Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Florida

Researchers on NotedSource with connections to University of Florida include Marco Palma, Brian Flaxman, Ph.D, Dr. Michelle A. King, Ph.D., Stephen Horowitz, Jace Hargis, Ph.D., Charlton Coles, Ph.D., Joel Hartter, PhD, Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D., John Bellum, PhD, Mithu Chatterjee, Ph.D., Dr. Erin Westgate, Ph.D., Dr. Troy Trottier, Mackenzie Dickson, PhD, Peiqi Zhang, Dr. Heather Kates, Ph.D., Dennis Kramer, Mary-Grace C. Danao, Ph.D., Angelica Moncada, PhD, Chloe Goldbach, Ph.D., Dr. Mary Lusk, Ph.D., Dr. Eleanor Lopez, Joel French, Ph.D., Conna Bond, Geoffrey Hutinet, Ph. D, Ravikumar Vasudevan, Sheldon Lawrence II, PhD, Owen Hudson, Artemis Louyakis, Lauren Krebs, Glory Orivri, Taylor Gibbs, Lena Donnarumma, Luke Chandler, Joseph Degli, Dr. Bob Touchton, PE, Harris L. Friedman, PhD, Dr. Michael Ryan Galada MS, DDS, Barry Setlow, Taryn Devereux, Benjamin Jacobs, Neal Doran, Candace Bichsel Tebbenkamp, James H. "Rip" Kirby III, Lt Col, USAF (ret), Bhakti Sharma, Hannah Mather, Rachel McEgan, Caitlin McDermott, Jill Mosteller, Savanna Hamilton, and Timothy Wilson.

Marco Palma

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University
Education

University of Florida

PhD, Food and Resource Economics / December, 2005

Gainesville

Escuela Agricola Panamericana El Zamorano

Agricultural Science / December, 1999

El Zamorano

University of Florida

MS, Food and Resource Economics / December, 2002

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

BS, Agribusiness Management / December, 2000

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
Experimental Economics
Neuroeconomics
Food Economics
Food Choices
Willingness-to-Pay
About
**Marco Palma** is a pioneering agricultural economist contributing groundbreaking multidisciplinary innovations to understand human food choices and agricultural production decisions. He excels in teaching, research, extension, and service, generating high-quality programs and facilitating global multidisciplinary collaboration. Palma directs the TAMU Human Behavior Laboratory, the world’s largest academic neurophysiological behavioral science lab, advancing research on consumer food choices. Palma’s program creates high impact directly through his efforts and indirectly through the efforts of others using novel research methods he has developed. With 119 peer-reviewed publications, $117 million in grants ($5.5 million allocated to his program), and 110 graduate students advised (26 chaired and 84 member), Dr. Palma’s influence extends beyond academia, into food policy and industry pursuing big ideas impacting people’s health, prosperity, and well-being. Palma is a dedicated mentor cultivating future leaders in agricultural economics.

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Stephen Horowitz

Bennington, Vermont, United States of America
PhD + 20 years experience, R&D/Engineering/Tech Executive in Sensors, MEMS, semiconductors
Education

University of Florida

PhD - Electrical Engineering / December, 2005

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

MS - Electrical Engineering / August, 2001

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

BS - Electrical Engineering - with Highest Honors / December, 1999

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Experience

Interdisciplinary Consulting Corp

President/CEO / August, 2014April, 2020

Ducommun (United States)

Program Manager/Lead Engineer / August, 2008August, 2014

Taitech Inc

Research Scientist / August, 2004August, 2008

University of Florida

Adjunct Assistant Scientist / Grad Fellow / January, 2000August, 2008

Satori Scientific Inc.

Founder/CEO / May, 2020Present

Research Expertise
Acoustics and Ultrasonics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Instrumentation
Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
And 2 more
About
I have over 20 years of engineering and R&D experience in sensors and MEMS including physical modeling, transduction, design, optimization, fabrication, characterization/test, and algorithm development, as well as 10 years of technical management/executive experience in operations, product development, R&D, business development, marketing and technical sales. I have a track record of success in taking early stage R&D concepts through to full products, and developing and growing businesses based on those products. I hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida, where I focused on sensor and instrumentation development, leading to 20 years of academic/industry experience in research, modeling, optimization, microfabrication, and testing of scientific instruments that requires in-depth knowledge of multidisciplinary physical systems (mechanical, electrical, acoustic, fluidic, thermal, and optical). I am well versed in MATLAB and LabVIEW, as well as first-principles development of lumped element modeling (LEM) for physical systems of all kinds. As the former CEO of an innovation-driven startup, my most important roles were defining the long-term vision and strategy, and building the teams and the people to make it all happen.

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Jace Hargis, Ph.D.

Ocala, Florida, United States of America
Researcher, Generative Artificial Intelligence Researching Integration into Higher Education
Education

University of Florida

PhD, Education / May, 1999

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

M.S., Environmental Engineering Sciences / May, 1992

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Florida Institute of Technology

B.S., Oceanography / June, 1984

Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
Generative AI
Emerging Instructional Technology
About
Jace Hargis is an experienced educator and administrator with over 25 years of experience in higher education. He received his PhD in Science Education from the University of Florida, his M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida, and his B.S. in Oceanography from the Florida Institute of Technology. Hargis has held various leadership positions throughout his career, including Associate Vice President at the University of Doha, Vice President for Curriculum and Faculty Development at Kean University, and Professor and Director at New York University Shanghai. He has also served as Director at the University of California San Diego, Associate Provost at Chaminade University of Honolulu, College Director at Higher Colleges of Technology, Assistant Provost at the University of the Pacific, and Director and Assistant Professor at the University of North Florida. Hargis is a dedicated educator and is passionate about promoting student success and academic excellence. He has a strong background in curriculum development, faculty development, and strategic planning. He is also experienced in managing international partnerships and promoting cross-cultural understanding in higher education. In addition to his administrative roles, Hargis has also taught courses in education, environmental engineering, and oceanography at various institutions. He is a published author and has presented at numerous conferences and workshops on topics related to education and global partnerships. Hargis is committed to staying current with the latest trends and advancements in higher education and is constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate in the field.

