Physical & Life Sciences

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

Marissa Haugh

Marissa Haugh

Marissa Haugh's career reflects a life built on dedication to others. With a background that extends across child development, healthcare, and wellness, she has embraced opportunities to serve in many different ways. Now living in Oceanport, New Jersey, she continues to guide people toward healthier lives through fitness and nutrition, drawing on the knowledge and experience gained from years of education and professional practice.

Her academic path demonstrates her strong commitment to lifelong learning. After completing high school, Marissa attended the University of Rhode Island, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. This program gave her valuable insight into human growth across the lifespan, preparing her to support children and families in many contexts. In 2001, she added a Certificate in Fine Arts and Foundation from Parsons’ School of Design, highlighting her creative abilities. She later pursued graduate study at Bank Street College, earning a Master of Science in Child Life in 2003. These studies combined scientific knowledge with creativity, shaping her approach to child development and care.

Her work began during her college years. She first served as a daycare leader and became a caseworker for Talbot Perkins Children’s Services in Brooklyn, where she supported adoption and foster care services. Around the same time, she worked as the Lead Camp Counselor at Epiphany Nursery School Camp, designing creative projects and managing daily classroom activities. These early roles gave her direct experience with children and allowed her to practice leadership, organization, and empathy.

In 1998, she accepted the position of Head Teacher at Trevor Day School in New York City. She managed classroom activities, adapted teaching methods to meet student needs, and worked closely with families to promote learning. After completing her graduate degree, she transitioned into healthcare. At Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, she became a Child Life Specialist, serving children in pediatric units. She worked with young patients facing serious illnesses such as cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, and those undergoing transplants. Her role emphasized therapeutic interventions and family support during hospitalizations.

Her work in child development expanded further at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey, where she served as an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist. She conducted developmental assessments for infants and toddlers up to age three, designing interventions that encouraged growth and progress. She also worked closely with families to ensure children received the support they needed. Since 2001, she has been a member of the Child Life Council, maintaining her long-term commitment to the field.

2017 Marissa expanded into health and fitness, completing a Certificate in Fitness and Nutrition from the Academy of Sports Medicine. She then founded FIT, FULL, AND FOCUSED in Oceanport, New Jersey, where she offers personalized nutrition and fitness coaching. She works with clients to assess eating habits, health conditions, and fitness levels, developing customized plans to encourage healthier choices. Her approach emphasizes education, helping clients understand nutrition science, food preparation, and sustainable lifestyle habits.

Her personal dedication to fitness further supports her coaching. She has run marathons, participated in CrossFit competitions, and participated in endurance events such as Tough Mudder and Spartan races. These experiences give her practical knowledge of discipline and perseverance, which she shares with her clients.

Through her work, Marissa Haugh has consistently chosen paths that allow her to help others. From children in hospitals and classrooms to adults seeking healthier lifestyles, she has positively impacted them by combining education, compassion, and personal experience. Her journey demonstrates how service and knowledge can shape a meaningful and lasting career.

Marissa Haugh's career reflects a life built on dedication to others. With a background that extends across child development, healthcare, and wellness, she has embraced opportunities to serve in many different ways. Now living in Oceanport, New Jers... Show more

Sérgio Giraldo

Sérgio Giraldo

I am working with banking technology for 25 years+ and leading cloud and integration projects at ING since 2020.

I am working with banking technology for 25 years+ and leading cloud and integration projects at ING since 2020. Show more

Abhisek Hazra

Abhisek Hazra

I am a researcher and educator with over a decade of industrial R&D experience in AI, applied research, product development, and academic mentoring. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in CST & CSE (AIML) at JIS College of Engineering, my work spans AI, biometrics, and perception engineering. I have contributed to patented and open-source systems, including Lekhani-Bishleshak, e-SAHI (online signature verification), handwriting analysis tools, and digital imaging solutions.

