November 30, 2023
Hotel Caribe Hilton, San Juan
November 30, 2023
Hotel Caribe Hilton
San Juan
San Juan
What to Expect: The New Frontier of Opportunities
The summit aims to create a space where one can learn about the intersection between space exploration, technology, and research. As we look forward to boosting Puerto Rico’s role in the global space economy and innovation sector, we strive to bring together experts, entrepreneurs and decision makers to continue educating the island’s population through the 5th edition of this event.
Experience
Experience a merger through panels with field experts that have made possible advancements in space economy, technology, innovation, and research.
Participate
Participate in numerous networking opportunities that will make possible the exchange of ideas, experiences, and skills through collaborative learning.
Learn
Learn about the advancement in Puerto Rico’s global impact through initiatives that stem from the intersectionality of microgravity, bioscience, and entrepreneurship.
Past Events
The Forward Summit stands as the premier showcase of science in the Caribbean.
Since 2016, this yearly event facilitates participants to engage with professionals and experts in sectors like Agriculture, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Medicine, Public Health among many others. Through events like this, the Research Grants Program, supported by the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust can pave the way for impactful discoveries and support the growth of science and technology in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Relive the past editions of the Forward Summit!
See some key moments that left an impact on our scientific and research community.
ANDREICA MALDONADO FORWARD RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 2022 FTV
This year NEW topics
Speakers
AGENDA
Details coming soon! Be the first to know about ticket sales and agenda
Joseph M. Acaba
Chief of the Astronaut Office
NASA Astronaut
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Joseph M. Acaba
Joseph M. Acaba was selected by NASA in 2004. The California native has logged a total of 306 days in space on three missions. In 2009, Acaba flew aboard STS-119 on the Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station to deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and a truss element. During this mission, he conducted two spacewalks. In 2012, Acaba flew aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to the space station where he worked as Flight Engineer for the Expedition 31/32. During this mission, the first commercial resupply spacecraft, SpaceX Dragon, arrived at the station. Acaba most recently served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 53/54.
Personal Data
Born in 1967 in Inglewood, California, and raised in Anaheim, California, where his parents, Ralph and Elsie, still reside. Enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and scuba diving.
Education
Esperanza High School, Anaheim, California, 1985; Bachelor of Science in Geology, University of California – Santa Barbara, 1990; Master of Science in Geology, University of Arizona, 1992; Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Texas Tech University, 2015.
Experience
Acaba was a member of the United States Marine Corps, Reserves. He worked as a hydro-geologist in Los Angeles, California, primarily on Superfund sites, and was involved in the assessment and remediation of groundwater contaminants. He spent two years in the United States Peace Corps as an Environmental Education Awareness Promoter in the Dominican Republic. He was also the manager of the Caribbean Marine Research Center at Lee Stocking Island in the Exumas, Bahamas. Prior to arriving at NASA, he taught one year of high school science at Melbourne High School, Florida, and four years of middle school math and science at Dunnellon Middle School, Florida.
NASA Experience
Selected as a mission specialist by NASA in May 2004. In February 2006, he completed astronaut candidate training that included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training and water and wilderness survival training. Upon completion of his training, Acaba was assigned to the Hardware Integration Team in the Space Station Branch, working technical issues with European Space Agency (ESA) hardware. He was also a member of the Space Shuttle Branch, supporting shuttle launch and landing preparations at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Acaba served as the Branch Chief of the International Space Station Operations branch, which is responsible for mission preparation and on-orbit support of space station crews. Most recently, Acaba served as Director of Operations Russia in Star City supporting crew training in Soyuz and Russian Segment systems.
Spaceflight Experience
STS-119 (March 15 to March 28, 2009). This was the 125th shuttle flight, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 28th shuttle flight to the International Space Station. The primary objective of this flight was to deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and truss element to the International Space Station. Acaba accumulated 12 hours and 57 minutes of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) in two spacewalks. STS-119 returned to land at the Kennedy Space Center, having traveled 202 orbits and 5.3 million statute miles in 12 days, 19 hours and 29 minutes.
Expedition 31/32 (May 15 through September 17, 2012). Acaba launched on May 15, 2012, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin of the Russian Federal Space Agency and Acaba landed their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft in Kazakhstan on September 17, 2012. Acaba spent 123 days aboard the station as a Flight Engineer of the Expedition 31 and 32 crews. Acaba supported the arrival of the first commercial resupply spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon, in late May; and was prime robotic arm operator for the capture and release of the third Japanese cargo ship, HTV3. Acaba served as intra-vehicular crew member and robotic arm operator for two U.S.-based spacewalks, helping to restore a critical power unit and exchange a faulty camera on the station’s robotic arm. Acaba also participated in numerous scientific research experiments and performed regular maintenance and operational tasks aboard the orbiting complex.
Expedition 53/54 (September 13 through February 28, 2018). The crew launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard the Soyuz spacecraft. Acaba, who served as Flight Engineer, was joined by Astronaut Mark Vande Hei and Russian Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos. During the mission the crew marked the beginning of the first long-term increase in crew size on the U.S. segment, enabling NASA to double the time dedicated to research and achieve a record-setting week of research that surpassed 100 hours. Highlights from this research include investigations into the manufacturing of fiber optic filaments in microgravity, improving the accuracy of an implantable glucoses biosensor, and measuring the Sun’s energy input to Earth. Acaba completed one spacewalk to lubricate an end effector and install new cameras on the station’s arm and truss.
Acaba has logged a total of 306 days in space on three flights.
Organizations
National Science Teachers Association, Association of Space Explorers
Eng. Lucy A Crespo
Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
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Eng. Lucy A Crespo
Lucy Crespo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust. The Trust mission is to advance the research and innovation ecosystem in Puerto Rico. She retired as General Manager of Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico for the Enterprise Business in 2013. Her tenure at HP lasted for 31 year, successfully working in the HP Computing and Printing and Personal Systems business units. Lucy is an executive with ample experience in the technology industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus and completed Executive Development education at the Kellogg’s Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University. She is a member of the Alpha Pi Mu, the Industrial Engineering Honor Society. Under her leadership, HP Puerto Rico received the HP’s President Quality Award given by the HP’s CEO. Lucy has been recognized by various institutions.