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Charlton Coles, Ph.D.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Adjunct faculty member working on strategies for reducing health disparities at Clemson University
Education

University of Florida

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology / December, 1996

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

M.S., Clinical Psychology / May, 1993

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Georgia State University

B.S., Psychology / August, 1989

Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Research Expertise
health disparities
health psychology
environmental justice
community health assessment
About
Charlton Coles, Ph.D.   Dr. Coles is an adjunct faculty member at Clemson University’s Center for Research on Health Disparities and is currently engaged in research to address community issues related to health disparities and environmental justice in minority populations. Recent research projects have included asset mapping to identify the strengths of communities in addressing public health concerns, strategies aimed at improving resiliency for ethnic minorities and developing a working framework for clinicians and responders to more effectively manage community and family stress from a technological disaster. Dr. Coles has published in journals, such as the *Journal of Clinical Psychology*, *The American Journal of Public Health*, and *Family & Community Health.* He has presented at the International Qualitative Health Research Conference, EPA’s Strengthening Environmental Research and Decision Making symposium, and the Safety Officer’s symposium. He is especially interested in the Center’s capacity to reach ethnic minorities in underserved areas of the state. Dr. Coles received his B.S. in Psychology from Georgia State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida.

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Joel Hartter, PhD

Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
Professor of Sustainability and Sustainable Business Strategist
Education

University of Florida

PhD, Geography / December, 2007

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Oregon State University

MS, Forest Engineering / June, 2007

Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

BSE, Mechanical Engineering / May, 2000

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

BS, German / May, 2000

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
Research Expertise
climate change and adaptation
sustainability
Conservation
Natural resource management
Corporate sustainability
And 6 more
About
Joel Hartter is an international expert in sustainability and a sustainable business strategist, with more than two decades of experience. His diverse career spans work in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He has worked with dozens of organizations and industry leaders to embed sustainability within brands, align sustainability to create strategic growth opportunities, manage and mitigate risk, and create a compelling business proposition for sustainability. Joel brings his extensive knowledge, experience and network to every engagement, providing strategic guidance on sustainability and ESG goals for startups to Fortune 500 companies, local, state, and federal government, higher education, and non-profits each year. Joel takes his practice into the classroom, into the boardrooms, and into corporate offices, where he is committed to educating the next sustainability leaders and helping business turn intentions into actions, and accelerate their path for a sustainable future. He teaches university and professional courses, master classes, and seminars to >20,000 people annually. Joel is also widely regarded for his commitment to workforce development and higher ed innovation. He has created and led numerous successful business units, academic programs, and higher ed-private sector partnerships. He leverages EdTech, work-integrated education, and leading curriculum design to create cutting edge learning programs for companies, schools, and universities.

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Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D.

Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Principal Research Scientist and Lab Director | VR, AR, MR, XR, Spatial Computing, Immersive Technologies
Education

University of Florida

Ph.D., Dept. of Computer & Info. Science & Engineering / May, 2009

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

M.S., Computer Science / December, 2003

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Northwestern University

B.S., Computer Science / June, 2001

Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
Experience

Draper Laboratory

Principal Member of Technical Staff / January, 2021Present

Universal Studios / NBCUniversal

Technical Program Manager / December, 2016November, 2020

University of Central Florida

Research Associate Professor / March, 2015September, 2016

University of South Florida

Assistant Professor / Director of PIE Lab / December, 2010March, 2015

University of Memphis

Post Doctoral Fellow / June, 2009December, 2010

University of Florida

Graduate Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher / June, 2004June, 2009

Research Expertise
Human-Computer Interaction
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Artificial Intelligence
And 9 more
About
Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D. is a principal researcher at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, where he leads research on human-centered computing and virtual / augmented / mixed reality. For over 20 years, Dr. Raij has been helping companies unlock the transformative power of immersive technologies through **rigorous user research, strategic guidance, and creative problem-solving**. With a deep understanding of human behavior in immersive environments, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world needs. His career began in academia, where he was an Assistant Professor and Director of the Powerful Interactive Experiences (PIE) Lab at the University of South Florida. Later, he joined Universal Creative, where he applied his expertise to the challenge of using immersive, wearable technologies in the theme park environment. At Draper Labs, his research focuses on applying immersive technologies to training and situational awareness. Dr. Raij earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering from the University of Florida in 2009. Prior to this, he completed his M.S. in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 and his B.S. in Computer Science at Northwestern University in 2001.

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Mithu Chatterjee, Ph.D.

