Hello everyone! I'm Andrea, I left high school in June 2022, I've always had a great passion for computer science and digital innovation.

During my education, I discovered the world of Microsoft Azure and began experimenting with this versatile and powerful cloud platform. Through this experience, I have developed a solid understanding of the cloud infrastructures and integration solutions that Azure offers.

In parallel, I had the opportunity to work with Microsoft CSP (Cloud Solution Provider), gaining practical skills in managing and implementing Microsoft cloud solutions for enterprises.

Hello everyone! I'm Andrea, I left high school in June 2022, I've always had a great passion for computer science and digital innovation. During my education, I discovered the world of Microsoft Azure and began experimenting with this versatile an... Show more

Michael – Professional Bio:

Michael Vukelic is a professional speaker bringing a rare blend of corporate experience, deep personal transformation, and cutting edge inner work to high achieving professionals. Through his proprietary Generational Freedom Protocol he supports leaders and teams break free from inherited limits, reactive patterns, and emotional barriers that quietly erode performance, culture, and pipeline. Drawing on certifications and coaching, advanced studies in metaphysical philosophy and more than a decade in professional Hypnosis and mindset re-patterning, Michael delivers practical, neuroscience aligned strategies that create calm under pressure, and more cohesive, resilient teams. His keynotes combine real world stories, actionable tools, and grounded inspiration to engage the heart and mind.

Michael Vukelic
Outrageous Success LLC
2112 Broadway St NE
Minneapolis, MN. 55413
773.899.1881

Michael – Professional Bio: Michael Vukelic is a professional speaker bringing a rare blend of corporate experience, deep personal transformation, and cutting edge inner work to high achieving professionals. Through his proprietary Generational ... Show more

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leaders, partnering with school administrators to develop inclusive systems that center students with disabilities, particularly those most marginalized. With nearly two decades of experience, Kari’s work has focused on dismantling barriers, building educator capacity, and improving outcomes for diverse learners. Her previous role as a special education coordinator at Newport-Mesa Unified School District involved district-wide initiatives in inclusion, literacy, and leadership development. Kari’s expertise lies in aligning systems for meaningful change, fostering safe and supportive school environments, and amplifying the voices of students often pushed to the margins. She currently serves as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17, continuing her mission to advance equitable opportunities for all students.

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leade... Show more

C. A. Fillekes is an IBM Red Hat partner engineer, actively porting and testing Kubernetes and OpenShift add-ons and features on the s390x architecture to run on the LinuxONE and System Z platforms.

C. A. Fillekes is an IBM Red Hat partner engineer, actively porting and testing Kubernetes and OpenShift add-ons and features on the s390x architecture to run on the LinuxONE and System Z platforms. Show more

Raj Devarajan grew up in India with a steady sense of purpose and an early commitment to medicine. At fifteen, he entered Madras Medical College, beginning medical school while many students were still deciding what to study. That early step reflected the focus that would guide his long professional path.

After completing medical school, Raj moved to the US for advanced training. He completed residencies in adult psychiatry at Yale University, child psychiatry at Harvard University, and internal medicine and gastroenterology at Tufts University. By the time his fellowship ended in 1994, he had developed a broad clinical background that enabled him to understand patients' needs across both physical and behavioral health.

In 1994, Raj founded Middlesex Gastroenterology, PC. Over the next 29 years, he helped grow one of the busiest gastroenterology practices in Massachusetts. Before retiring from clinical medicine in 2023, he performed more than sixty thousand endoscopic procedures. He also founded the ERCP program at Emerson Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, supporting treatment for problems involving the bile ducts and pancreas.

Raj Devarajan, MD, worked closely with Emerson Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Yale New Haven Medical Center. In 2005, he established ASC Middlesex Endoscopy Center, LLC, to help provide patient care more efficiently outside the hospital setting. He served as the facility's President until 2023.

Raj's leadership included serving as President of the Medical Staff at Emerson Hospital from 2015 to 2017 and as a Board member from 2015 to 2019. He also served as Past President of the Massachusetts Gastroenterology Association and the American Association of Gastroenterologists of Indian Origin. Beyond healthcare, he founded several companies in other sectors.