Andreica Maldonado
Research Grants Program Director at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Andreica Maldonado
Andreica Maldonado leads the Research Grants Program, a local funding mechanism that supports the development of science and technology research projects. As of August 2022, the program has awarded 134 grants since 2014, totaling ~$14.7M in funding and a ROI of $43.3M+. The Research Grants Program is part of the Puerto Rico Science Technology and Research Trust (the Trust), a nonprofit organization created in 2004, which mission is to invest, facilitate, and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and its citizens’ wellbeing through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, and public health. Andreica serves as a spokesperson for the agency’s programs involving the scientific community, Puerto Rico government officials, other agencies and stakeholders.
In addition, she leads the BEACON initiative which includes a platform that collects, displays, analyzes and reports on all academic and research activities in Puerto Rico. Andreica also leads the Forward Research Symposium and the Forward Research and Innovation Summit, the premier showcase in the Caribbean for science, technology, and innovation. At the beginning of the pandemic, Andreica developed the COVID-19 RAPID Grant to support projects working with the novel virus and improve the understanding and available control measures for Covid-19.
Currently, her program has created the Advanced Research Grant – Space Edition to support bioscience microgravity research projects.
Prior to leading the grants program, Andreica served as startup executive at Parallel18, a top-level, performance-driven international innovation hub in Puerto Rico focused on providing funding, mentorship, business connections, and investment to underrepresented founders around the globe.
A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (BA) and Rutgers University (MSW), Andreica possesses a deep commitment to community, human service and multiculturalism and is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, science and challenging the status quo.
Machelle Sanders
Secretary of Commerce, North Carolina
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Machelle Sanders
In February 2021, Governor Cooper appointed Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders to lead the North Carolina Department of Commerce, enlisting her experience as former Administration Secretary, strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce. Secretary Sanders’ vision for North Carolina’s post-pandemic economic restoration is to work with partners to attract better paying jobs, support small businesses, and stimulate our state’s innovation and entrepreneurial economy. Her bold and purposeful leadership aims to ensure North Carolina’s diverse state is an inclusive one that works for all people.
Sanders brings 30 years of strong management and leadership experience to Commerce as a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive, previously serving as vice president of manufacturing and general manager of Biogen’s largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park. She’s also held leadership positions overseeing manufacturing, global quality assurance and quality control functions at Biogen, Purdue Pharmaceuticals, and Diosynth-Akzo Nobel.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University. As a native North Carolinian and mother of twin daughters, she is passionate about improving the status of women in our state. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and OnBoard NC. Some of her work includes creating a Women’s Innovation Network at Biogen and the Lady Cardinals STEM Program for High School students while at North Carolina Department of Administration. After all, as Sanders puts it, “Improving the status of women in North Carolina is not just a woman’s issue — it is a family, poverty, and economic issue.”
Sanders is also a strong supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion, believing that “you can’t be what you can’t see.” She previously served as the Chair of the North Carolina Commission on Inclusion, North Carolina Complete Count Commission, and the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force. Additionally, she serves on the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs (ICCHP), Commission of Indian Affairs, and the North Carolina State University Board of Visitors.
As North Carolina’s Commerce Secretary, Sanders serves on many boards and commissions, including the Rural Infrastructure Authority, the board of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the NCWorks Commission, the state’s Travel & Tourism Board, and the Carolinas Pandemic Preparedness Task Force.
Sanders also serves on the boards of three public life science companies. At Radius Health, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she sits on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Nominating Committee; at Novan, Inc., based in Research Triangle Park, she is a member of the Compensation Committee; and at BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in the Research Triangle Park, she sits on the Board of Directors and is a member of Science Committee.
Secretary Sanders’ experience and passion to improve the lives of North Carolinians uniquely positions her to lead North Carolina’s portfolio of work in economic, community, and workforce development.
Richard DalBello
Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
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Richard DalBello
Richard DalBello is currently the Director of the Office of Space Commerce. In this role he is responsible for managing the Department’s efforts to establish a space traffic control system to ensure safe space operations for commercial and international civil space ventures. In addition, Richard is responsible for the regulation of the US commercial remote sensing industry and for general advocacy, across the government, for commercial space industry interests.
Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Richard was Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Global Engagement. In this role, Richard was responsible for international business development for the company’s unique fleet of carrier aircraft and space vehicles. Prior to joining Virgin, Richard served as Director, Space and Aeronautics, in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In this role, he served as the principal advisor on space and aeronautics matters to the Science Advisor to the President. In this position, Richard played a key role in the development and implementation of the Administration’s domestic and international space policy and program priorities.
Prior to joining OSTP, Richard served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Intelsat General. He served previously as president of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, and for more than three years as the president of the Satellite Industry Association.
Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in law from McGill University, and a doctorate in jurisprudence from the University of San Francisco.
Quincy Brown, Ph.D.
Director of Space STEM and Workforce Policy, Office of the Vice President of the United States
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Quincy Kissiedu-Brown
Quincy K. Brown, Ph.D., is the Director of Space STEM and Workforce Policy in the National Space Council. Prior to this she was a Senior Policy Advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where she managed the Presidential Awards portfolio, led space-related STEM initiatives, and served on the leadership team of the NSTC’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education subcommittee. She is also the co-founder of blackcomputeHER.org and was previously the Head of Programs at AnitaB.org and the Program Director for STEM Education Research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Obama Administration and was an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation where she worked on Computer Science and STEM Education initiatives.
For six years Quincy was an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Bowie State University. There she conducted Human Computer Interaction research and examined the design of intelligent tutoring systems, explored the design and usability of mobile devices, and investigated the use of mobile devices in emergency situations. She also founded and directed the Games+Mobile Play, Learn, Live Lab.
Quincy completed her PhD as part of the Vision and Cognition Lab of the Computer Science Department at Drexel University. While completing her doctoral studies she was a National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellow and a Bridge To the Doctorate Fellow. As a GK-12 Fellow, she taught and developed STEM curricula for middle school students. In 2009 she became the recipient of the National Science Foundation/Computing Community Consortium CI Fellows Postdoctoral Research Fellowship award.
Wanda Díaz-Merced, Ph.D.
Astrophysicist
AstroParticle and Cosmology (APC) laboratory at the Centre for Scientific Research, France
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Wanda Díaz-Merced, Ph.D.