Innovator in plant biology and controlled environment agriculture
Experience

AeroFarms

Senior Lead Scientist / May, 2023June, 2023

Vertical indoor farming of fruiting crops like Blueberry and Strawberry

USDA-ARS

ORISE Researcher / November, 2019May, 2021

Blueberry and Virus induced gene silencing

Montclair State University

Adjunct Professor / January, 2017August, 2021

Taught and developed syllabus for courses like Evolutionary Biology and Emerging diseases

Rutgers University

Research Faculty / December, 2012September, 2017

Maize, Genetics, Genomics, Crop Nutrition, Generation of Maize mutant collection

University of Florida

Post-Doctoral Research Associate / June, 2007April, 2012

Strawberry genomes and genes

Iowa State University

Post-Doctoral Research Associate / April, 2005May, 2007

Potato tuberization and Mobile RNA

Research Expertise
Genetics
Plant Science
Physiology
Agronomy and Crop Science
Controlled Environment and Urban Agriculture
And 5 more
About
I am an accomplished scientist with plant molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and controlled environment agriculture expertise. Over my career, I have developed enhanced crop lines in Maize, Strawberry, Potato, Mustard, and Maize through innovative genetic and transgenic approaches. As a Senior Lead Scientist at AeroFarms and Researcher in academia, I have led multidisciplinary projects funded by NSF, USDA, and industry partners, resulting in numerous high-impact publications and novel insights. My leadership extends to pioneering new cultivation systems for blueberries and mentoring teams in effective project management and collaboration.

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Mackenzie Dickson, PhD

North Carolina
Scientist & Statistician | Reproductive Biology, Immunology, Physiology
Education

University of Florida

PhD, Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology / May, 2021

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Iowa State University

M.S., Animal Physiology / May, 2017

Ames, Iowa, United States of America

Iowa State University

B.S., Dairy Science / May, 2014

Ames, Iowa, United States of America
Research Expertise
reproduction
fertility
immunology
About
Mackenzie Dickson is a highly educated and experienced scientist specializing in animal molecular and cellular biology. She received her PhD from the University of Florida in 2021, where she conducted groundbreaking research on the long-term impact of bacterial infections and disease on female reproduction. Prior to her PhD, she earned a Master's degree in Animal Physiology and a Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science from Iowa State University. After completing her doctoral studies, Mackenzie continued her research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, where she focused on studying the impact of environmental factors on uterine biology and female fertility. She also gained valuable experience in statistical analysis and data interpretation during her time as a Statistician at Zoetis, a leading animal health company. Mackenzie's expertise in animal molecular and cellular biology has led to numerous publications in top scientific journals and presentations at international conferences. She is dedicated to using her knowledge and skills to contribute to the advancement of animal and human health. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Peiqi Zhang

Microbiologist and Plant Pathologist, University of Florida
Education

University of Florida

Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Plant Pathology / August, 2021

GAINESVILLE, Florida, United States of America

China Agricultural University

Bachelor of Science, Agronomy and Plant Protection / July, 2015

Beijing
Experience

University of Florida

Postdoctoral research associate / 2021Present

Designed and performed molecular biology experiments on plant pathogenic bacterial species including Xanthomonas and Clavibacter. Performed next generation and third generation sequencing with genomics and transcriptomics analysis. Developed and optimized bioinformatics pipeline for data analysis on command-line tools and R.

Peer-reviewed Academic Journals

Journal Reviewer / June, 2023Present

Reviewed manuscripts for Plant Physiology, Plant Disease, Phytopathology and PhytoFrontiers. Refined academic writing, peer-reviewing, analytical and editing skills.

University of Florida

Research Assistant / 20152021

Performed plant pathogenicity testing for fungal and bacterial pathogens. Designed and performed greenhouse trial. Microbial genome editing. Fungicide testing. GC/MS. Bioinformatics. Statistics.

China Agricultural University

Research Assistant / 20132015

Performed fungal culture storage and maintenance. Carried out experiments on simple sequence repeats (SSR) genotyping on isolates of potato blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Learned about basic lab techniques including sterile techniques, laminar flow cabinet and fume hood operation, media preparation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Research Expertise
Plant Pathology
Microbiology
Agriculture
Ecology
About
Dedicated and detail-oriented professional with over 9 years of experience in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and related fields. Adept at designing and conducting wet lab experiments with Analytical and Bioinformatic skills. Independent researcher, keen learner, and team worker.

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Dennis Kramer

Nationally respected researcher in the areas of economics and social policies
Experience

U.S. Departments of Education

Director of Policy Research

Johns Hopkins University

Associate Professor of Educational Policy

White House Social and Behavioral Science Team / Office of Evaluation Sciences

Behavioral Science Fellow

University of Florida

Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy

Director, Education Policy Research Center

Research Expertise
Education
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Sociology and Political Science
Law
And 5 more
About
Dennis Kramer is an expert in the field of education policy and economics. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics from San Diego State University in 2006. He then went on to earn a Masters in Public Policy and Post Secondary Administration from the University of Southern California in 2008. His passion for education and policy led him to pursue a PhD in Economics and Education Policy from the University of Georgia, which he completed in 2014. Throughout his education, Dennis has been heavily involved in research and policy work. He has held various positions in the U.S. Department of Education, including Director of Policy Research. He has also served as an Associate Professor of Educational Policy at Johns Hopkins University and as a Behavioral Science Fellow at the White House Social and Behavioral Science Team/Office of Evaluation Sciences. Dennis has also held academic positions at the University of Florida, including Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy, and Director of the Education Policy Research Center. Through these roles, he has conducted extensive research on topics such as school choice, teacher quality, and education financing. In addition to his academic and policy work, Dennis is a passionate advocate for improving education policies and systems. He has been invited to present his research and expertise at numerous conferences and events, and has also provided testimony to state and federal legislative committees. Dennis is dedicated to using his knowledge and experience to improve education policies and practices, and ultimately, to help create a more equitable and effective education system for all students.

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Mary-Grace C. Danao, Ph.D.