Raj served as a speaker for Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Forest Pharmaceuticals, and AstraZeneca. He also worked as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Pentax Corporation and served on the Medical Advisory Board of Cristcot Corporation and Allurion Corporation. He appeared in television interviews to explain common gastrointestinal diseases in clear language. He also holds a share of a patent for an HCA drug formulation tested worldwide and currently awaiting FDA approval.

Outside work, he enjoys golf, tennis, chess, bridge, and skiing. He is a father of two adult children and values charitable service, including supporting a school in India and volunteering at the Acton Food Pantry.

Today, Raj Devarajan serves as Global Medical Monitor at Cristcot, leveraging his clinical and regulatory experience to support drug development programs and advance medicine more broadly.

Raj Devarajan grew up in India with a steady sense of purpose and an early commitment to medicine. At fifteen, he entered Madras Medical College, beginning medical school while many students were still deciding what to study. That early step reflecte... Show more

Umair Khan is the co-founder and CTO of UNMIRI LLC, a precision-oncology infrastructure company building cross-vendor NGS interpretation and genomics-aware clinical decision support on a Neo4j knowledge graph. He authored the 2026 preprint "Cosine Similarity Conflates Clinically Distinct Cancer Variants," which benchmarks vector retrieval against typed-graph retrieval for variant-level clinical reasoning, and maintains an open NGS-to-FHIR schema. His work focuses on making LLM-based clinical systems safer by grounding them in structured, typed knowledge instead of text similarity.

Umair Khan is the co-founder and CTO of UNMIRI LLC, a precision-oncology infrastructure company building cross-vendor NGS interpretation and genomics-aware clinical decision support on a Neo4j knowledge graph. He authored the 2026 preprint "Cosine Si... Show more

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strategic approach to measuring cybersecurity effectiveness in operational environments. Paul has guided top institutions including DARPA, the U.S. Navy, Deutsche Bank, and the IMF. His insights have appeared in Forbes, Financial Times, CNBC, and ABC News. He holds CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, and NSA IAM certifications and completed executive programs at Cambridge, IMD, and Edinburgh Business School. He also chairs White Hat USA, supporting Children’s National Medical Center.

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strateg... Show more

David Fung is a former Salesforce Senior Director and executive leadership coach with 23 years in tech. After leading teams through a decade of high-change environments, he now works with technical leaders on practical tools for clarity, influence without authority, and sustainable high performance, grounded in Self-Determination Theory and evidence-based leadership science. He hosts the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast and speaks to technical audiences on leadership that actually moves the needle on delivery.

David Fung is a former Salesforce Senior Director and executive leadership coach with 23 years in tech. After leading teams through a decade of high-change environments, he now works with technical leaders on practical tools for clarity, influence wi... Show more

I'm Josh Nel and I'm a Johannesburg-based freelance data analyst, storyteller, and community strategist working at the intersection of data analytics, content marketing, and community engagement. I have a background in both the Humanities and Data Science with Master's degrees in Philosophy and Social Data Science. That combination lets me bring a combination of rigorous analytical thinking and curiosity to every project. To me, any good form data-driven work means staying focused on why the data matters and who needs to hear it.

I've been a lead contributor to South Africa's largest tech careers report and dataset, as well as the country's largest community salary benchmarking dataset for tech professionals. My seasonal spend report series for Yoco examined domestic and international tourism behaviour during South Africa's peak travel seasons. This series earned national media syndication and a direct invitation to present findings to the Mayor of Cape Town.

Today, I work across FinTech, InsurTech, tech recruitment, and the nonprofit sector, with clients including Yoco, Feather Insurance, OfferZen, and the People's Water Anti-Corruption Forum. Across my clients my approach remains to find the story hiding in the numbers, and tell it in a way that helps people make better decisions.

I speak on topics related to data-driven storytelling and its applications for businesses, community research, and ways of translating data or statistical insights for non-technical audiences.

I'm Josh Nel and I'm a Johannesburg-based freelance data analyst, storyteller, and community strategist working at the intersection of data analytics, content marketing, and community engagement. I have a background in both the Humanities and Data Sc... Show more

Chimzibudu Chiorlu is a product-driven full-stack developer with expertise in building scalable systems, leading teams, and turning ideas into measurable business outcomes. A lifelong learner, math enthusiast, and former robotics hobbyist, Chimzi is passionate about teaching, collaboration, and leveraging technology to drive innovation and growth.