I am a researcher and educator with over a decade of industrial R&D experience in AI, applied research, product development, and academic mentoring. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in CST & CSE (AIML) at JIS College of Engineering, my wor... Show more

Kusal Debnath

Kusal Debnath

Kusal Debnath is pursuing PhD in Computer Science
with a strong focus on AI-driven drug discovery. He
obtained his Master of Technology (MTech) degree in
Biomedical Engineering from Indian Institute of Tech-
nology, Kharagpur, India. His research interests include
machine learning applications in bioinformatics and com-
putational biology, and he is passionate about advancing innovations at the intersection of technology and
medicine.

Kusal Debnath is pursuing PhD in Computer Science with a strong focus on AI-driven drug discovery. He obtained his Master of Technology (MTech) degree in Biomedical Engineering from Indian Institute of Tech- nology, Kharagpur, India. His research... Show more

Nancy Wayua

Nancy Wayua

I am a GIS and Remote Sensing Analyst with a passion for using geospatial data to analyze environmental and spatial challenges. I specialize in spatial analysis, satellite imagery interpretation, and map visualization to support data-driven decision-making. I am motivated by turning complex geospatial data into clear insights that drive sustainable and impactful solutions.

I am a GIS and Remote Sensing Analyst with a passion for using geospatial data to analyze environmental and spatial challenges. I specialize in spatial analysis, satellite imagery interpretation, and map visualization to support data-driven decision... Show more

Tom Sherman

Tom Sherman

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using modern math, science and logic that divides time evenly, precisely, and accurately, for the first time in the history of time. With humor, philosophy, and curiosity, Tom is able to expand your perception of reality and uncover new systems and patterns that are currently hiding in plain sight.

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using mode... Show more

Francisco Bernardo

Francisco Bernardo

Francisco Bernardo, PhD, is a research engineer and designer focused on Human-centred computaional toolkits for user innovation. He has extensive work experience in the industry, academia, and at their interface, where he conducts applied research at the intersection of art and creative technology.

Francisco Bernardo, PhD, is a research engineer and designer focused on Human-centred computaional toolkits for user innovation. He has extensive work experience in the industry, academia, and at their interface, where he conducts applied research at... Show more

Muhsin Tamturk

Muhsin Tamturk

Dr. Muhsin Tamturk is currently a Senior Researcher and Quantum Advocate. His academic background includes a BSc in Mathematics, an MSc in Financial Mathematics, a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics, and an additional MSc in Applied Quantum Computing.

Dr. Tamturk has previously held positions as a Senior AI Engineer, Data Scientist, and Analytical Developer. He has authored several academic papers in the fields of quantum computing, insurance, and finance.

Dr. Muhsin Tamturk is currently a Senior Researcher and Quantum Advocate. His academic background includes a BSc in Mathematics, an MSc in Financial Mathematics, a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics, and an additional MSc in Applied Quantum Computing. D... Show more

Mick Semb Wever

Mick Semb Wever

Principal Architect at DataStax, engineering and product on Cassandra and Open Source.

Beyond technology, crazy about snowboarding, rock climbing, trail running, skiing, surfing, and just anything awesome in nature.

Principal Architect at DataStax, engineering and product on Cassandra and Open Source. Beyond technology, crazy about snowboarding, rock climbing, trail running, skiing, surfing, and just anything awesome in nature. Show more

Margina Cohen

Margina Cohen

Margina, J.D., Ed.S., is a dynamic advocate, author, and educator with a passion for empowering others through shared knowledge and social justice advocacy. With extensive experience in educational leadership, she combines her legal expertise with her dedication to educational equity. A strong advocate for parental rights and education reform, Margina believes every child deserves access to quality education and support. Through her work with the Cooley Innocence Project, she has come to understand that educational equity is fundamental to true criminal justice reform. By championing parental advocacy and fostering collaborative community initiatives, Margina aims to create a more just and equitable system for all.