Value-added food processing engineer known for her expertise in high pressure processing, freeze drying, and optimization of food safety and shelf-life in value-added food systems
Education

Ph.D., Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering / August, 2005

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Kentucky

M.S., Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering / December, 2001

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Florida

B.S., Agricultural and Biological Engineering / May, 2000

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
High pressure processing
near infrared spectroscopy
food processing
food engineering
About
**Dr. Mary-Grace C. Danao** is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology and a value-added food processing specialist with The Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In her role, she leads applied research and extension efforts focused on high pressure processing (HPP), high pressure homogenization, and freeze-drying technologies to enhance food safety, product quality, process optimization, and shelf-life for a wide range of food products. Since 2017, Dr. Danao has coordinated the HPP & Engineering Services Laboratory at the Food Processing Center, where she and her team conduct microbial challenge studies, process validation, and shelf-life analyses to support food manufacturers in complying with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements and bringing innovative products to market. She also contributes to UNL’s academic mission by teaching in areas such as pet food manufacturing as part of the Food Technology for Companion Animals program, helping prepare students for careers in food processing and technology. Dr. Danao’s work bridges fundamental food engineering research with practical industry applications, enhancing value-added processing capabilities for both Nebraska and U.S. food companies.

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Angelica Moncada, PhD

Self-driven researcher with 10+ years of experience in the environmental and water research fields and passionate proponent of science-driven solutions.
Education

Florida International University

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Earth Systems Science / May, 2023

Florida International University

Master of Science - MS, Environmental Studies / January, 2020

University of Florida

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Environmental Science / January, 2013

Experience

Mecklenburg County

Environmental Specialist / April, 2023August, 2024

Water Quality Specialist. Improved Stormwater division communications, increasing public participation by 10% in one year. Led pollution prevention efforts with partners, sustaining over 60% public awareness in year-end surveys. Launched a water monitoring program engaging universities, businesses, and the county, establishing baseline E. coli levels and identifying a major contamination site. Co-developed county water pollution hotspot maps using internal data.

Florida International University

Research Assistant / August, 2022May, 2023

Creating a geospatial database to be used by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to understand the link between surface water and groundwater in the lower Everglades National Park and Florida Bay Investigating sources, formats, and availability of geospatial data needs Attending and presenting at biweekly meetings with SFWMD principal investigators to discuss progress

PhD Candidate / May, 2020May, 2023

Analyzed water quality datasets and interpreted results from satellite images, variance analysis, and regression analysis to complete my doctoral dissertation Used remote sensing tools, field data, and GIS software, including ENVI, R, Excel, and ArcGIS Pro, to assess the water quality of an estuary in Florida Participated in collaborative projects with two principal investigators

Graduate Teaching Assistant / January, 2021July, 2021

Taught three Environmental Science Laboratory courses to 145 non-science undergraduates Created presentations and lecture materials, designed exams and quizzes, graded lab reports, and offered constructive feedback to each student Obtained an average teacher rating of 4.5/5.0 on the end-of-semester teacher assessments

Graduate Research Assistant / January, 2020December, 2020

Collaborated on generating vegetation maps of Storm Water Treatment Areas to be used by the South Florida Water Management District Pre-processed seven commercial satellite images and generated vegetation outputs using a random forest algorithm with 500 training points Collaborated in two interim reports delivered to the District on stipulated deadlines

Graduate Student / August, 2017April, 2020

Research Fellow / August, 2017December, 2019

Designed and developed a doctoral dissertation to assess the water quality of a Florida estuary Presented graduate work at scientific conferences and spoke at an NSF national meeting, and was invited to publish my story in a peer-reviewed journal Participated in deploying water quality monitoring buoys, public sea level rise assessments, and student training for communicating science

USDA-ARS

Biological Science Technician / January, 2014August, 2017

Provided technical assistance in a highly collaborative environment to find biological controls for invasive plants in South Florida All monthly objectives and goals were met on stipulated deadlines

University of Florida

Laboratory Technician / June, 2013March, 2014

Worked with principal investigators and doctoral students on preparing insects for entomological studies, fungal and bacterial culture counts, and data entry Maintained detailed laboratory journals and led the maintenance and organization of the laboratory Participated in weekly laboratory meetings for collaboration and team building

Sustainability Intern / August, 2012December, 2012

Volunteer coordinator for a campus-wide recycling program

Research Assistant / November, 2008August, 2011

Assisted principal investigators and doctoral students with technical tasks Maintained detailed laboratory journals and organization of the laboratory

About
Angelica Moncada earned her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Florida in 2013, her Master's in Environmental Studies from Florida International University in 2020, and a PhD in Earth Systems Science in 2023 also from FIU. Throughout her education, Angelica has gained valuable experience in the field of geosciences. She has worked as an Environmental Specialist at Mecklenburg County, conducting research and implementing environmental policies and regulations. As a Research Assistant at Florida International University, she has assisted in various projects focused on understanding and mitigating water pollution in natural systems. Angelica's research focuses on the interactions between land use change and water resources in urban areas. She has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, sharing her knowledge and passion for environmental science with students. Angelica has also held positions as a Graduate Research Assistant, Research Fellow, Biological Science Technician, and Laboratory Technician at various universities and research institutions. She has a strong background in conducting field and laboratory research, analyzing data, and presenting findings to a variety of audiences. In addition to her academic and professional experience, Angelica is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Overall, Angelica is a skilled and knowledgeable environmental scientist with a passion for understanding and protecting society's well-being. She is committed to making a positive impact through her research, education, and advocacy efforts.

