industry, Shruti has a good hold on everything eCommerce and has expertise in framing content, including web content, web marketing, and guest posts. Staying updated with industry activities, she ... Show more

Bidyut Sarkar

Bidyut Sarkar

I am an IT professional specializing in the Life Science and Industrial Manufacturing industry. Over my 20-year career at IBM, I have developed a blend of industry experience, a comprehensive understanding of AI and Analytics, and strategic solutioning skills. My journey is marked by achievements that reflect my role in IT solutioning functions, and I have been honored with awards like IBM's 'Client and Partner Success Award – 2023' and 'Growth Award -2023'. My work has impacted large pharmaceutical companies and industrial manufacturing industries, particularly in the United States. I have been part of efforts to provide IT solutions against counterfeit drugs and implement AI/ML-powered predictive demand and automated replenishment capabilities. Through AI-driven technologies, I have contributed to solutions that enhance cybersecurity and guarantee the authenticity and safety of medications worldwide. My professional experience has taken me to various parts of the world, including the USA, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Australia. This multicultural experience has given me insights into global organizational challenges, reinforcing my commitment to addressing critical issues.

I am an IT professional specializing in the Life Science and Industrial Manufacturing industry. Over my 20-year career at IBM, I have developed a blend of industry experience, a comprehensive understanding of AI and Analytics, and strategic solutioni... Show more

Kiran Kumar Chitrada

Kiran Kumar Chitrada

Kiran Kumar Chitrada is a distinguished technology leader and ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect (CTA) with over two decades of experience spanning military service and enterprise technology management. Currently serving as Principal ServiceNow Architect at Ernst & Young, he brings a unique combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and disciplined leadership honed through his service as an Armed Forces Veteran with the Indian Navy.
As a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and ITIL practitioner, Kiran specializes in envisioning and executing technology transformations that drive organizational success. His expertise centers on the ServiceNow platform, where he holds multiple specialized certifications including Discovery, Service Mapping, Event Management, and various Asset Management implementations. He has successfully led cross-functional teams through complex enterprise transformations, with particular strength in IT Operations Management (ITOM) and IT Asset Management (ITAM).
Kiran's leadership philosophy focuses on team building through empowerment, enablement, and motivation. At Vista Equity Partners, he has presented ServiceNow architecture and roadmaps to C-suite executives, securing budget approvals for enterprise-wide implementations. His collaborative approach with stakeholders, from technical teams to business leaders, has consistently delivered tangible value and enhanced operational efficiency. Throughout his career, he has led teams in implementing mission-critical applications for aviation operations, logistics, and maintenance management, including a comprehensive two-year project managing UH-3H helicopter fleet modifications for the Indian Navy involving international stakeholders across multiple countries.
Kiran holds a Master's degree in Information Technology Management & Analytics from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (Kozhikode), where he graduated with distinction. He earned his Master of Computer Applications with a Gold Medal from Andhra University and holds specialized degrees in Aeronautics (Avionics) and Electronics Engineering. His commitment to continuous learning is evidenced by his extensive certification portfolio, including Certified Information Security Officer (CISO) credentials and multiple ServiceNow specializations spanning ITSM, ITOM, HRSD, and portfolio management domains.
A recipient of the 20 Years Long Service Medal from the Indian Navy and multiple commendations for excellence, Kiran brings integrity, honesty, and discipline to every endeavor. His military background instills a results-oriented approach combined with the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Passionate about leveraging technology to create positive global impact, Kiran continues to seek challenging roles where he can apply his comprehensive expertise in driving organizational transformation and team success in esteemed organizations worldwide.

Kiran Kumar Chitrada is a distinguished technology leader and ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect (CTA) with over two decades of experience spanning military service and enterprise technology management. Currently serving as Principal ServiceNow... Show more

Lisa Tee

Lisa Tee

Lisa is a pharmacist dedicated to empowering patients to take care of their own health with ever advancing technology.

Lisa is a pharmacist dedicated to empowering patients to take care of their own health with ever advancing technology. Show more

Katie Willoughby

Katie Willoughby

Head of Data Analytics at Open Data Belfast. Data Analyst with experience interpreting and analysing data to aid and influence business decision-making and development. Experienced Analytics Team Lead and line manager.