Margina, J.D., Ed.S., is a dynamic advocate, author, and educator with a passion for empowering others through shared knowledge and social justice advocacy. With extensive experience in educational leadership, she combines her legal expertise with he... Show more

Valerio Pascucci

Valerio Pascucci

Valerio Pascucci is the founding Director of the Center for Extreme Data Management Analysis and Visualization (CEDMAV) of the University of Utah. Valerio is also a Faculty member of the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, a Professor of the School of Computing, University of Utah, and a DOE Laboratory Fellow of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Valerio Pascucci is the founding Director of the Center for Extreme Data Management Analysis and Visualization (CEDMAV) of the University of Utah. Valerio is also a Faculty member of the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, a Professor of the ... Show more

Parikshit Ardhapurkar

Parikshit Ardhapurkar

Parikshit Ardhapurkar is an HPC Engineer at C-DAC specializing in parallel computing, performance tuning, and GPU-accelerated workflows. He works with MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, Spack, ReFrame, and Apptainer to build portable and reproducible HPC stacks. His experience spans optimization of large-scale scientific applications, benchmarking modern CPU-GPU systems, and enabling automated testing pipelines under the National Supercomputing Mission.

Parikshit Ardhapurkar is an HPC Engineer at C-DAC specializing in parallel computing, performance tuning, and GPU-accelerated workflows. He works with MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, Spack, ReFrame, and Apptainer to build portable and reproducible HPC stacks. His... Show more

Shel Winkley

Shel Winkley

Shel Winkley is Climate Central's Weather & Climate Engagement Specialist, helping storytellers connect climate change to daily weather. He empowers accurate storytelling that shows audiences how warming affects their communities. Shel brings 17 years of broadcast meteorology experience, including nearly 15 as Chief Meteorologist at KBTX (CBS) in Bryan-College Station, Texas. He holds a B.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M and is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

Shel Winkley is Climate Central's Weather & Climate Engagement Specialist, helping storytellers connect climate change to daily weather. He empowers accurate storytelling that shows audiences how warming affects their communities. Shel brings 17 year... Show more

Giovanni Pennisi

Giovanni Pennisi

22 yo ICT student born and raised in Catania, regional coordinator of Wikimedia Italy in Sicily, tech enthusiast, drone pilot, DJ, 3d printer, astronomer

22 yo ICT student born and raised in Catania, regional coordinator of Wikimedia Italy in Sicily, tech enthusiast, drone pilot, DJ, 3d printer, astronomer Show more

Elie Alhajjar

Elie Alhajjar

Elie Alhajjar, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at RAND, leading projects at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and government. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the United States Military Academy and a Senior Research Scientist at the Army Cyber Institute in West Point, New York. Previously, Alhajjar served as a Research Scientist in the Computing and Communications Theory Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He holds a PhD in applied mathematics from George Mason University.

Elie Alhajjar, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at RAND, leading projects at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and government. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the United States Military Academy and a Senior Research Scientist at the Ar... Show more

Gospel Arinze

Gospel Arinze

Arinze Gospel Ifeyichukwu is a 400-level Electronics and Computer Engineering student at Lagos State University (LASU) specializing in the synergy between hardware and intelligent software. With a technical focus on Embedded Systems, Python, and Artificial Intelligence, he is dedicated to developing scalable solutions that address industrial challenges within the African ecosystem. His work explores the integration of automated systems and AI to optimize processes and drive digital transformation.
Arinze’s academic and project-based experience is centered on solving complex engineering problems through hands-on technical application. He is an active advocate for bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical industry deployment. As an aspiring engineer, he aims to contribute to the growth of Africa's deep tech landscape by leveraging frontier technologies to build resilient, data-driven infrastructure. He is currently focused on high-impact research and collaborative projects that prioritize technical excellence and sustainable innovation.

Arinze Gospel Ifeyichukwu is a 400-level Electronics and Computer Engineering student at Lagos State University (LASU) specializing in the synergy between hardware and intelligent software. With a technical focus on Embedded Systems, Python, and Arti... Show more

Ilyass Mousaid

Ilyass Mousaid

I sit right at the messy intersection of hard science and market strategy. As a Technology Transfer Officer at UM6P, my day job is helping inventions survive the 'Valley of Death'—that difficult gap between a lab discovery and a shelf-ready product.

I’m an engineer by training (Arts & Métiers) and PMP certified, so I’ve been in the trenches. Having co-authored research on frugal innovation, water treatment and mining platforms, I know the frustration of engineering challenges firsthand.

