**Check back in early 2020 for panelist information for the 2020 event**
2019 CRIDC Panelists
Gregory Abowd
Regents' Professor and J. Z. Liang Chair, and Associate Dean for Off-Campus and Special Initiatives, College of Computing, Georgia Tech
Panel: What Does It Take to Be a Professor?
Job Description: My research focuses on ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) and the research issues involved in building and evaluating ubicomp applications that impact our everyday lives.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Computation and Master’s of Science, University of Oxford (U.K.); Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Physics, University of Notre Dame
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.cc.gatech.edu/people/gregory-abowd
Alex Barysevich
Senior Software Engineer, Proofpoint
Panel: Finding the Right Workplace Culture
Job Description: As part of a small team, I design, build, and maintain services for mail security industry leader's sandboxing solution on a planet scale.
Degrees: Master’s in Computing Systems, Georgia Tech; Bachelor’s in Telecommunication Networks, Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics
Blair Brettmann
Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Tech
Panel: Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: My current research interests focus on developing technologies that enable multicomponent, rapidly customizable product design, with a specific focus on polymer systems.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Master’s in Chemical Engineering Practice from Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Website/LinkedIn: http://www.mse.gatech.edu/people/blair-brettmann
Clinique Brundidge
Principal Engineer, Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Panel: The Industry Job Market
Job Description: I’m responsible for the technical development of existing core material properties and characterization, as well as the development of the understanding of the material properties for new and advanced core materials.
Degrees: Ph.D., University of Michigan
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinique-brundidge-ph-d-0b4a8927/
Mike Cobb
Managing Partner, InnovaNet
Panel: Multiple Dimensions of Consulting
Job Description: I serve as the managing partner of InnovaNet where the primary focus is on business development and growth, strategic planning and execution, financial/economic analysis, leadership development, and coaching.
Degrees: Ph.D. and Bachelor’s, Georgia Tech
Jeff Cullen
Assistant Director of Federal Relations, Georgia Tech
Panel: Careers for Social and Public Good
Job Description: I Interact with congressional and federal agency leaders to promote Georgia Tech's interests, our students, faculty, and staff.
Degrees: Master’s, Troy University; Bachelor’s, Auburn University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffccullen
Jairo Garcia
Adjunct Faculty, School of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Tech
Panel: Sustainable Planning of a City
Job Description: I teach about sustainable urban development.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Sustainability, Pepperdine University; Master’s in Sustainability Management, Columbia University; Master’s in Telecommunications and Network Management, Syracuse University; Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering with a Specialization in Telecommunications, Universidad del Cauca
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jairohgarcia/
Candice Halbert
Scientific Associate, Spallation Neutron Source/ Oak Ridge National Lab
Panel: Careers for Social and Public Good
Job Description: I work with scientists on a variety of projects to study interfacial interactions in thin film systems using neutron reflectivity.
Degrees: Master’s in Chemistry, Georgia Tech; Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Illinois State University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-halbert-5198b350
Liz Hoffman
Program Manager, Savannah River National Laboratory
Panel: Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I oversee engagement between universities and lab personnel, and identify opportunities to grow and expand research collaborations.
Degrees: Ph.D. and Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University
Robert Jackson
Director/Principle Big Data Engineer, Travelport
Panel: Synergy of Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence
Job Description: I am responsible for managing and providing technical leadership for four technical teams with responsibilities over data scientist and big data engineers.
Degrees: Bachelor’s, Georgia Southern University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-jackson-420a403
Hrishikesh Joshi
Senior Strategy Consultant, IBM
Panel: Multiple Dimensions of Consulting
Job Description: As a digital business strategy consultant with the Digital & Interactive Experience Division of IBM, I help private, public, and nonprofit enterprises reinvent their business models using digital technologies such as analytics, IoT, BlockChain, and AI.
Degrees: MBA, Georgia Tech; Master’s in Computer Science, Georgia State University; Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Walchand Institute of Technology, India
Website/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hjoshi2
Tamie Jovanelly
Associate Professor of Geology, Berry College
Panel: What Does It Take to Be a Professor?
Degrees: Ph.D., Kent State University; Master’s, University of Nebraska; Bachelor’s, University of Michigan
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.berry.edu/academics/mathsci/fs/tjovanelly/
Yingying Kang
Director and Principal of AI/ML Research Scientist, Travelport Worldwide Ltd.