Wanda Diaz Merced is a computing scientist and astrophysicists, graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Wanda has pioneered the usage of multisensorial modalities to analyse astrophysics data sets. Her pioneering specialisation on the development of multisensorial modalities to analyse among others the electromagnetic spectra, gravitational spectra has Wanda working at the Astroparticule and Cosmology laboratory of the Centre for Scientific Research in France and at the Escuela de Salud y Ciencias Universidad del Sagrado Corazón Puerto Rico where she furthers develops analysis techniques and symmetrically pursues egalitarian participation in science.
Marla Pérez Davis, Ph.D.
Former Director, Glenn Research Center, NASA
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Marla Pérez Davis
Marla E. Perez-Davis served as center director at NASA’s Glenn Research Center from January 24, 2020 until June 17, 2022. Perez-Davis had been at the center for over 35 years as both a researcher and manager, but she made her mark dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which dominated her time as director.
Perez-Davis, who enjoyed math and chemistry while growing up in a small, rural community in Puerto Rico, discovered the field of engineering while reading an encyclopedia. She was particularly intrigued by chemical engineering, which combined math and chemistry. Her mother supported her academic interest and moved the family closer to the University of Puerto Rico to facilitate her education. NASA representatives recruited Perez-Davis while she was finishing up her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. In 1983 she accepted an engineering position in the Storage and Thermal Branch at NASA’s Lewis Research Center (today, NASA Glenn).
At Lewis, Perez-Davis initially studied the stress performance of components for nickel/hydrogen fuel cells. She soon moved to the Electro-Physics Branch where she led studies on power systems for Martian and lunar bases, the effect of those environments on those systems, and the development of protective coatings for solar arrays.
In 1994, Perez-Davis entered the Executive Potential Program supporting the deputy for planning in the Space Flight Systems Directorate. She then managed the center’s support of the Fast Quiet Engine for the High-Speed Research Program. In 1997, Perez-Davis was detailed to the University of Puerto Rico to coordinate collaborative activities between NASA and the university. She returned to the center to assist the chief of Glenn’s Plans and Programs Office.
From 1999 to 2004 Perez-Davis served as chief of the Electrochemistry Branch, which studied a variety of power and propulsion applications of electrochemistry. This was followed by details assisting with the center’s strategic planning and program integration activities. In 2010, she was named director of the center’s new Aeronautics Research Office.
Perez-Davis was named deputy director of the Research and Engineering Directorate and was promoted to deputy director of the entire center in January 2014. With the departure on Janet Kavandi on September 30, 2019, Perez-Davis was appointed acting center director. Weeks later, the agency announced its Mission Support Future Architecture Program (MAP) that would incrementally transition all mission support functions to an enterprise architecture. This activity would occupy much of the center’s leadership throughout Perez-Davis’ tenure. During the winter of 2020 and 2021, the center conducted high-profile testing of the Orion spacecraft in a simulated space environment.
Paul Reichert, PhD
Associate Principal Scientist at Merck Research Laboratories
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Paul Reichert, PhD
Paul Reichert, an Associate Principal Scientist at Merck Research Laboratories, is a highly experienced researcher in the field of pharmaceutical development. With 35 years of experience at MRL, he has dedicated his work to improving the lives of patients through the development of drug delivery options using crystalline biologic suspensions for more convenient subcutaneous injections. His expertise lies in the crystallization of proteins and biologics, with a focus on enhancing treatment options in terms of efficacy, safety, adherence, and compliance.
Throughout his career, Paul has made significant contributions to pharmaceutical research, holding over 25 patents and authoring 31 papers in the field of biologic therapeutics development. Notably, he established a high throughput crystallization lab, implementing novel screening methodologies and strategies for macromolecular crystallization.
One of Paul’s notable achievements includes his involvement in the development of manufacturing processes for alpha interferon products, addressing unmet medical needs for patients with conditions like hepatitis C and melanoma.
In addition to his work at MRL, Paul has collaborated with NASA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for 15 years. He has served as an advisor and scientist in these collaborations, notably contributing to the Science Advisory Group for NASA’s Iterative Biological Crystallization Group and conducting microgravity experiments on Space Shuttle flights. These experiments, focusing on the effects of microgravity on pharmaceutical applications, have provided insights into the development of alpha interferon and other treatments.
Currently, Paul continues his research at MRL and serves as a principal investigator in collaboration with the ISS National Laboratory Organization (ISS-NL). He conducts experiments for the crystallization of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies on SpaceX-CRS missions to the International Space Station, with published results in prestigious journals such as Nature. Additionally, he holds a position on the International Space Station National Lab User Advisory Committee Science Subcommittee.
Paul is not only a dedicated researcher but also an accomplished speaker who shares his expertise and experiences at various venues, including public schools, universities, and professional pharmaceutical meetings. His presentations focus on Merck’s microgravity research, protein crystallization in collaboration with ISS-NL and NASA, and the future of space research.
Paul’s contributions have been recognized through several awards, including the CASIS Pioneer in Space Science Award and the NASA Exceptional Technology Award. His passion for advancing pharmaceutical development and improving patient care is evident in his extensive body of work and dedication to scientific exploration.
Yajaira Sierra Sastre, Ph.D.
Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) Crew Mockups Lead, Blue Origin
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Yajaira Sierra Sastre, PhD
Dr. Yajaira Sierra Sastre is a materials scientist, educator, and passionate leader with more than fifteen years of R&D experience in academia, startup companies, and the US federal government. Yajaira is a senior program manager at Blue Origin where she currently serves as the Lunar Crew Mockups Lead for NASA’s Sustaining Lunar Development Program. Prior to joining Blue Origin, she worked at NASA Glenn Research Center as Engineering Project Manager for the Mars Sample Return and VIPER rover missions. In 2013, Yajaira lived with five crewmembers for four months in conditions of confinement and isolation, as part of a NASA-funded Mars analog mission in Hawaii. During that time, she led research operations onsite, including a space food study, exploration of lava tubes, and the evaluation of intra-vehicular clothing for astronauts. Before joining the aerospace industry, Yajaira spent more than a decade as a research scientist, leading nanotechnology projects for biomedical, textile, lithium-ion battery, and anti-counterfeiting applications. A teacher-turned scientist, Yajaira is extremely passionate about STEM education and has built multiple citizen science initiatives in Puerto Rico and Latin America. Yajaira has been a highly qualified applicant for the NASA Astronaut Candidate Program and aspires to fly to space someday. Yajaira earned her BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus and her Ph.D. in Nanomaterials Science from Cornell University.