Chimzibudu Chiorlu is a product-driven full-stack developer with expertise in building scalable systems, leading teams, and turning ideas into measurable business outcomes. A lifelong learner, math enthusiast, and former robotics hobbyist, Chimzi is ... Show more

Born in Kindu on September 9, 1999, Gilbert Bemwiz discovered computing at the age of 14 through mobile video games. What started as curiosity slowly became a strong interest in technology, experimentation, and digital systems. Although he had good abilities in mathematics, he chose to study Commercial Informatics because of his passion for computers.

As a teenager, he spent a lot of time experimenting with phones, software, and digital tools, sometimes even damaging devices while trying to understand how they worked. After graduating in 2017, he joined the first cohort of MAPON University in Computer Engineering. Feeling that classroom learning alone was not enough, he spent many hours learning independently in the computer lab, exploring programming, networks, artificial intelligence, and system design.

In 2019, he co-created “Busoga,” a local social network project built in response to the lack of digital platforms adapted to local realities. In 2021, his “Intelligent Virtual Ophthalmologist” project received an innovation award. While working on this healthcare AI project, he faced a major difficulty: the lack of medical datasets adapted to the Congolese context. This experience pushed him to think more deeply about how intelligent systems could still be developed in environments with limited data and resources. These reflections later contributed to the idea he calls “Tradition Learning.”

In December 2025, during DevFest Lubumbashi, Gilbert presented Tradition Learning publicly. The discussions that followed led to the creation of the Tradition Learning Community (TLC), bringing together developers, mathematicians, programmers, and technology enthusiasts interested in exploring practical approaches to AI in low-resource environments.

Alongside his technical work, Gilbert began publishing articles and reflections on intelligent systems, autonomous agents, and applied AI for constrained environments. His interests gradually expanded beyond artificial intelligence alone toward broader questions involving infrastructure, digital accessibility, operational systems, and technological inclusion.

During travels across the Katanga region, including Kolwezi, Likasi, and Kasumbalesa, he became increasingly aware that many African challenges go beyond AI itself. For him, one of the main issues is technological isolation: access to infrastructure, connectivity, stable systems, and operational environments capable of supporting innovation. This experience strengthened his interest in enterprise infrastructure, monitoring systems, and industrial environments.

In 2026, he joined SOMAF Group SARL in Lubumbashi, where he became involved in technical and operational environments linked to critical infrastructure and industrial systems. At the same time, through his experience at Neotex.ai and other applied projects, he continues exploring practical approaches to intelligent systems adapted to African realities.

Today, Gilbert Bemwiz works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, monitoring systems, and operational challenges, with a growing interest in building technological ecosystems adapted to constrained and evolving environments.

Born in Kindu on September 9, 1999, Gilbert Bemwiz discovered computing at the age of 14 through mobile video games. What started as curiosity slowly became a strong interest in technology, experimentation, and digital systems. Although he had good a... Show more

Gagan Preet Singh is a Principal AI Architect at HP Inc., specializing in the engineering of automated AI workflows and agent-based systems for enterprise finance. With over 12 years of experience at the intersection of Data Science, Finance, and Computational Physics, Gagan designs and deploys autonomous decision-support engines that integrate large-scale data processing with specialized AI agents.

Previously, Gagan led global initiatives to standardize machine learning development, modular architecture, and deployment hygiene across international data science teams. His work focuses on transforming unstructured or noisy financial data into structured, actionable insights through the development of robust, auditable AI frameworks. An active member of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society, Gagan holds an MS in Physics from IISER Mohali, with a research background in computational simulation and N-body modeling.

Gagan Preet Singh is a Principal AI Architect at HP Inc., specializing in the engineering of automated AI workflows and agent-based systems for enterprise finance. With over 12 years of experience at the intersection of Data Science, Finance, and Com... Show more

I am a visionary leader and AI advocate with a diverse background spanning business transformation, research commercialization, UX design, and material science innovation. As the Founder of AfricX Group, I help SMEs integrate AI into their processes for increased efficiency, automation, and growth. My experience also includes independent research in nanotechnology, focusing on dust-repellent and anti-static coatings, which has attracted international recognition.