Right now, I’m focused on one thing: using AI to streamline the innovation process. I’m currently building workflows that help researchers and startups use Google's multimodal models to validate inventions, analyze prior art, and simulate complex systems before they ever hit the market.

I sit right at the messy intersection of hard science and market strategy. As a Technology Transfer Officer at UM6P, my day job is helping inventions survive the 'Valley of Death'—that difficult gap between a lab discovery and a shelf-ready product. ... Show more

Deb Walther

Deb Walther

Deb is a recovering scientist who discovered SharePoint back in 2008. She has extensive experience in regulated companies in Biotech and Financial Services industries that specialized in the management and validation of business process and solution implementation. Deb has functioned as a Project Manager Business Analyst, Validation Engineer and in her current role as a Sr Engineer at SkyTerra. She excels in analysis, requirements gathering, design, configuration, documentation, training, and launching new solutions. Her job is to make your job easier.

Deb is a recovering scientist who discovered SharePoint back in 2008. She has extensive experience in regulated companies in Biotech and Financial Services industries that specialized in the management and validation of business process and solution ... Show more

Adam Salah

Adam Salah

Long time AI enthusiast from Prolog to Copilot, via MS-ML and several other stops.
Hands-on experience with various AI platforms, currently researching AI systems for deployment at SFU.
Educator: Taught at UBC, Langara and many schools around North America. Delivered dev/admin and user training as an MCT, around the globe.
Geek: Software architect, developer by training with over 30 years of hands-on expertise in Microsoft technologies, specializing in M365, Azure, data platforms, and analytics.
Over 20 years of SharePoint, many years of years of Teams, Power tools, SQL Server, and Viva stack experience.
Proficient in migrations, configuration, customization, and development.
Holds MCSE/MCSD certifications for SharePoint and Apps, MCSE SharePoint, and MCSE Data and analytics, Viva practitioner.

Long time AI enthusiast from Prolog to Copilot, via MS-ML and several other stops. Hands-on experience with various AI platforms, currently researching AI systems for deployment at SFU. Educator: Taught at UBC, Langara and many schools around Nort... Show more

Doudou BA

Doudou BA

Doudou BA is Senegalese, Founder and CEO of OneNine, a Swedish Startup focused on AI data infrastructure for low-resource (African) languages, supplying training data to AI tier labs such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic... His vision: make AI truly global so anyone can communicate with technology in their native language.
He also serves as Operations Research Scientist at A.P. Moller-Maersk, building intelligent systems across 200+ countries. His PhD at Charles University Prague focused on deep learning for environmental modeling. Publications in Journal of Hydroinformatics (2025) and Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics.

more: https://www.doudouba.tech/

Doudou BA is Senegalese, Founder and CEO of OneNine, a Swedish Startup focused on AI data infrastructure for low-resource (African) languages, supplying training data to AI tier labs such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic... His vision: make AI trul... Show more

Serban Mare

Serban Mare

What happens when your most committed people quietly burn out behind a mask of performance? Serban Mare has lived the answer and now helps companies fix it.
With 20 years of leading high-stakes engineering projects in the semiconductor industry, Serban understands the toll of chronic stress and quiet quitting from the inside out. Today, he speaks to teams across sectors on how to shift out of burnout, rewire their relationship with stress, and bring energy, optimism, and clarity back to the workplace.
Backed by science, grounded in experience, and delivered with heart, Serban’s keynotes help high performers pause, reflect, and reignite. His message resonates with professionals who feel overwhelmed but ambitious, tired, yet still driven to make an impact.
Serban brings a rare blend of corporate insight, actionable tools, and human storytelling to every stage. His mission is simple: help teams move from reactively burning out to proactively burning bright.
With a message tailored for high-performance cultures, Serban empowers professionals to lead with clarity, protect their well-being, and rediscover what makes their work matter.