Shelli Brunswick
Chief Operating Officer
Space Foundation
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Shelli Brunswick
Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation, brings a broad perspective and deep vision of the global space ecosystem — from a distinguished career as a space acquisition and program management leader and congressional liaison for the U.S. Air Force to her current role overseeing Space Foundation’s three primary divisions: Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance.
Advocating for space technology innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, Shelli collaborates with organizations around the world to connect commercial, government, and educational sectors. Her work to champion the inclusion of underserved groups stems from staying true to the values instilled while she was in the military: a passion to share her journey, give back to the space community, and contribute to the development of the next-generation workforce.
She has published many articles in consumer, technology, and space-related journals to include SpaceNews and Forbes Technology Council. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Shelli has delivered more than 100 speeches and presentations in 2022 alone on navigating career success, leadership and workforce development to audiences in Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, North and South America. As a thought leader, she is invited to speak at various think tanks, such as the Hudson Institute, the Wilson Center, and Global Policy Insights to discuss innovation, technology, and workforce development. As a futurist, Shelli has participated in research projects for both NASA and ESA to better understand the future of the global space system and its implications over the coming decades.
As a leading role model for women in space, Brunswick was selected as a Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Technology in 2023 by Women of the Future, the 2022 Chief in Tech Award by WomenTech Network, LifeTime Achievement Award by the World Women Organization, Top 100 Leaders Award, The Most Influential Women in Leadership 2022 by March8 Magazine, and a Top Aviation and Aerospace Professional to Follow on Linkedin in 2022.
Shelli plays an active leadership role with various international organizations such as: Space4Women Mentoring Program an affiliate of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, WomenTech Network, World Business Angels Investment Forum, G100 Global Chair for Space Technology and Aviation, Global Policy Insights – Global Policy, Diplomacy and Sustainability (GPODS) Fellowship program, and more.
David Thomas
Executive Director, Milo Space Science Institute
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David Thomas
David Thomas is executive director of the MILO Institute. The MILO Institute is dedicated to making deep space missions affordable and accessible to universities and space agencies around the world.
Thomas has more than 25 years of experience building sustainable science and technology organizations for the defense industry and academic institutions. Prior to his role as CEO, Thomas managed strategic programs for ASU and entrepreneurial programs for the defense sector.
Thomas has built and led teams focused on directed energy, nanotechnology and materials science, executing research and development programs for the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. Thomas has paired his technical leadership experience with entrepreneurial efforts aimed at maximizing the impact of innovation. He has built and managed ecosystems designed to de-risk disruptive technology and deploy solutions to government missions and the markets that support them.
Ray Lugo
Chief Executive Officer
International Space Station National Laboratory
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Ray Lugo
Ray Lugo serves as the chief executive officer and principal investigator for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS), manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. Within this role, Lugo is responsible for implementing strategic objectives that enable space-based research through the ISS National Lab that brings value to our nation and builds a robust and sustainable market in low Earth orbit.
Prior to CASIS, Lugo spent more than 35 years working within the aerospace community in a variety of positions and capacities. Most recently, he served as the director of the Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida and principal investigator for the Arecibo Observatory. Lugo also served as the director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and prior to that, he spent the bulk of his career at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, working as an engineer, project manager, and ultimately deputy of the Launch Services Program.
Lugo studied engineering at the University of Central Florida and received his bachelor’s degree in 1979. He subsequently earned a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1982 and attended the Harvard Program for Management Development in 1994.
Lugo has received numerous awards during his career, including three Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Achievement Medals, and a Distinguished Service Medal. Lugo was also selected for a Presidential Rank award.
Ada Monzón
Meteorologist
Founder and President, Board of Directors – EcoExploratorio, Inc.
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Ada Monzón
Ada Monzón is the first female meteorologist from Puerto Rico. Currently, she is WAPA-TV Chief Meteorologist for Noticentro al Amanecer, Univision Radio (WKAQ 580 am) and Noticel digital platform.
She is also the Founder and President of the Board of Directors of EcoExploratorio: Science Museum of Puerto Rico, a 501c3 non-profit community-based organization that inspires to protect our natural world, increase resilience and educate about the universe.
She has a Master’s degree in Meteorology from Florida State University. Ada Monzón joined the U.S. National Weather Service Forecast Office in San Juan, where she became a Forecaster and WPM. From 2003 to 2014, she was the Chief Meteorologist of Univision P. R. (WLII-TV), and until 2019, she was the Commonwealth’s TV Chief Meteorologist. Ada is the first and only female American Meteorological Society (AMS) Fellow and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist. She is also a board member of the Caribbean Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems, an affiliate member of the PR NASA Space Grant Consortium, and member of the American Alliance of Museums, National Science Teacher Association and American Association for the Advancement of Science.
She is one of five experts of the Governor’s first Climate Change Commission of Puerto Rico. She is a professional speaker, influencer, spokesperson for community campaigns and brands, and producer of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education programs and disaster mitigation educational campaigns.
Ada Monzon is widely recognized for her successful social media networks with over 1,700,000 combined followers. She is Puerto Rico’s most visible meteorologist, anchoring weather and science related stories. Ada broadcasted live the three most important scientific events of recent history in Puerto Rico: the most devastating hurricanes, the strongest earthquake and the collapse of the Arecibo Observatory. She is the Principal Investigator for the NASA Teams II Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions grant.
Among her awards are: AMS Award for Broadcast Meteorology, the “Sor Isolina Ferre” Medal Award for Community Service and Education, the National Weatherperson of the Year, The AMS Joanne Simpson Mentorship Award, the Silver Medal of the NOAA NWS US Department of Commerce, Distinguished Alumni of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico, STAR Award-Univision Television Group, and the AMS Award for Excellence in Science Reporting by a Broadcast Meteorologist.
Ingrid Padilla, Ph.D.
Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Creative Endeavors, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
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Ingrid Y. Padilla
Dr. Padilla is a Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and just recently completed her rotation as a Program Director at the National al Science Foundation. Her expertise is in contaminant and groundwater hydrology. Her prominent role in laboratory, field-scale, modeling and training programs in the academic, government and private sectors, has given her extensive leadership, management, and network capabilities. Dr. Padilla holds a Professional License in Hydrology a has served as a member of the Navy Research Advisory Committee and panelist for various agencies and organizations. She has also been heavily involved in inclusion programs to increase diversity of women and underrepresented populations in STEM education and research, and academia. Dr. Padilla holds certifications in Diversity and Inclusion, Change Management, Executive Leadership and Performance Leadership. Her work has been widely disseminated and recognized through numerous awards.