I am passionate about leveraging AI for business innovation, bridging research with real-world applications, and empowering businesses with future-ready solutions.

I am a visionary leader and AI advocate with a diverse background spanning business transformation, research commercialization, UX design, and material science innovation. As the Founder of AfricX Group, I help SMEs integrate AI into their processes ... Show more

Siri Yellu is a Research Assistant and Computer Science professional specializing in Data Science and Machine Learning. Her work focuses on building reliable and interpretable machine learning systems, with experience spanning feature engineering, evaluation-driven modeling, and applied AI system design.

She is the first author of peer-reviewed publications in IEEE and Springer conferences, where her research explores handcrafted image features, Bayesian optimization, ensemble learning, and generative models for medical image analysis, computational pathology, and multimodal AI applications. Her work emphasizes bridging rigorous evaluation with practical system design to ensure models are not only accurate, but trustworthy and maintainable.

Siri enjoys working at the intersection of theory and practice, translating research insights into real-world AI systems. She is particularly interested in applied machine learning architectures, system reliability, and building AI solutions that can be confidently deployed and maintained by engineering teams.

Siri Yellu is a Research Assistant and Computer Science professional specializing in Data Science and Machine Learning. Her work focuses on building reliable and interpretable machine learning systems, with experience spanning feature engineering, e... Show more

Bharat K Karumuri is a seasoned Analytics & Data Science Leader with over 13 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare, marketing analytics, and artificial intelligence. Currently serving as Senior Scientist in Marketing Applied Sciences at General Motors, he leads end-to-end Media Mix Modeling initiatives to optimize multi-hundred-million-dollar media investments across GM brands.
Bharat's expertise spans machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and econometric modeling, complemented by strong business acumen developed through leadership roles and his ongoing MBA studies at the prestigious McCombs School of Business at UT Austin. His career demonstrates a unique ability to bridge technical excellence with strategic business impact, having delivered measurable results including a 20% lift in campaign ROI, 50% productivity improvements, and $250K+ in annual savings through innovative AI/ML solutions.
With a rich background spanning Fortune 500 organizations and startup environments, Bharat has served in key roles at Horizon Media, DirecTV, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, while also demonstrating entrepreneurial leadership as Head of Data & AI at Blabbing Inc and CEO & Co-Founder of EpiFocus LLC, where he successfully secured seed funding for healthcare innovation.
His technical expertise encompasses advanced analytics platforms, including Python, SQL, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and leading cloud technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure). Bharat holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and multiple master's degrees, reflecting his deep technical foundation and interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
Based in Prosper, Texas, Bharat excels at translating complex analytics into actionable insights that influence executive strategy, while fostering collaborative, high-performing teams through mentorship and cross-functional alignment. He continues to drive transformation in both established enterprises and emerging startups, positioning organizations as data-driven market leaders in an increasingly AI-powered world.

Bharat K Karumuri is a seasoned Analytics & Data Science Leader with over 13 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare, marketing analytics, and artificial intelligence. Currently serving as Senior Scientist in Marketin... Show more

Vinod has spent the past decade working in cybersecurity across financial services, government, and tech sectors. Currently a Staff Security Engineer at PIP Labs, he navigates the intersection of traditional enterprise security and the emerging world of Web3 and blockchain infrastructure.

His journey has taken him through companies like Amazon, Zapier, and HackerOne, where he's gained hands-on experience in penetration testing, cloud security architecture, and application security. He works with AWS, GCP, and Azure environments, focusing on threat modeling and secure DevOps practices while approaching security as an enabler rather than a blocker.

He shares his experiences and lessons learned through writing on Medium, breaking down complex security topics and exploring practical approaches to building security programs that work in real-world environments. Outside of his day job, he participates in bug bounty programs, mentors aspiring security professionals, and continues researching emerging threats and technologies in both traditional and Web3 security landscapes.

Vinod has spent the past decade working in cybersecurity across financial services, government, and tech sectors. Currently a Staff Security Engineer at PIP Labs, he navigates the intersection of traditional enterprise security and the emerging world... Show more

I joined Microsoft in 2021 after 2+ years as a consultant with Microsoft Partners. Power Platform enabled me to make a career change in 2019 after 10+ years working in the broadcast industry where I was a SharePoint site collection admin and Power Apps Champion. I am passionate about the Power Platform, especially PowerApps and Power Automate.