Experienced working in precision medicine helping big pharma to utilise patient data to progress their drug or companion diagnostic for the goal of better testing and better treatment in oncology and other disease indications.

Experienced working in government bodies within the public sector to support policy planning, development, evaluation and review that facilitates decision making, supports fundamental organisational change and drives performance improvement. Thorough understanding of the research funding landscape.

I have an ILM Level 7 Leadership and Management, Master of Science, Cancer Sciences (with Merit) from the University of Glasgow and a Bachelor of Science Joint Degree, Biology and Mathematics (with Honours) from the University of Stirling.

Head of Data Analytics at Open Data Belfast. Data Analyst with experience interpreting and analysing data to aid and influence business decision-making and development. Experienced Analytics Team Lead and line manager. Experienced working in preci... Show more

Nwafuluibeya Stephen Chinedu

Nwafuluibeya Stephen Chinedu

Nwafuluibeya Chinedu Stephen is a recent Geology graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and currently serves as a Graduate Intern at Laser Engineering Resources and Consultants Ltd. He has a strong track record of leadership, having served as the President of the NAPE/AAPG Student Chapter during his time in university, alongside holding several other key student leadership roles.

Stephen is an active volunteer and member of major professional bodies including SEG, SPE, NMGS, NAPE, and AAPG. He is a recipient of the prestigious AAPG L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant and also secured this grant for the AAPG NAU Student Chapter under his leadership. In 2024, he participated in the AAPG Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) Program, further strengthening his practical geoscience skills and industry exposure. Stephen is a good team player.

Nwafuluibeya Chinedu Stephen is a recent Geology graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and currently serves as a Graduate Intern at Laser Engineering Resources and Consultants Ltd. He has a strong track record of leadership, having served as the Pr... Show more

Emesiri Asakitikpi

Emesiri Asakitikpi

Emesiri Asakitikpi is a PhD researcher at the University of Manchester, specialising in reservoir characterisation for carbon capture and storage (CCS). She holds an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Exploration and Evaluation, with a major in Geophysics, and a BSc in Chemistry. Her research focuses on seismic interpretation, well log analysis, subsurface modelling and application of machine learning towards improving the understanding of reservoir behaviour.

Emesiri Asakitikpi is a PhD researcher at the University of Manchester, specialising in reservoir characterisation for carbon capture and storage (CCS). She holds an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Exploration and Evaluation, with a major in Geophysics, ... Show more

Sathesh Suseendran

Sathesh Suseendran

Sathesh Suseendran is an accomplished Principal Software Test Lead at Broadcom (Brocade Communication Systems Unit), bringing extensive expertise in Network Management System Monitoring and Automation to his role. Currently leading a diverse team of 40 members across the United States and India, he has established himself as a seasoned professional in enterprise network management and testing. As a Principal Test Lead specializing in FC SAN Management Products, he demonstrates exceptional hands-on experience in Network Management System (NMS) testing of both SAN and LAN devices, with comprehensive skills in functionality, regression, integration, performance, scalability, longevity, and usability testing.
Throughout his career, Sathesh has successfully managed teams across geographical boundaries and developed strategic approaches to test automation. His technical proficiency spans automation tools and languages, including Python, JavaScript, QF Test, and Selenium, while his deep understanding of networking protocols such as SATA, FCP, FCIP, iFCP, SNMP, FICON, MPLS, and STP enables him to tackle complex testing scenarios. His commitment to professional development is evidenced by his certifications as a Brocade Certified Fabric Professional, Fabric Designer, Ethernet Fabric Engineer, and vRouter Engineer.
Sathesh's career has progressed steadily from Member Technical Staff in 2006 to his current Principal role in December 2023, consistently contributing to critical projects, including OEM qualifications, customer support, technical training, and technical white papers. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology, Vellore. In his current role, he oversees release planning, requirement selection, project backlog management, and plays a crucial role in demonstrating new features to management, testing product scalability, and supporting customer queries while leading SQA sustenance issues and providing technical training to support engineers.