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Chloe Goldbach, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow at the Trauma, Resilience, and Education Center of Greater Washington DC
Education

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

PhD in Counseling Psychology, Counseling Psychology / August, 2023

Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

MA in Psychology, Counseling Psychology / May, 2020

Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America

University of Florida

BA in Psychology, Psychology / May, 2018

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

MS in Biomedical Engineering, Engineering / May, 2015

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering / December, 2013

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
LGBT
transgender
counseling psychology
gender
gender dysphoria
And 15 more
About
I currently work as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Trauma Resilience and Education Center of Greater Washington, DC. I approach mental health treatment from a trauma-informed lens and specialize in working with transgender, asexual, and LGBQ+ clients, and clients with outpatient eating disorder concerns. I specialize in research focusing on healthcare access for trans and nonbinary individuals, gender dysphoria, LGBTQ+ resilience, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic. I received a Ph.D. counseling psychology and M.A. in psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and previously received a BA in Psychology, a BS in mechanical engineering, and a MS in biomedical engineering, all from the University of Florida. Prior to starting the PhD program, I worked in the medical device industry as the Senior Manager of Product Commercialization in Research and Development at NovaBone Products.

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Dr. Eleanor Lopez

Adjunct Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee
Education

University of Florida

Doctor of Plant Medicine, MS Entomology and Nematology, Plant pathogens, insect pests of plants, soil health science, weedy plant management / December, 2020

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Lipscomb University

MSc Sustainability, Sustainable Food Systems / December, 2016

Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
Research Expertise
Plant Science
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Agronomy and Crop Science
Insect Science
About
I am always looking to work with like-minded people to create jobs and space for ethical employment and resilient food systems. I previously worked for two years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Extension at the Nashville Soil, Plant and Pest Center (SPPC). My role with UTK involved diagnosing plant pathogens, identifying insect pests, and occasionally assisting with soil analysis. I graduated with my doctorate in December 2020. My academic work focused on learning diagnostic skills to identify plant disease and symptoms of injury during my interdisciplinary degree--Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM). This professional doctoral degree involved in-depth study of Entomology, Nematology, Plant Pathology, Soil, Weed, and Plant Sciences. I am passionate about applying my knowledge to solving plant health problems for homeowners and growers. During my Bachelor's work, I competed all four years as Division I athlete, competing in the 2012 Olympic Trials in the 200 meter butterfly, and I bring discipline, visualization, and goal setting to my everyday work ethic. I am very extroverted and team-oriented and have enjoyed mentoring many student researchers during my career.

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Owen Hudson

PhD candidate in plant pathology with publications using predictive and comparative genomics for disease resistance breeding. Experience in machine learning and image analysis.
Education

University of Vermont

B.A, Plant biology / May, 2018

Burlington, Vermont, United States of America

University of Georgia

M.S, Plant Pathology / May, 2021

Georgia

University of Florida

PhD, Plant Pathology / December, 2024 (anticipated)

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
Plant pathology
bioinformatics
plant breeding
genomics
About
My name is Owen Hudson, I’m currently a PhD candidate in Plant Pathology at the University of Florida and I expect to complete my degree in December 2024. In my current position at the University of Florida, I study Fusarium ear rot of maize, specifically genomic methods to improve disease resistance breeding, identification of disease-related genes, and high throughput plant phenotyping. While my degree will be in plant pathology, my activities have been more focused on plant breeding and bioinformatics, specifically quantitative genetics, comparative genomics, and genomic selection models. I now employ Linux/Bash, R, and Python regularly in my research and analysis, and I have included machine learning and predictive proteomics in my research. In my PhD, I build a machine to image maize ears and developed several machine learning classification models for disease prediction estimates on those images. I've also built machine learning models with the USDA-ARS to identify the most influential protein domains in specific microbial groups to predict their life habit (pathogenic, saprophytic, etc.) and then use the model to predict unknown fungi. I also was able to modify the model for use in my own dataset and improve my comparative genomic methods.

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Taylor Gibbs

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology

MCP, City & Regional Planning, Transportation / May, 2019

Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America

University of Florida

BA, Geography & Political Science / May, 2017

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Experience

Dynamic Data Labs LLC

Founder, CEO, Lead Consultant / August, 2023Present

Leads strategic planning, stakeholder management, and operations for analytics consulting firm. • Working with clients across various fields: nonprofit, government, business

Social Security Administration

Statistician / November, 2022August, 2023

• Developed data dictionaries for critical databases from various sources. Data Mapping. • Conducted Personally Identifiable Information (PII) exploratory analysis and anomaly detection to identify fraudulent activities. Designed, Streamlined & Quantified Security & Privacy measures. • Built Tableau dashboard for account monitoring and deactivations. • Provided technical documentation, QA/QC data validation, and policy-supporting SAS & SQL code.

Midtown Consulting Group

Senior Consultant Data Engineering / June, 2021November, 2022

• Improved Security & Privacy data infrastructure for FL public education systems, enhancing Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics data processing & orchestration, RBAC and cloud management. • Conducted extensive QA/QC, A/B testing, data mapping, and SQL scripting to optimize machine learning algorithms. Azure Devops, Python, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, PowerBI optimization. • Developed documentation for data security and infrastructure best practices.

The Coca-Cola Company

Analytics Engineer / July, 2019June, 2021

• Partnered with stakeholders & led multiple E2E pipeline projects, AWS to Azure migrations, Supply Chain Data Hub upgrading cloud-managed business processes. PowerBI. Training in Agile & Devops. Provided actionable recommendations & end-user support. • Reduced AWS storage costs by $30,000+ annually. • Accomplished tasks daily using Amazon Web Services, Amazon Sagemaker, Amazon S3, AWS Glue, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Athena. • Managed consumer sentiment pipelines, COVID-19 business impact modeling. • SQL, Python, and advanced data analysis on supply chain and consumer data. • SME on Supply Chain, Consumer Surveys, Digital Marketing and Store-Level sales solution architecture QA/QC. • Wrote & prioritized user stories for 2021-2022 North America analytics projects. • Presented ad-hoc reports to VPs, senior leadership, technical & non-technical stakeholders.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Graduate Research Assistant / August, 2017May, 2019