I co-organize the Washington DC Power Platform user group and I've presented at GlobalCon, Community Summit North America, SharePoint Saturday DC, the Power Platform World Tour, the Baltimore SharePoint User Group and the Power Platform Virtual Conference.

I joined Microsoft in 2021 after 2+ years as a consultant with Microsoft Partners. Power Platform enabled me to make a career change in 2019 after 10+ years working in the broadcast industry where I was a SharePoint site collection admin and Power Ap... Show more

So Cal native, now live in Phoenix, 17th year in channel; focus on Microsoft ERP, CRM, Azure, Power Platform, and love ISVs!

So Cal native, now live in Phoenix, 17th year in channel; focus on Microsoft ERP, CRM, Azure, Power Platform, and love ISVs! Show more

I am a Podcaster and Public Speaker who creates content, workshops and talks for businesses as well as the youth . I am always looking to offer my services, and support the youth through my talents and experience. My topics that I touch on are Personal branding, storytelling and Podcasting (media).

I am a Podcaster and Public Speaker who creates content, workshops and talks for businesses as well as the youth . I am always looking to offer my services, and support the youth through my talents and experience. My topics that I touch on are Perso... Show more

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is an esteemed clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over five decades of dedicated service to the medical field. He has held numerous academic positions and conducted groundbreaking research, particularly in melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis. His extensive expertise in dermatopathology, which is the study of skin pathology, has solidified his reputation as one of the foremost leaders in his field.

He currently practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases by analyzing skin biopsies. His work at this clinic is complemented by his role at the University of Washington, where he is part of the pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the Roosevelt outpatient facility. His ability to combine clinical practice with research ensures he remains at the forefront of the fight against skin cancer.

With board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, Piepkorn's qualifications and experience are extensive. He has held prominent academic roles at the University of Utah and the University of Washington, contributing to advancing medical knowledge and dermatology practices. In 2000, he co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, which has become a vital center for diagnosing and treating skin diseases. His work in both clinical and academic settings has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of dermatopathology.

One of Michael Piepkorn, PHD's most notable contributions to medical science was identifying the p16 or CDKN2A gene linked to familial melanoma. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in melanoma research, providing invaluable insight into the genetic components of skin cancer. Recognizing his research and clinical expertise, the American Society of Dermatopathology awarded Dr. Michael an honor in 2004, further cementing his standing in the field.

He has published more than 170 original journal articles related to medicine. A sample of Dr. Piepkorn’s prolific work includes the following:
“Pathologists' Diagnosis of Invasive Melanoma and Melanocytic Proliferations: Observer Accuracy and Reproducibility Study”
“Assessment of Second-Opinion Strategies for Diagnoses of Cutaneous Melanocytic Lesions”
“Concordance and Reproducibility of Melanoma Staging According to the 7th vs 8th Edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual”
“Malpractice Concerns, Defensive Medicine, and the Histopathology Diagnosis of Melanocytic Skin Lesions”
“Characteristics and Diagnostic Performance of Pathologists Who Enjoy Interpreting Melanocytic Lesions”
“Population-Based Analysis of Histologically Confirmed Melanocytic Proliferations Using Natural Language Processing”
“Pathologist Characteristics Associated with Accuracy and Reproducibility of Melanocytic Skin Lesion Interpretation”
“Skin Cancer Screening: Recommendations for Data-driven Screening Guidelines and a Review of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Controversy”
“Pathologists' Use of Second Opinions in Interpretation of Melanocytic Cutaneous”
“Pathologist Characteristics Associated With Rendering Higher-Grade Diagnoses for Melanocytic Lesions”
“Accuracy of Digital Pathologic Analysis vs Traditional Microscopy in the Interpretation of Melanocytic Lesions.”
“Revision of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis Classification Schema for Melanocytic Lesions: A Consensus Statement”
“MPATH-Dx Version 2.0 Schema for Melanocytic Lesions: A Robust Tool for Standardized Diagnostic Reporting”
“Shifts in Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumor Diagnostic Terminology: Melanocytoma, MPATH-Dx V2.0 and the WHO Skin5”

In addition to his clinical and research contributions, Dr. Piepkorn has played an integral role in educating the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. He has mentored many young physicians, helping to shape their careers and instilling in them a commitment to scientific research and patient care. His mentorship has helped ensure that the next generation of medical professionals continues pushing the boundaries of knowledge in dermatopathology and melanoma research.