Panel: Sustainable Planning of a City
Job Description: I lead AI and data science efforts to apply to big data, AI/machine learning/deep learning technologies to aid in driving business strategies and operations for Travelport and clients.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Operations Research, State University of New York at Buffalo; Master’s in Systems Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China; Bachelor’s in Engineering in both Electro Mechanical Engineering and Management Engineering from Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingying-kang-3958061a
Michael Kelly
Manager, Jabian Consulting
Panel: Multiple Dimensions of Consulting
Job Description: I am an industrial engineer working in management consulting. I add value by applying analytic methods to complex processes and systems, and by generally taking an engineering approach to find solutions.
Degrees: Master’s in Operations Research and Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, Georgia Tech
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjkelly/
Krista Kinnard
Senior Analytics Consultant, IBM
Panel: Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I develop AI solutions for the government, identifying where A.I. can help transform processes and then bringing the technology to them.
Degrees: Master’s in Public Policy and Management — Data Analytics, Carnegie Mellon University; Bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Bachelor’s in Spanish/Portuguese, The University of Arizona
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-kinnard/
Shantra Laye
Campus Programs Talent Acquisition Consultant, WellStar Health Systems
Panel: Careers for Social and Public Good and Finding the Right Workplace Culture
Job Description: I'm responsible for developing and driving the campus recruiting strategy by designing, implementing and leading a world-class campus recruiting program. I build candidate pipelines and managing the year-round university relationships to ensure WellStar is creating long-term partnerships with top academic institutions.
Degree: Bachelor’s, Auburn University
Alan Lee
Division Officer, U.S. Navy
Panel: Finding the Right Workplace Culture and Careers for Social and Public Good
Job Description: I am an active duty human resources officer stationed at the Navy Recruiting District Atlanta as an officer recruiter.
Degree: Bachelor’s in American Law and Politics, U.S. Naval Academy
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lee-93372353/
Giovanni Loreto
Assistant Professor in the College of Architecture and Construction Management, Kennesaw State University
Panel: What Does It Take to Be a Professor?
Job Description: My research focuses on the advancement of high-strength/high-performance cementitious materials and steel composite structures, and the development of advanced composites-based systems for repair and strengthening existing structures, the structural health monitoring and correlation between traditional on-field analysis and novel-monitoring techniques. My teaching efforts focus on the integration of structural concepts within the architectural design process.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Master’s in Architectural Engineering from the University of Napoli “Federico II,” Italy
Website/LinkedIn: http://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/gloreto/index.php
Myles Lynch
Vice President, State, Local and Education Leader, IBM Global Business Services Public Sector
Panel: Keynote Speaker
Job Description: Myles Lynch is an IBM Vice President in Global Business Services (GBS) Public Sector and leader of the state, local, and education industries.
Degrees: MBA, Georgia State University; Bachelor’s, Southern Methodist University
Susana Morris
Associate Professor, Literature, Media, and Communication, Georgia Tech
Panel: What Does It Take to Be a Professor?
Job Description: I am a scholar of black feminism, black digital media, and afrofuturism.
Degrees: Ph.D. in English and a certificate in Women’s Studies, Emory University; Bachelor’s in English, Mount Holyoke College
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.iac.gatech.edu/people/faculty/morris
Joanna Perkins
Technology Development Engineer Manager, Intel Corporation
Panel: The Industry Job Market and Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I oversee a team of process engineers responsible for leading development and enabling manufacture of novel integrated device architectures at Intel's flagship technology development facility.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Physics, Georgia Tech; Bachelor’s in Chemical Physics, Bowdoin College
Huiming Qu
Director of Data Science, The Home Depot
Panel: The Industry Job Market
Job Description: I lead the Online Data Science Team, enabling recommendation, real-time personalization, search, and visual shopping for Home Depot digital channels.
Degree: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh
Elsa Reichmanis
Professor and Pete Silas Chair in Chemical Engineering, Georgia Tech
Panel: What Does It Take to Be a Professor?
Job Description: The Reichmanis Group works at the interface of chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, optics, and electronics ranging from fundamental concept to technology development and implementation. My research interests include the chemistry, properties and applications of materials technologies for electronic and photonic applications, with particular focus on polymeric and nanostructured materials for advanced technologies.
Degrees: Ph.D. and Bachelor’s, Syracuse University
Website/LinkedIn: http://www.chbe.gatech.edu/people/elsa-reichmanis
Brian Rose
Lead STEM Recruiter, ORAU
Panel: The Industry Job Market
Job Description: I primarily focus on recruiting top STEM professionals to internship and research opportunities for more than 20 federal agencies.