What happens when your most committed people quietly burn out behind a mask of performance? Serban Mare has lived the answer and now helps companies fix it. With 20 years of leading high-stakes engineering projects in the semiconductor industry, Ser... Show more

Nisha Joshi

Nisha Joshi

Nisha Joshi is an executive coach, transformation leader and podcaster with over two decades of experience driving impactful change across industries, from logistics and retail to broadcast media and startups. She specialises in aligning culture, leadership and execution to help organisations achieve strategic clarity and high-performing teams without friction or burnout.

Nisha is the co-host of The Delivery Space Podcast, where she and industry leaders explore the realities of leadership, culture and transformation through their direct experiences. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events, helping senior leaders shift from firefighting delivery challenges to creating cultures of autonomy, collaboration and innovation.

Beyond her work, Nisha is a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a podcast enthusiast. She once appeared in a Boy George music video, has a knack for winning Blackadder trivia battles, and loves deep conversations about the future of leadership.

Nisha Joshi is an executive coach, transformation leader and podcaster with over two decades of experience driving impactful change across industries, from logistics and retail to broadcast media and startups. She specialises in aligning culture, lea... Show more

John William Muga

John William Muga

A Computer Science student at Maseno University, Community Manager and Crowdsource influencer, GDG on Campus Event Organizer. Loves attending and organizing community events

A Computer Science student at Maseno University, Community Manager and Crowdsource influencer, GDG on Campus Event Organizer. Loves attending and organizing community events Show more

Gianluca Varisco

Gianluca Varisco

Gianluca was the former CISO of Rocket Internet, where he oversaw IT infrastructure and cybersecurity for companies with over EUR 2B in revenue. He later led national security efforts for Italy’s Digital Transformation Team, served as CISO of Arduino, and most recently was Principal Security Architect and public spokesperson for Google Cloud. He recently started Netsec, a cybersecurity and managed IT services provider dedicated to protecting businesses from digital threats.

Gianluca was the former CISO of Rocket Internet, where he oversaw IT infrastructure and cybersecurity for companies with over EUR 2B in revenue. He later led national security efforts for Italy’s Digital Transformation Team, served as CISO of Arduino... Show more

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive.

A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time delivering workshops and presentations on introversion, leadership, and communication. Founder of The Introvert Space, a community interest company dedicated to empowering introverts in the workplace, Richard authors popular ebooks like Self-Promotion for Introverts. He’s also learning to play the piano, having realised he could no longer help his son with his piano homework!

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive. A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time deliveri... Show more

Vedant Pandya

Vedant Pandya

AI Researcher | ML & NLP Enthusiast | LLM & GenAI Specialist | Google Cloud Advocate | Quantum Computing | Mentor |

AI Researcher | ML & NLP Enthusiast | LLM & GenAI Specialist | Google Cloud Advocate | Quantum Computing | Mentor | Show more

Ibrahim Oloyede

Ibrahim Oloyede

Software Developer | Software Researcher

Software Developer | Software Researcher Show more

Reanna Schultz

Reanna Schultz

Reanna Schultz is a cybersecurity professional, content creator, and entrepreneur recognized for her dynamic approach to bridging technology and storytelling. She hosts Defenders in Lab Coats, a podcast that highlights the journeys of cyber defenders, innovators, and experts driving change in the digital landscape. Passionate about uncovering emerging threats and human elements within cybersecurity, Reanna brings both technical depth and approachable insight to every conversation.

With over 8 years of experience and being a keynote speaker across the globe, Reanna promotes community collaboration and mentorship. She is a strong advocate for community learning, leadership growth, and creative collaboration across the cyber industry. Reanna continues to inspire others to push boundaries and redefine what it means to defend in the modern digital age.

Reanna Schultz is a cybersecurity professional, content creator, and entrepreneur recognized for her dynamic approach to bridging technology and storytelling. She hosts Defenders in Lab Coats, a podcast that highlights the journeys of cyber defenders... Show more

Massimiliano Luca

Massimiliano Luca

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MIT Connection Science and a Visiting Ph.D. Student at CSIC-IFISC. I am currently working on socially aware foundation models, human-intelligent agents cooperation and spatially-aware deep learning for urban, transportation and mobility.

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MI... Show more

Erik Grina Raassum

Erik Grina Raassum

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