Sathesh Suseendran is an accomplished Principal Software Test Lead at Broadcom (Brocade Communication Systems Unit), bringing extensive expertise in Network Management System Monitoring and Automation to his role. Currently leading a diverse team of ... Show more

Gabriel Koo

Gabriel Koo

Senior Lead Engineer at Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited
AWS Community Builder (2022-)

Senior Lead Engineer at Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited AWS Community Builder (2022-) Show more

Ibrahim Oloyede

Ibrahim Oloyede

Software Developer | Software Researcher

Software Developer | Software Researcher Show more

Haidar Jomaa

Haidar Jomaa

I am an researcher in AI applied in bioinformatics and medicine at scale, studying Master's in Computer Science at the American University of Beirut and a top graduate from the Lebanese University. My professional experience includes over 2 years in AI, specializing in different applications (ML, DL, Gen AI, ...). I have worked on AI research for the AUBMC and developed open-source novel architectures Beyond technical expertise, I am an active member of the AI community, having spoken at multiple events, hosted workshops, and represented Huawei as a Global Ambassador.

I am an researcher in AI applied in bioinformatics and medicine at scale, studying Master's in Computer Science at the American University of Beirut and a top graduate from the Lebanese University. My professional experience includes over 2 years in ... Show more

Henry Suleiman

Henry Suleiman

Speaker is a micropalaeontologist in training, and a MSc. candidate at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Speaker is a micropalaeontologist in training, and a MSc. candidate at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Show more

Anton Spiess

Anton Spiess

Anton Spieß is a Web3 entrepreneur, creative strategist, and investor relations lead at iVault, a Swiss blockchain platform redefining access and ownership through decentralised technology.
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Anton Spieß is a Web3 entrepreneur, creative strategist, and investor relations lead at iVault, a Swiss blockchain platform redefining access and ownership through decentralised technology. . Show more

Joseph Francis

Joseph Francis

Early career Geoscience Lecturer

Early career Geoscience Lecturer Show more

See Syd Soar LLC

See Syd Soar LLC

Sydney Hamilton is an award-winning aerospace engineering leader and author who is breaking barriers and reshaping the future of STEM. She made history in 2021 as the first African American to receive the Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) Promise Award for her groundbreaking contributions to aerospace. Her work has been featured on CBS’ Mission Unstoppable and NPR’s Wow in the World, reflecting her national impact beyond engineering.

As a manager at Boeing, Sydney leads a team working on the X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, a pioneering collaboration with NASA to develop the world’s first sustainable experimental aircraft. Her innovations include 3D-printed satellite structures and the folding wingtip on the Boeing 777X, the first of its kind in commercial aviation.

A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, Sydney is an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador and past President of the Board for Dramatic Results, championing STEAM education for underserved youth. She holds dual degrees in Mathematics (Spelman College) and Aerospace Engineering (University of Michigan), and studied Nuclear Engineering in China.

Through her trailblazing career, advocacy, and infectious curiosity, Sydney Hamilton is redefining who leads in science and engineering, and inspiring the next generation to believe they can too.

Sydney Hamilton is an award-winning aerospace engineering leader and author who is breaking barriers and reshaping the future of STEM. She made history in 2021 as the first African American to receive the Space and Satellite Professionals Internation... Show more

Roberto Allende

Roberto Allende

Roberto is a Team Lead at MetService, AWS enthusiast, and GenAI builder based in Wellington. He won the AWS & Ingram Micro GenAI Hackathon in Auckland (2025) and continues to stress-test ideas through active participation in global hackathons. His latest project, CodeRipple, is a 100% AI-generated, serverless system powered by Amazon Q, Bedrock, and Strands Agents. He shares insights on GenAI, serverless architecture, and his development framework — Micromanaged Driven Development (MDD) — at community.aws.

Over the past two decades, Roberto has worked as a Python developer — contributing to the Plone Foundation — and as a mobile developer, before transitioning into cloud-based systems with a growing focus on AI-first development. He has spoken at international conferences including PyCon US and events across South America and Europe.

Roberto is a Team Lead at MetService, AWS enthusiast, and GenAI builder based in Wellington. He won the AWS & Ingram Micro GenAI Hackathon in Auckland (2025) and continues to stress-test ideas through active participation in global hackathons. His la... Show more

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