Urban Transportation Information Lab: spatial data lead & mentor for this lab; managed geospatial databases and data collection. • Center for Spatial Planning Analytics & Visualization: conducted land development suitability analysis for Atlanta 3D Digital Model. Managed geospatial databases and data collection. • Developed automated GIS ETL pipelines using Python, SQL, ArcGIS Pro & Model Builder • Conducted economic development research, spatial analysis, and predictive modeling. • Co-authored data science technique paper and presented research at major industry conferences. • Data integration, Database Management, Reporting, Mapping. SQL Server, PostgreSQL. QA/QC. • Regression analysis, decision trees, time series analysis, principal component analysis

Atlanta Regional Commission

Transportation Intern / May, 2018August, 2018

• Conducted policy research used in Atlanta Metro paratransit system decision-making. • Developed Excel prioritization/ranking tool for 5 Atlanta Metro counties’ paratransit vehicle fleets; Calculated Remaining Useful Life (Life Cycle Analysis) on vehicle variables • Built R script generating correlation matrix visualization, showing spatial relationships in para- transit trip origins and destinations

The Villages Technology Solutions Group

GIS Technician / May, 2017July, 2017

Provided GIS consulting and data management services, including parcel database reconstruction and CAD to GIS data conversion for new commercial development projects. Published datasets. • Developed SOPs and data quality evaluation tools for county-level geospatial data.

ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)

GIS Consulting Intern / May, 2016August, 2016

• Developed and presented ArcGIS Hub & ArcGIS Urban prototype apps, providing foundational input for software development. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Web AppBuilder. • Conducted economic development research and created KPI templates for land use planning. • Gained proficiency in ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise

University of Florida

GIS Researcher, Survey Associate / May, 2015April, 2017

• Built geoprocessing ETL for digitizing historical aerial satellite imagery, raster and LiDAR data. • Managed river GIS data, performed geostatistical analysis, and developed datasets for tourism and environmental planning. Distributed surveys for UF Survey Research Center, Bureau of Economic & Business Research

About
Innovator & Data Storyteller with 10+ years in data, serving both public and private sectors. Taylor has cultivated a deep expertise and a unique perspective when it comes to data; from her roles in: \*Government Analytics \*Research & Development \*Corporate Data Engineering & Decision Science …to her current role as a Data Science Consultant, her journey has been fueled by curiosity for the world around us and empowering others to succeed. Taylor is a Trusted Tech Thought Leader across public and private sectors. Colleagues look to her for: • Risk Management Strategy •"Problems are Opportunities" aka Growth Mindset • Geographic Knowledge Advising

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Joseph Degli

Staffing/MSP-VMS/Hospital system professional with over a decade of experience from recruitment to director. Travel nursing, Per Diem, Locums & Temp placements.
Education

University of Florida

BS, Economics / May, 2007

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
About
Joseph Degli is a highly experienced and dedicated professional with a strong background in economics and staffing. He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Florida in 2007 and has since built an impressive career in the staffing industry. After graduation, Joseph began his career as a Senior Recruiter at Trustaff, where he honed his skills in identifying top talent and matching them with the right positions. He then went on to work as a Technical Recruiter at Consultis and an Account Manager at Cross Country Healthcare, gaining valuable experience in managing client relationships and meeting staffing needs. In 2014, Joseph joined Aya Healthcare as an Account Manager for their Managed Services Program, where he oversaw the recruitment and staffing of healthcare professionals for multiple facilities. He later became the Far West Program Manager, responsible for managing a team of account managers and ensuring the success of the program. In 2018, Joseph joined AMN Healthcare as an RPO Team Lead, where he oversaw a team of recruiters and managed the recruitment process for large healthcare organizations. He then moved on to become the Director of Staffing at Aequor Healthcare, where he provided strategic leadership and direction for the company's staffing division. Throughout his career, Joseph has developed a strong understanding of the staffing industry and a passion for connecting talented individuals with their ideal job opportunities. He is known for his strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and candidates. Joseph continues to be a valuable asset to any organization he works with, bringing his expertise and dedication to every role he takes on.

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Dr. Bob Touchton, PE

Seasoned expert and researcher in autonomous and unmanned systems, applied AI, interoperability and supporting technologies, architectures and standards.
Education

University of North Florida

MS, Computer Science / May, 1995

Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

PhD, Autonomous Systems (via Mechanical Engineering Dept.) / December, 2006

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Experience

Leidos

Chief Autonomy Scientist / January, 2016July, 2022

Autonomy includes the subtopics of Perception, Situational Understanding, Planning and Decision-Making, and Behavior Execution. Plus, today's appetite for Intelligent Autonomous Systems requires a strong affinity with Artificial Intelligence. Autonomous systems naturally require a System View since they depend heavily on sensors, signal processing, electro-mechanical systems, computers and microprocessors, communications, human-machine interfaces, and more. Thus, as Chief Autonomy Scientist, I take a multi-disciplinary approach to crafting autonomous solutions that will meet operational and system requirements while meeting cost and risk constraints. As an Autonomous Systems Subject Matter Expert, I serve as technical lead on IRAD efforts and provide review and guidance on autonomy architectures and implementations, help Leidos integrate autonomy into our existing products, solutions and work force and incorporate autonomy into their technology road maps and strategic vision.

Leidos

Consulting Employee / July, 2022Present

Similar to previous position, but part time to allow me to pursue other, non-conflicting opportunites.