José Castro Segarra
Senior Business Development Officer, Department of Economic Development & Commerce of Puerto Rico
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José Castro Segarra
JOSÉ CASTRO SEGARRA has 25 years of management consulting advising companies in aligning technology and business objectives and 15 years of economic development with the Government of Puerto Rico in California and Puerto Rico. He holds an MBA degree in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.
As the Business Innovation Officer, he developed strategic plans for the development of the aerospace cluster in Puerto Rico. He implemented and communicated the strategy to team members and stakeholders in order to achieve goals. He lead the establishing and expansion of several aerospace and information technology companies like Honeywell Aerospace, United Technologies Aerospace Systems, Computer Science Corporation, Infotech Aerospace Systems, Lufthansa Technik, Microsoft and Ion Hewitt, to name just a few.
On previous assignments (and as part of a two men team), he initiated the Technology and Innovation Center with funds from SBA/FAST and PRIDCO. Major achievement includes: (1) received the authorization to use “T” for Technology Excellence in the PR Small Business Development Center branding; (2) Got the approval of three first stage and one second state SBIR funding by assisting over 52 technology-based entrepreneurs and scientists in the preparation of their SBIR proposals including business strategy and network.
Jorge Morales
Deputy General Manager
Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico
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Jorge Morales
Deputy General Manager, Director of Engineering, Jorge leads the P&W Engineering Organizations (Module Centers Engineering, Engine Design & Systems Integration Engineering, Auxiliary Power Units Engineering, and Development Operations Engineering) that provide mechanical and engine systems engineering support to P&W military and commercial customers. Within his role, he is primarily responsible for providing strategic direction across engineering organizations to ensure a synergistic approach to our vision, development, and growth of our workforce.
Jorge joined P&W PR in 2003. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility in cross-functional engineering organizations such as Compression System Engineering, Engineering Production Services, Mechanical Design, and Auxiliary Power Units Engineering.
Jorge holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operational Research from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Also, as a dynamic and committed engineer with a strategic mindset, he has successfully completed certifications for Executive Development at The Wharton School, Thayer Leader Development at West Point, and Leading Strategically at the Center for Creative Leadership.
Luis Ramos
P.R. Research & Technology Center Site Leader
CSA COE Engineering Sr. Director Honeywell Aerospace
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Luis Ramos
Luis Ramos is the site leader for the Puerto Rico Research & Technology Center (PRR&TC) in Moca, Puerto Rico. Luis also serves as the Engineering Sr. Director for the Moca and Aguadilla Honeywell facilities. Luis is responsible for the administrative and day-to-day operations, as well as implementing strategies developed by Honeywell’s Aerospace Leadership. Luis ensures proper business controls are maintained and is responsible for financial planning and capital expenditures. Luis leads and directs the implementation of all initiatives, policies and staffing plans per company requirements.
Luis, is also the Sr. Director of the Critical Systems Architecture worldwide engineering center of excellence and has responsibility for several engineering disciplines such as Cyber Engineering, Component Engineering, Project Engineering. Reliability and System Safety Engineering, with teams located across multiple locations around the world (India, USA, Czech Republic, Canada, China and Puerto Rico).
Luis is an active participant in Academia, Community, and Industrial activities in Puerto Rico.
Luis has served as President of the P.R. Aerospace & Technology Cluster, Board Member of the P.R. Industrial Association, Industry Advisor for several Universities in P.R. and is currently on the advisory board for the 21st Century Techforce government initiative for the development of a highly technical skilled work force.
Prior to this role, Luis was the Customer & Product Support Director for Honeywell Aerospace Defense & Space business. Prior to joining Honeywell, Luis worked for 17 years in the manufacturing industry in roles of increasing responsibility.
Luis calls Aguadilla, P.R. home and is the proud father of a daughter and son. Luis holds a Masters of Degree in Technology Management, a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering and an Associate Degree in Electronics Technology.
Through his work and volunteer efforts with private companies, academia and industry, Luis seeks to promote and advance the Aerospace Industry in Puerto Rico.
Pedro R. Nieves
Director Puerto Rico Center of Excellence (PRCOE)
Lockheed Martin
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Pedro R. Nieves
Pedro Nieves is the Lockheed Martin Puerto Rico Center of Excellence (PRCOE) Director. He reports to Joel Johnson, Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer.
In this role, he is responsible for developing the Puerto Rico Center of Excellence workforce and growth strategy throughout EBDT and all LM business areas. Pedro will focus on building a long-term strategy for the development of our Aguadilla site and will be the key partner for all community, university, and government engagements in the area. These efforts will support the sustainment of Lockheed Martin as an employer of choice, enhance the employee experience and strengthen our brand through robust relationships.
Pedro has over 25 years of experience with Lockheed Martin serving in roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as director of Quality Operations for Missiles and Fire Control (MFC). In that role, Pedro was responsible for all aspects of quality and mission success across all MFC sites to drive customer satisfaction and continuous improvement through product and process quality initiatives.
Pedro has a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico.
He is co-chair of the Corporate Hispanic Leadership Council, Executive Sponsor for the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, a board member of the Puerto Rico Aerospace Technology Cluster and the Central Florida YMCA.
Pedro enjoys spending time with his family, running, basketball and listening to music.
Jose Molina
Aerospace Engineer Consultant
Co-founder of the Puerto Rico Space Foundation
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Jose Molina
Jose Molina is an aerospace engineer consultant with over 10 years of experience in launch site feasibility studies, manufacturing, education, business development, and commercial property risk assessments. Appointed to the Council for the Aerospace and Aeronautical Industry of Puerto Rico by the governor, he has further solidified his impact as the co-founder of the Puerto Rico Space Foundation. Molina was key in developing the Spaceport Puerto Rico project at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base in Ceiba. Additionally, he contributed to the Arecibo Observatory Space Academy, served as the former President of the National Space Society Puerto Rico Chapter, and was the Co-chair of the 2016 International Space Development Conference. His academic credentials include a Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master in Space Studies from the International Space University.
Sheilla N. Torres-Nieves, Ph.D.