He has been a vital educator at the University of Washington, training numerous clinical and dermatopathologists. His dedication to educating future physicians has had a lasting impact on the field, with his students going on to contribute to medical research and practice.

His impressive educational background laid the foundation for his successful career. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned a PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. His residency in pathology and dermatology was completed at the University of Washington, where he also held a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Dermatology and Pathology during the 1990s. These academic experiences were crucial in shaping his understanding of dermatology's clinical and research aspects.

Piepkorn's undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota provided the initial academic foundation that allowed him to pursue his medical career with distinction. His educational journey reflects his lifelong commitment to learning and his passion for advancing the medical field.

He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dermatology and medical education. He has received multiple teaching awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington’s Residency Program in 2009 and 2018. These awards highlight his exceptional abilities as both a clinician and a mentor.

The Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in 2011 to honor his significant contributions to the field.

Piepkorn, MD, enjoys outdoor activities outside of his professional accomplishments. He has a passion for landscaping and gardening, and he frequently spends time in nature, participating in backpacking, mountaineering, and photography. His love for climbing has led him to scale hundreds of mountains in the United States and abroad, reinforcing his deep connection to the natural world.

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is an esteemed clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over five decades of dedicated service to the medical field. He has held numerous academic positions and conducted groundbreaking research, particular... Show more

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a clinical dermatologist and dermatopathologist with more than 50 years of experience, specializing in the diagnosis of complex skin diseases. His expertise focuses on skin pathology, particularly melanoma and psoriasis. He currently evaluates skin biopsies at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle and serves patients through a specialized pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt facility.

Over the course of his career, Michael Piepkorn, MD, has earned board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, reflecting his broad training across related medical fields. He has held teaching and research positions at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington. His scientific impact includes helping identify the essential familial melanoma gene p16/CDKN2A, a discovery that advanced understanding of the biology of hereditary skin cancer.

Michael Piepkorn, PhD, has published more than 170 scientific articles on topics including diagnostic accuracy in melanocytic lesions, second-opinion strategies, staging methods, and changes in melanoma classification terminology. His research has influenced how pathologists approach challenging skin tumors and how to improve consistency in interpretation. In recognition of his contributions, he received a distinguished honor from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004 for excellence in melanoma research.

Alongside his scientific achievements, he has guided numerous trainees in dermatology and dermatopathology, supporting their development in both clinical and laboratory settings. His dedication to teaching has brought him multiple awards from the University of Washington, and his influence continues through the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research. His mentorship has strengthened the next generation of specialists working to advance the study of melanoma and other skin diseases.

Dr. Piepkorn completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned his PhD at the University of Washington in 1980, later holding joint faculty roles in Dermatology and Pathology. He completed residency training at UW and previously studied at Gustavus Adolphus College. Outside his medical work, he enjoys gardening, landscaping, backpacking, mountaineering, and photographing natural landscapes. These interests highlight his appreciation for nature and his commitment to staying active and connected to the outdoors.

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a clinical dermatologist and dermatopathologist with more than 50 years of experience, specializing in the diagnosis of complex skin diseases. His expertise focuses on skin pathology, particularly melanoma and psoriasis. He cu... Show more

I am a data scientist at Advancing Analytics that has been in the field for over four years. Before entering the data science world, I completed a PhD in computational materials modelling for applications in nuclear fusion. I have always taken an interest in using the language of mathematics to deliver tangible solutions to the world around me.

I am a data scientist at Advancing Analytics that has been in the field for over four years. Before entering the data science world, I completed a PhD in computational materials modelling for applications in nuclear fusion. I have always taken an int... Show more

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating for ethical AI design, she has a focus on building inclusive technology that brings positive societal impact.