Penn State University Applied Research Lab

Dept. Head, Autonomy, Perception, and Cognition / September, 2009December, 2015

This Dept. in the Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Division focuses on the autonomous tactical and mission control of systems, including development of technology for autonomous unmanned vehicles in all domains, plus relevant architectures, technologies and standards. Current work includes an autonomous maritime piracy deterrent for our sponsor, WatchStander LLC (visit www.watchstander.com) and application of Cognitive Architectures to achieve advanced autonomy.

Prioria Robotics

VP Business Innovation & Robotics / October, 2008September, 2009

This “intrepreneurial” position focused on starting up a Mobile Robotics division within Prioria. Other duties included business development and research support for Prioria’s flagship product: the Maveric Small UAS.

Honeywell

Managing Director - Autonomous Systems / November, 2006July, 2008

Assessment and application of Honeywell core technologies to solve new problems in new markets: • Management and technical leadership of key robotics and advanced perception projects (Landmark-based precision navigation in GPS-denied environments, Autonomous commercial mowing, Compact low-cost automotive/marine radar, Sensor Fusion for automotive active safety systems) • Business Development for those projects, plus: Autonomous Mining Operations, Autonomous Runway Snow Removal and Lamp Maintenance, Autonomous Water Craft and Yacht Safety Systems • Management of 19-person engineering team at Honeywell Technology Solutions in Bangalore, India • Liaison for Universities and outside R & D firms • Honeywell leader for Honeywell/Ford/Delphi Track A Finalist Team for DARPA Urban Challenge.

University of Florida

Graduate Research Assistant / May, 2003November, 2006

Full-time PhD student and half-time roboticist in UF Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics. Active particpant in the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (now SAE AS-4) and in the first two DARPA Grand Challenge events. Dissertation Research: An Adaptive Planning Framework for Situation Assessment and Decision-Making on an Autonomous Ground Vehicle.

Strategic Technologies, Inc

VP Advanced Technologies / January, 2000March, 2003

Responsible for Business Development, Project and Staff Management for leading-edge application development in the manufacturing, finance, insurance, energy, and defense sectors. Duties included: • Executive Consultant and Emerging Technology Facilitator • Oversight of company’s Software Engineering Best Practices and Standards • Oversight of company’s application development practice.

PathTech Software Solutions

Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer / March, 1984February, 2000

Responsible for Business Development, Project and Staff Management for leading-edge application development in the manufacturing, finance, insurance, energy, and defense sectors. Duties included: • Developing and cultivating the company’s Vision, Mission and Values and Strategic Direction • Executive Consultant and Emerging Technology Facilitator • Oversight of company’s Software Engineering Best Practices and Standards • Oversight of company’s entrée into emerging software technologies Sold company to Strategic Technologies, Inc. in 2000.

Westinghouse Offshore Power Systems

Nuclear Engineer and Manager - Risk Management / July, 1974March, 1984

• Increasing levels of responsibility from entry-level Nuclear Engineer to Manager • Emphasis on new product development and application of leading edge software tools for the commercial nuclear power industry, and later for other industries and the Defense sector • Risk, reliability and safety analysis, power plant licensing and regulatory compliance.

About
A finalist in all three DARPA Grand Challenges, Dr. Touchton is a seasoned expert and researcher in autonomous and unmanned systems, applied AI, interoperability and supporting technologies, architectures and standards. He brings to bear decades of engineering, software development and business leadership experience, coupled with a 2006 PhD focused on autonomous robotics, and creative innovation and problem solving in a variety of application areas and domains.

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Dr. Michael Ryan Galada MS, DDS

NYU taught Practicing dentist with MS in Computer science, invention of a level 1 medical device pending FDA approval
Education

BS, Information Science / August, 2003

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of Florida

MS, Supply Chain Management / August, 2004

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Arizona State University

BS, Biology / May, 2009

Tempe, Arizona, United States of America

DDS, General/Pediatrics / August, 2013

New York, New York, United States of America
About
Dr. Michael Ryan Galada is a highly educated and experienced professional with a diverse background in information science, supply chain management, biology, and dentistry. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Science in 2003 and his Master of Science degree in Supply Chain Management in 2004, both from reputable universities. He then pursued his passion for biology and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Arizona State University in 2009. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Galada continued his education and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in General/Pediatrics in 2013. During his time in dental school, he gained extensive clinical experience treating patients of all ages and with various oral health needs. Dr. Galada has also gained valuable experience in the business world, working as a Business/Technical Project Manager at TVR Communications. However, his true passion lies in dentistry, and he has worked as a General Dentist at various dental clinics, including Kool Smiles, Dental Express, and Boston Dental Group. Throughout his career, Dr. Galada has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing high-quality and compassionate dental care to his patients. He stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and is dedicated to continuously improving his skills through continuing education courses. Patented Inventor with level 1 medical device pending FDA approval.

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Benjamin Jacobs

Experience

University of Florida

Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery / September, 2021Present

Darmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Vascular Surgery Fellow / July, 2019July, 2021

About
I treat the full spectrum of vascular disease, including aneurysm, cerebrovascular disease (open and minimally invasive techniques), peripheral arterial and venous disease. However, I think of myself primarily as a limb salvage surgeon – I treat wounds on the legs due to arterial or venous pathology. Conditions I treat include peripheral vascular disease, critical limb ischemia, diabetic foot wounds, venous stasis ulcers and post-thrombotic syndrome. I specialize in complex “minimally invasive” (endovascular) therapies for arterial and venous peripheral disease. I have a unique practice in the reopening of occluded venous stents that may have been unable to be reopened elsewhere. I am the lead physician for our vein practice, treating varicose veins, lower extremity swelling and pain, and venous insuffiency and venous stasis with the latest technology, including radiofrequency ablation. I have an entire clinic dedicated to venous disease and vein patients once a week. My clinical and research interests include venous thromboembolic disease, acute deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, pathophysiology of varicose veins and nanoparticle-directed venous therapy. I am the site PI for Promise II and Promise III Clinical Trials for Deep Vein Arterialization for Limb Salvage and “no-option” Critical Limb Ischemia. This trial may offer hope to patients with peripheral vascular disease facing amputation who may have been told nothing could be done to revascularize the limb.