Director, TurboLab: A Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence at UPRM
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Sheilla N. Torres-Nieves, Ph.D.
Dr. Sheilla Torres Nieves is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM). As Director for the Center for Aerospace and Unmanned Systems Engineering (CAUSE), affiliated to the College of Engineering at UPRM, she has been leading institutional efforts to strengthen infrastructure, academic offerings and research initiatives aligned with current and future needs of the aerospace industry. She is also the Director of TurboLab, Pratt & Whitney’s first Center of Excellence in Puerto Rico. She is an expert in experimental and theoretical studies in fluid dynamics and turbulence and the applications to renewable energy, aeronautics, and environmental and turbomachinery flows. She has presented her work in national and international conferences and holds a patent for an advanced solar energy storage system. Dr. Torres is also a Member of the Board of the Puerto Rico Aerospace Technology Consortium. Before becoming a member of academia, she worked as a Senior Engineer in Compression Systems Aerodynamics at Pratt & Whitney, in Connecticut, supporting advanced engine programs. Dr. Torres holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Axel Garcia, Ph.D.
President
PRatian LLC
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Axel Garcia, Ph.D.
Dr. Axel Garcia is an aerospace engineer who recently assumed the role of research scientist within Amazon’s Flight Dynamics Group for the Kuiper initiative. This initiative is committed to enhancing global broadband access through the deployment of a constellation comprising 3,236 satellites in low Earth Orbit (LEO). In addition to his position at Amazon, Axel also holds the role of founding president at PRatian LLC, an R&D company located in Puerto Rico with a mission to address global challenges through the use of space-driven technologies. Among his notable innovations is Agrobeads, an intelligent capsule technology engineered to combat droughts on a global scale. PRatian LLC has actively invested in local talent, recruiting students from Puerto Rico, and engaging in partnerships with chemistry and mechanical engineering labs at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez and the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in San Germán during various R&D projects.
Axel completed his Ph.D. program at MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, with a specific focus on the Astrodynamics, Space Robotics, and Controls Lab. Over the course of his academic journey and in prior scientific roles at institutions such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Planet Labs, Astroscale, and now Kuiper, he has developed a deep expertise in on-orbit services. During his graduate studies, Axel pioneered an innovative methodology for assessing the resilience of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) platforms during Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions. His approach incorporated state-of-the-art techniques from robust optimization theory and machine learning. Axel also holds a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique in France and another master’s degree in Space Systems from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), MIT funded program in Moscow, Russia. Dr. Garcia has experience working in both countries, encompassing involvement in aerospace programs related to satellite activities and bio-astronautics.
In his presentation today, Axel will draw upon his extensive experience in these roles, coupled with his enthusiasm for exploring opportunities of these services in Puerto Rico.
Amilcar Rincon-Charris, Ph.D.
Principal Research Engineer, Telecommunications
Collins Aerospace
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Amilcar Rincon-Charris, Ph.D.
Amílcar A. Rincón-Charris, born in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1976, is a prominent professional in the field of engineering and aerospace. He earned his Ph.D. in Control and Robotics from the Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Spain, in 2015, following a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, in 2002, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia, in 1999.
With approximately 21 years of experience, Amílcar has worked extensively in the control and automation domain, holding roles such as Director, interim Dean, full-time professor, and researcher in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon.
Recently, he has focused on CubeSat design and aerospace systems, gaining expertise as Principal Investigator of the PR-CuNaR2 project. Amílcar’s work showcases his dedication to innovation and engineering, particularly in the exciting realm of space exploration. Now is Principal Research Engineer for Collins Aerospace company, with focus on space-based Communication, navigation and surveillance of aircrafts.
Gerardo Morell, Ph.D.
Director
NASA PR Space Grant Consortium and PR NASA
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Gerardo Morell, Ph.D.
Gerardo Morell obtained a PhD in Chemical Physics from the University of Puerto Rico in 1995 and joined the University of Puerto Rico as faculty the same year at the College of General Studies. He established UPR’s Nano Carbons Research Laboratory with grants funded by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA. Morell was awarded UPR’s Research Productivity Award in 2001 and promoted to Full Professor in 2004. In January 2004, he was appointed Director of the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant and the NASA Puerto Rico EPSCoR programs. In September 2006, Morell was appointed Director of the Department of Physics until 2012. His current research interests focus on the Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles. He has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and coauthored 7 invention patents awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is currently the Principal Investigator of 12 concurrent proposals awarded by NASA, including 3 proposals for the development of payloads for the International Space Station. (ORCID profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4787-2239)
Fernando Pabón, AIA, CAAPPR
Program Director, Caribbean Center for Rising Seas
Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Fernando Pabón
Fernando E. Pabón Rico is a licensed architect trained at Syracuse University and receiver of a master’s degree in urbanism granted by a European consortium of universities in Leuven, Delft, Venice, and Barcelona. He brings more than 15 years of experience in education, research, and design to the Caribbean Center for Rising Seas. Identifying and advocating for ethically responsible solutions to urban pressure and investment over sensitive territories, especially those subject to flooding from sea level rise, guide his focus on resilience and adaptation. In 2021, he received an honorable mention at Puerto Rico’s Architecture and Landscape Architecture Biennial and in 2022 the Héctor R. Arce Quintero Prize for significant educational, research, and published contributions that encourage a responsible urbanism. Pabón regularly shares ideas regarding urban design in various media and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, and Docomomo Puerto Rico.
Alejandro Mieses
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
TerraFirma
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Alejandro Mieses
Alejandro Mieses Castellanos
Chief Executive Officer
terraFirma Software LLC
He has over 12 years of experience in the simulation of environmental processes in urban and natural environments, through digital research, geospatial algorithms and software development. He has been Principal Investigator of multiple research efforts concentrated on modeling environmental risk and the local effects of climate change for USDA, PRSTRT and the private sector. He has served as speaker at a variety of venues and conferences internationally, including the World Design Summit, the Paris Design Summit, the Venice Biennale, Oxford University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of East London, among others. Mieses has also been professor at the Mississippi State University School of Architecture, University of Puerto Rico and the Pontifical Catholic University of PR – School of Architecture. Formerly, he has developed products for AT&T, Verizon Wireless, GrassLark, and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Seetha Raghavan, Ph.D.
Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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Seetha Raghavan, Ph.D.