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating f... Show more

Veronica started her forensic career in 2008. Veronica is also the Interim Programme Lead for Digital Forensics and Incident Response at Noroff University in Norway, where she replaced a warm climate with a more adventurous one. Veronica holds a Master in Science at Rhodes University in Information Security with a specialisation in the forensic analysis of malware. She is currently doing her PhD in cybersecurity at the University of Plymouth in the UK. Her PhD is about designing robust logs for medical devices. She prides herself on keeping patients safe, as this is something close to her heart (quite literally). She is also a cyborg, sporting an embedded medical device herself. She is also a DEF CON goon, and she is the founder of DC2751, and the OWASP Kristiansand project. She has a love for all things ransomware and understands the low level details forensically.

Her particular research interests include research into security vulnerabilities in medical devices forming part of the Internet of Things, and how these could be exploited by malicious attackers, as well as what types of forensic artefacts could be identified from any attacks. She believes that incident response should be something that is continuously done and improved on. She is extremely passionate about protecting people whose lives depend on these medical devices, and her passion led her to become a researcher within an MDM. She is also developing a digital forensics and incident response approach dealing specifically with implanted medical devices and medical devices installed within a healthcare setting. At her core, Veronica is a forensicator and hacker, in love with every bit, byte, and nibble of knowledge she has obtained. She has a strong belief that the o in logs stand for observability. Knowing what is a problem is half the battle won she believes.

Veronica started her forensic career in 2008. Veronica is also the Interim Programme Lead for Digital Forensics and Incident Response at Noroff University in Norway, where she replaced a warm climate with a more adventurous one. Veronica holds a Mast... Show more

Sebastian es Ingeniero de Sistemas, desarrollador Fullstack y actual CTO en Taya, una startup enfocada en conectar tecnología con impacto social. Con experiencia en Flutter, Firebase y Node.js, lidera el desarrollo de productos digitales que buscan resolver problemas reales. Además, organiza comunidades como GDG Sucre y Flutter Sucre, donde promueve el aprendizaje colaborativo y la innovación.

Sebastian es Ingeniero de Sistemas, desarrollador Fullstack y actual CTO en Taya, una startup enfocada en conectar tecnología con impacto social. Con experiencia en Flutter, Firebase y Node.js, lidera el desarrollo de productos digitales que buscan r... Show more

Richard Pestell earned his M.B., B.S. at the University of Western Australia, graduating at the top of his class, guided by a commitment to medical discovery. His medical training continued as a physician in training at the Royal Perth Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. During these early years, he gained broad experience in Internal Medicine and residency, including oncology, endocrinology, hematology, cardiology, and transplant medicine.

He pursued his interest in cancer biology through advanced research. He completed a Ph.D. at the University of Melbourne's Howard Florey Institute, specializing in oncogene regulation of gene transcription, driven by a mindset focused on disease mechanisms. National scholarships and multiple competitive fellowships, including a Winthrop Fellowship and an NHMRC postgraduate award, supported his academic achievements. These efforts led him to Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he trained further as a clinical and research fellow.

Richard continued his academic career at Northwestern University and then at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He became a Professor, Chair of the Division of Endocrine-Dependent Tumor Biology, and Co-Director of major cancer research programs. He also held positions at multiple hospitals in New York, helping him remain engaged in patient care and medical education while supporting research programs focused on cancer biology and therapeutics through translational impact.

Richard Pestell’s research contributed to the knowledge base supporting cancer therapeutics. His research on cyclin D1 was cited in the seminal publications underpinning CDK inhibitor clinical trials and their adoption as a standard therapy for breast cancer globally. His work on CCR5 provided the scientific framework for current oncology clinical trials with CCR5 inhibitors. His scholarly record includes over 700 publications, more than 110,000 citations, an h-index of 162, and extensive invitations to give invited lectures around the world.

In 2002, he became the Director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. He also served as Chair of the Department of Oncology and Associate Vice President at Georgetown University Medical Center. In this capacity, he was responsible for research, clinical operations, and faculty development, and he participated in institutional restructuring and growth. He built community partnerships, enhanced research programs, and expanded clinical services across Georgetown and MedStar systems.

Richard took on additional leadership roles in 2005 as the Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology, and head of the Oncology Service Line at Thomas Jefferson University. He later became the Executive Vice President, charged with enterprise-wide strategic decisions across a system of 30,000 employees. At Jefferson, he directed an overall cancer enterprise with an annual budget of> $350 m and led efforts in clinical care, research infrastructure, regional expansion, and team building. During his tenure, the cancer center rose from 64th to 17th.