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James H. "Rip" Kirby III, Lt Col, USAF (ret)

Widely experienced, proven leadership, innovative problem solver.
Education

University of Florida

BS, Geology / June, 1974

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

Embry-Riddle

MS, Aeronautical Science / June, 1987

Daytona Beach, Florida, United States of America

University of South Florida

Graduate Studies - no degree awarded, Coastal Geology and oil spill remediation / March, 2014

Tampa, Florida, United States of America
About
Current Projects: • Design and development of smart phone data gathering, collection, sampling and reporting applications, the CI App Civilian Experience Summary: • Twelve years experience in Design and Development of Internet Platform and Smart Phone Applications • Thirty years of hands-on computer experience including RDBS management and geographical information systems (GIS) operation • Twenty-three years experience as an independent technology consultant providing e-commerce advice and solutions • Six years of service in the securities and insurance industry with professional licenses • Eight years experience in the commercial building and construction sector coordinating plan reviews and permit processing • Chief Scientific Consultant for FOG Free Technologies, LLC focused on nontoxic chemical remediation applications using patented FFT products for: o hydrocarbon contamination of waste water o toxic oil spills (both marine and terrestrial) o bioremediation of hazardous algal blooms in watersheds o sewage treatment plant operations o Environmental forensic investigations of collateral oil spill contamination • Specialist in business development of new coastal geology solutions for geotechnical engineering firms • Consulting and conducting assessment surveys to quantify oil contamination on private beachfront property for prime real estate clients • Graduate studies at the USF Coastal Research Lab conducting academic and field research on distribution of contaminated sediment along beaches and barrier islands from Waveland, MS to Panama City, FL • Patented a design for sand dune fencing, US Patent Nbr 7780148 • Developed specialized methods for use of high intensity UV light to detect contamination from weathered crude oil product in beach sediment • Coastal geologic processes on active barrier islands o sediment management, erosion control, sand dune enhancement and fencing o infrastructure protection on barrier islands using anthropogenic sand dunes o barrier island ecosystem enhancement and contaminated sediment remediation from storm surge, coastal flooding, or other high energy events • Designed and built ten artificial sand dunes for a multi-year research project on infrastructure protection on barrier islands at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida • Graduate research at University of South Florida including shoreline and bathymetric surveys, GIS analysis, core sampling, sediment budget analysis, and geomorphic tendency analysis • Private pilot with commercial license for complex aircraft (over 250 hours) • Certified PADI SCUBA Instructor • Multiple oil rig, ship and boat crew qualifications JHK resumé as of 2 March 2021 Page 2 of 2 MILITARY OPERATIONS AND STAFF EXPERIENCE: • Master Navigator with 2,000 hours of flight time in C-141A • 14 years USAF Special Operations flying AC-130H Spectre Gunships (over 750 hours) • Three years of writing special operations warfare policy and doctrine on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon including doctrine for the 1990 war to liberate Kuwait • Executive Officer to the Vice Director, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate of the Joint Staff • Executive Officer to the Commander, 2nd Air Division • Five years of public speaking, speech writing, multi-media presentation and trade show planning experience • Held multiple Top Secret SPECAT/SCI clearances including NATO COSMIC/ATOMAL ASSIGNMENT LOCATIONS: • 1997, Retired from the US Air Force at rank of Lieutenant Colonel • 1992-1997, HQ Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, FL o Chief of the Command Briefing Team • 1989-1992, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staff, Directorate of Strategic Planning and Policy (J-5), the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. o Served as the Special Operations Warfare Policy Planner o Executive Officer to the Vice Director • 1983-1989, First Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field FL o 16th Special Operations Squadron, AC-130H Navigator o Second Air Division, Executive Officer o 1st Special Operations Wing, Chief of Command and Control • 1980-1983, 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon Air Base, Spain o 16th AF and 401st TFW Command Post, Emergency Actions Officer • 1976-1980, 63rd Military Airlift Wing, Norton Air Force Base, CA o 53rd MAS, C-141A Navigator • 1975-1976, 453 Flying Training Squadron, Mather Air Force Base, CA • 1974-1975, Officer Training School, Medina Air Base, TX EDUCATION: • US Coast Guard Academy – 1971-72 – general studies • Bachelor of Science, Geology, University of Florida – 1972-1974 o completed 4 year BS program in 3 years o emphasis in oceanography, paleontology, anthropology, geomorphology, geochemistry, and geophysics with extensive inorganic chemistry work • Master of Science, Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - 1987 o emphasis in systems management, information systems, labor relations, and airspace management; GPA of 3.90 • Graduate Studies in Coastal Geology, University of South Florida, Sept 2004-2014 o GPA 3.22, studies and research in coastal geology CLIENTS: • Current - FFT Technologies, Inc; GMHS International, LLC; Team K5 Construction and Development Coordination, LLC; Epsilon Zeta Home Association; EEUSA, LLC. • Previous - Innisfree Hotels, LLC, Hesco Bastion USA; Trinity Analysis and Development Corp; Ohopaki General Contracting and Mechanical, Inc.; EcoWerks, LLC; Sabine Marine, LLC; Resolve Marine Group; National Park Service, Gateway National Recreation Area; and Merlin Law Group

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