Dr. Seetha Raghavan is Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies of the College of Engineering at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach campus. She received her doctoral degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University in 2008 and her masters degree in Aeronautics and Space Technologies at SUPAERO, France. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Dr. Raghavan came to Embry‑Riddle after serving as a faculty member for 14 years at the University of Central Florida (UCF) most recently as Director of the Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program in their Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. She was instrumental in leading the development of the PhD program in Aerospace Engineering to its successful launch in 2019 following final approval by the State, in the process spearheading the addition of multiple new graduate courses and a new 5-year course offering plan. Her leadership of the program led to a growth in enrollment to 60 doctoral students with 20 AE doctoral degrees awarded by the end of her tenure in 2023.
Dr Raghavan’s research has a focus on investigating the mechanics of high temperature coatings for extreme environments in propulsion, hypersonic flight, space exploration and energy applications as well as developing multifunctional sensing materials for wear and impact resistance, structural integrity and damage detection. Over the last 20 years, her research has contributed to knowledge for future aerospace materials and structures, while initiating international collaboration and bringing fundamental research to industry. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), DARPA and industry as lead investigator. The outcomes of her work have been published in journals such as Nature Communications and Acta Materialia. Her international focus in research has connected more than 20 US scientists from various Aerospace fields with partners abroad and provided over 30 US students international research experiences. She has developed key innovative technologies in areas of functional high temperature coatings for optical diagnostics for major aerospace engine industry partner adoption and has patents filed and awarded.
Dr Raghavan has taught 6 different courses during her time at UCF at the graduate and undergraduate level and developed 3 new graduate courses Aeroelasticity, Non-Destructive inspection in Aerospace Structures and Engineering Design of Aerospace Vehicles. Her consistent efforts have been recognized with the UCF College of Engineering Teaching Incentive Program award for sustained high levels of teaching effectiveness twice, in 2013 and in 2019. She has been honored with a university wide Reach for the Stars award for collective accomplishments in Research, Teaching, Mentoring and Service. Students in her laboratory have won over 20 prestigious fellowships including NSF and NDSEG Fellowships, Fulbright awards, Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship, Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology policy Fellowship and more. She was honored nationally with the Women in Aerospace Educator Award in 2019. She is active in service to the Aerospace, Mechanics and Materials community as a member of AIAA since 1996 and Women in Aerospace.
Luis Torres
Co-Founder at Engine-4 CWS
Partner with T-mobile 5G & NB-IoT Innovation LAB Puerto Rico And US Virgin Island
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Luis Torres
Luis Armando Torres Perez, a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and sustainability visionary, co-founded Engine-4, a pioneering coworking space in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, dedicated to promoting STEAM education and incubating startups. Stemming from a background that combines a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Puerto Rico and an associate degree in Aviation Electronics, Luis’s interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) culminated in the establishment of the Caribbean’s first 5G NB IoT lab in 2020. This groundbreaking initiative prioritizes 5G innovation, facilitates a holistic 5G ecosystem encompassing IoT devices, mobile applications, cloud technology, and more, aiming to make transformative technological, economic, health, and societal impacts. The lab also champions technological knowledge exchange, supports research on the fourth industrial revolution, and perpetually seeks partners to back its sustainable and innovative endeavors.
Agritech
Luis Armando Torres Perez is a computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded Engine-4, a coworking space in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Utilizing a computer science degree from the University of Puerto Rico and an associate degree in Aviation Electronics, he harnessed his passion for IoT technology to establish the Caribbean’s first 5G NB IoT laboratory in 2020. Engine-4 and the 5G NB IoT lab serve as incubation centers for developing innovative ideas in digital agriculture and agritech. With a strong focus on unifying various aspects of the 5G network, from IoT devices to agrotechnical devices, the lab empowers startups and developers with open platforms and marketplaces for testing and deploying agritech innovations. By facilitating technological knowledge exchange and managing project development, Luis aims to minimize startup failures while encouraging partnerships and research initiatives surrounding the fourth industrial revolution. His work is centered on fostering economic growth and societal development, specifically within digital agriculture and agritech.
Ubaldo Córdova, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemical Engineering at University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez
Member of the Board of Trustees of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Ubaldo Córdova, Ph.D.
Dr. Ubaldo M. Córdova-Figueroa holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez (UPRM), and a master and doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He is the former Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research of the University of Puerto Rico.
Dr. Córdova-Figueroa is a professor of Chemical Engineering at UPRM, and principal investigator (PI) and co-PI of awards granted by NSF amounting to $20 million. He has received from the same agency the CAREER Award, given to junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through research and education, and the integration of these endeavors in the context of UPRM’s mission. Dr. Córdova-Figueroa is an expert in reconfigurable and multifunctional soft materials and continues leading a team of researchers at UPRM.
He served as Special Assistant to the Chancellor in Research, Innovation, and Creative Endeavors, Founder of the UPRM Entrepreneurship Network, and Coordinator of the Research Academy for Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows of UPRM, which he also founded. During these appointments, he designed and developed an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem at the campus in collaboration with members of the university community, alumni, industry partners, and government agencies. This initiative has provided countless opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty members, promoting multidisciplinary collaborations.
As Executive Vice President of the UPR from 2018 to June 30, 2022, Dr. Córdova-Figueroa developed strategies in the nexus between academic innovation, administrative transformation, research, and entrepreneurship to promote student success. He obtained significant achievements for the UPR, among which the following stand out: the development and implementation of a digitalization and electronic signature policy to cut waste, streamline administrative processes and to be able to measure the processes for their continuous improvement; the execution of strategies to strengthen the assessment by increasing the changes in the academic offer, including the creation of more than 50 new academic programs, of which more than half are completely online; and secure over $50 million in grants from federal agencies, allocated by multiple federal and local agencies.
In the summer of 2021, Dr. Córdova-Figueroa was invited by the Ministry of Production, Exterior Commerce, Investments, and Fishery of Ecuador with collaborators from the Agile Strategy Lab at the University of North Alabama to train hundreds of Ecuadorians in strategies to advance collaborations between academia, private sector, and government while developing dozens of projects to accelerate the economic recovery of the country.
Currently, he is the founder of Acerola Strategies, LLC – a consulting firm that supports leaders and organizations in the development and implementation of their strategic action plans and achieve measurable success using principles of adaptive management. methodologies Its mission is to revolutionize the way organizations approach innovation, migrating from traditional approaches to agile, strategic, and data-driven methods to address complex challenges.