Degree: Bachelor’s in Economics, University of Tennessee
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-rose-4614aa9
Iris Singhania
Director of Space Optimization Data Science, The Home Depot
Panel: Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I build and lead a data science team that develops advanced analytics and data-driven recommendations to enable optimal merchandising decisions.
Degrees: Ph.D. and Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, University of Minnesota; Bachelor’s in Applied Mechanics and Sciences, Peking University, China
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hysinghania
Stephanie Stuckey
Director of Sustainability Services, Southface
Panel: Sustainable Planning of a City
Job Description: I coordinate Southface’s municipal organizational, and corporate sustainability efforts to leverage existing and new programs while providing sustainability strategy, consulting, and project management services.
Degrees: J.D. and Bachelor’s, University of Georgia
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-stuckey-b9b0847/
Zhijun Tang
Director of Data Science, RedVentures
Panel: Finding the Right Workplace Culture
Job Description: My team is responsible for the development of data science-driven solutions in advertising, marketing, e-commerce, and sales for Red Ventures and its partners.
Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhijun-zwick-tang-95172663
Joshua Tappan
Head of Community, Citrine Informatics
Panel: Synergy of Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence
Job Description: I lead community initiatives, which includes education, open data, and collaborative research projects in the field of machine learning for materials science and chemistry.
Degrees: Master’s in Education, Harvard University; Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Northeastern University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtappan/
Joe Tenini
Data Scientist, Red Ventures
Panel: Synergy of Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence
Job Description: I design bandit solutions to optimize decision making for web experiences.
Degree: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Georgia
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetenini
Betsy Uddin
Manager of Global Recruiting, Bain & Company
Panel: Multiple Dimensions of Consulting
Job Description: I lead several consultant recruiting efforts/processes across Bain's North American offices — including advanced degree recruiting — and also play a key role in our training, onboarding, and professional development programs for advanced degree hires.
Degrees: Master’s in Education, University of Vermont; Bachelor’s in Commerce, University of Virginia
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyuddin
Jason Ulseth
Riverkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Panel: Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I’m the lead river protection advocate and spokesperson for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
Degree: Bachelor’s in Environmental Health, University of Georgia
Kari Watkins
Associate Professor, Georgia Tech
Panel: Sustainable Planning of a City
Job Description: I teach and lead research in multi-modal transportation planning, the use of technology in transportation, traveler information, and complete streets design to create a more livable transportation system.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Washington; Master’s in Civil Engineering, University of Connecticut, Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Georgia Tech
Website/LinkedIn: https://ce.gatech.edu/people/Faculty/5861/overview
Patrick Widener
Principal Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories
Panel: Finding the Right Workplace Culture and Finding Your Career Path
Job Description: I carry out research and development in various computer science areas in support of the mission of Sandia National Laboratories.
Degrees: Ph.D of Philosophy in Computer Science, Georgia Tech; Master’s of Computer Science, University of Virginia; Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science, James Madison University
Website/LinkedIn: www.cs.sandia.gov/~pwidene
Rick Wilbourn
Director of Human Resources, CFD Research
Panel: The Industry Job Market
Job Description: In my current role, I am responsible for the day-to-day and long-term strategic planning for CFD Research's Talent Acquisition and Management Strategy.
Degrees: MBA and Bachelor’s in History, University of Alabama-Huntsville
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwilbourn
Samuel Woo 
Cognitive Consultant, IBM
Panel: Synergy of Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence
Job Description: I’m a developer for AI technology software.
Degrees: Master’s in Computer Science, Georgia Tech; Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems, Northwestern State University
Brittany Wright
Manager, Bain & Company
Panel: Multiple Dimensions of Consulting
Job Description: I lead Bain and client teams in making pivotal strategic decisions across a vast range of industries and capability areas.
Degrees: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, MBA, Master’s in Industrial Engineering, and Master’s in Civil Engineering, Georgia Tech; Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Website/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyluken
Perry Yang
Associate Professor and Director of Eco Urban Lab, Georgia Tech
Panel: Sustainable Planning of a City
Job Description: My work focuses on promoting ecological and energy performance of cities through urban design.
Degrees: Ph.D and Master's in Building and Planning, Bachelor's in Agriculture Engineering from National Taiwan University; Master's in Urban Studies and Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Website/LinkedIn: https://planning.gatech.edu/perry-pei-ju-yang