Richard Pestell held leadership roles in academia outside of the US and contributed to research, education, and outreach initiatives. He was a founding Director of the Delaware Valley Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, helped develop new education pathways for historically black colleges, and led global cancer outreach at the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research. He also served on faculty or advisory boards with the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, Nanyang Technological University, Xavier University School of Medicine, Kazan Federal University, and several European institutions.

He has served with prominent scientific bodies, including the Academia Europaea, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and the Royal Society of Biology, among others. His awards included the RD Wright Medallion, the Eric Susman Prize in Medicine, and his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019. He is also the founder of six biotechnology companies: LightSeed, ProstaGene (acquired in 2018), EcoGenome, StromaGenesis, ioROC, and Shenandoah Pharmaceuticals. Along with these ventures, he has raised nearly 50 million dollars from investors, plus more than 80 million dollars as a principal investigator on NIH research grants.

Richard Pestell has remained committed to philanthropy, community service, and cultural engagement. At Georgetown and at Jefferson, he led philanthropic efforts that produced transformational gifts and created new ways to sustain ongoing fundraising in support of cancer care, wellness centers, and community outreach initiatives. He has served on boards including the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Historic St. Peter’s Church Preservation Corporation, the American Cancer Society committees, and several university societies. He supported the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Center through a fundraising trek on The Great Wall. He now serves as President of the Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Center, as the Blumberg Distinguished Professor of Translational Medical Research at the Baruch Blumberg Institute, and as a member of the Wistar Institute Cancer Center, continuing to support global cancer programs, mentor scientific leaders, and develop technologies for improved diagnostics and treatment.

“Share hope. Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible—every day.”

Richard Pestell earned his M.B., B.S. at the University of Western Australia, graduating at the top of his class, guided by a commitment to medical discovery. His medical training continued as a physician in training at the Royal Perth Hospital and S... Show more

Fiona Walsh is a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP, Microsoft Certified Master Trainer, and founder of Empower Presentations. Drawing on over twenty years in corporate roles - including IT Manager and in‑house Trainer - she delivers compelling PowerPoint and Copilot training, PowerPoint templates, and presentation strategy for organisations across Ireland, Europe, and the USA. A Certified Presentation Expert (CPE™) and former Director of Education at The Presentation Guild, Fiona is a frequent speaker, podcast guest and writer for publications such as Executive Support Media. Her YouTube tutorials have 200,000+ views.

Fiona Walsh is a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP, Microsoft Certified Master Trainer, and founder of Empower Presentations. Drawing on over twenty years in corporate roles - including IT Manager and in‑house Trainer - she delivers compelling PowerPoint and ... Show more

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Robert Joseph George is a PhD student at Caltech advised by Anima Anandkumar. His research spans AI for mathematics, AI for science, and formal verification, with a focus on theorem prover based infrastructure for trustworthy machine learning and mat... Show more

With more than 25 years of experience across risk management, internal audit, and regulatory compliance, including co-founding start-ups Ad Information Technology and Baseology, LLC, serving as Chief Accounting Officer at Covenant Logistics, time at top companies such as KPMG and The Coca-Cola Company, Matisse has developed a diverse portfolio of skills. His advisory, audit, and information technology services have benefited private and publicly held companies in various industries, including transportation & logistics, manufacturing, software as a service (SaaS), and life sciences.

With more than 25 years of experience across risk management, internal audit, and regulatory compliance, including co-founding start-ups Ad Information Technology and Baseology, LLC, serving as Chief Accounting Officer at Covenant Logistics, time at ... Show more

Armando Herra is a Systems Architect with vast experience in Cloud, Kubernetes, and DevOps Technologies.

Passionate about the Cloud-Native Ecosystem, he's constantly learning and experimenting with new tools and technologies to stay informed about the industry's latest advances and share his knowledge via tech talks.

Armando Herra is a Systems Architect with vast experience in Cloud, Kubernetes, and DevOps Technologies. Passionate about the Cloud-Native Ecosystem, he's constantly learning and experimenting with new tools and technologies to stay informed about... Show more