Dr. Córdova-Figueroa is a member of the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust since August 2019. He is also an advisor to Echar Pa’ Lante – a Multisectoral Alliance that, since 2012, has gathered hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteer Allies, as well as national and international experts, to collaborate in the design and implementation of systems to foster entrepreneurship in schools, universities, and communities.
Michelle Martinez Montomayor, PhD.
Associate Professor
Universidad Central del Caribe
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Michelle Martinez Montomayor, PhD.
Dr. Michelle M. Martínez Montemayor leads a cancer and experimental therapeutics research lab at Universidad Central del Caribe – School of Medicine (UCC). Her research focuses on elucidating potential selective and non-toxic therapies that target aggressive breast cancers. Her research efforts are also focused on characterizing inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), the most lethal breast cancer subtype, in the Puerto Rican population. She is interested in establishing collaborations to increase IBC education, awareness, and enforce diagnostic guidelines. She has a patent on the efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum compounds in aggressive BC models, and secured a SBIR award to study local Ganoderma spp. with the agricultural company Huerto Rico. Dr. Martínez completed an Associate Degree in Natural Science at UPR-Bayamón, a Bachelors in Science at UPR-Cayey, a Masters in Science at UPR-Mayagüez, a PhD in animal science and nutritional genomics at Michigan State University and two postdocs, one at UPR-Río Piedras in Molecular and Cellular Cognition, and a second one at UCC in cancer biology. She then was recruited as UCC faculty, where her lab has been continuously funded by the NIH, AICR, Susan G. Komen, USDA-NIFA, the PRSTRT, the US Department of Education and private industry research agreements.
Gian L. Ortiz Perales
Business Development Associate, Colmena66
Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Gian L. Ortiz Perales
Gian L. Ortiz Perales is a Business Development Specialist at Colmena66, a program of the PRSTRT. Gian specializes in understanding the needs of entrepreneurs and business support organizations to influence decision making through data. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao with a bachelor’s degree in Social Research and Business.
Valentina Pirazzi
Project Manager, SBIR-STTR Grant Program
Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Valentina Pirazzi
Valentina Pirazzi is the Project Manager of the SBIR-STTR Grant Program at the PR Science, Technology & Research Trust. Before joining the PRSTRT Ms. Pirazzi collaborated with Carbono3, a hub for tech-based startups, and with the Center for Innovation & Technology of the PR Small Business & Technology Development Centers. Ms. Pirazzi has considerable experience assisting local startups in the development of their SBIR proposals.
Miguel O. Román, PhD.
Senior Director and Chief Scientist
Leidos
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Miguel O. Román, PhD.
Dr. Miguel O. Román is Senior Director and Chief Scientist at Leidos, a science and technology leader and a FORTUNE® 500 company. Throughout his career, Dr. Román has held leadership positions in various sectors, including the federal government, industry, and non-profit organizations. Since 2014, he has been the leader for NASA’s Terra/Aqua MODIS and Suomi-NPP Science Teams, a global consortium of scientists and engineers responsible for overseeing one of the largest and most comprehensive polar-orbiting satellite systems that are vital in monitoring our Planet’s health. Dr. Román was born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico; his significant contributions to science and engineering have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Inaugural 2023 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers STAR Award for Climate Sustainability and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, which was personally bestowed upon him by President Barack Obama.
Steven Wolfe
President and Co-Founder
Beyond Earth Institute
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Steven Wolfe
Heath J. Mills, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
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Heath J. Mills, Ph.D.
Dr. Heath J. Mills is an extreme environment microbial ecologist with academic degrees from Duke University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. As the Chief Scientific Officer for Rhodium Scientific, he leads initiatives to expand terrestrial and spaceflight research capacities into the advanced commercial biotechnology sector. Mills has over 19 years of experience, including two faculty positions at Texas A&M University and University of Houston, studying biogeochemistry and molecular ecology in extreme environment ecosystems. He has published nearly 40 publications that have collected more than 2000 citations characterizing microbial community structure and function from locations across, beneath and above the Earth. In space-based research over the past seven years, Mills has been a Principal Investigator and co-Investigator on over 20 International Space Station science and engineering projects funded privately and by the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health and the International Space Station National Laboratory. Recently, Mills was appointed to the International Space Station National Laboratory User Advisory Committee to serve on the Chair of the Technology Development Subcommittee.
Dr. Heath J. Mills is an extreme environment microbial ecologist with academic degrees from Duke University and the Georgia Institute of Technology and has held two faculty positions at Texas A&M University and University of Houston. As the current Chief Scientific Officer for Rhodium Scientific, he leads initiatives to expand terrestrial and spaceflight research capacities into the advanced commercial biotechnology sector. In space-based research, Mills has been a PI and Co-Investigator on >20 International Space Station science and engineering projects. Recently, Mills was appointed to the ISS National Laboratory User Advisory Committee as the Chair of the Technology Development Subcommittee.
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Call for Abstracts
We invite students, researchers and entrepreneurs to submit an abstract for a poster presentation to be held on November 30 at the Forward Research & Innovation Summit. This summit event aims to advance Puerto Rico’s role in the global space economy and innovation sector. While this summit will address topics focused on the intersection between science and space, we invite abstracts in any science-related field.
The deadline closed on October 27, 2023.
Thank you to all the submitters!
Volunteers
Sonia Jimenez
Leslie Ortiz
Dayanara Belen
Dariana Morales
Catherine A. Abreu Vargas, EsD
Carlos I. Gomez Borges
Alexandra Espinal
Adriana Perez
VENUE
Hotel Caribe Hilton San Juan, PR
Hotel Caribe Hilton San Juan, PR
The Forward Summit will be held at the Caribbean Hilton Hotel, located between old San Juan and the modern city of Condado. A convenient and vibrant tropical setting for a day full of innovation, learning and networking!
About us
The Puerto Rico, Science Technology and Research Trust is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to invest, facilitate, and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and its citizens’ wellbeing through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, and public health. The Forward Summit is also powered by the Research Grants program, dedicated to providing critical source of competitive financial support for fundamental research and commercialization activities. For more information, contact grants@prsciencetrust.org.
Andreica Maldonado
Program Director
Grace M. Rendón
Program Specialist
