S.I.D.e. speakers
Major Sean P. Allen
17 yrs in Space Domain Awareness, Space Defense, OPIR, & SATCOM. Created the SDA TAP Lab to accelerate battle management solutions and stir innovation across industry, academia, and government. Inspired adoption of data science best practices & algorithm benchmarking for space. Established a globally deployed daytime LEO-tracking telescope program – R&D concept turned Presidentially directed program. Highly Qualified Mission Director at National Space Defense Center (NSDC). Led scientists, developers, and hardware experts building orbital threat warning applications, sensor network scheduling and orbit determination algorithms at various classification levels.
Chief, SDA TAP Lab US Space Force
Garrett Anderson is a seasoned data analytics and data science professional with over 15 years of industry experience, including more than 7 years dedicated to harnessing the power of machine learning and AI. As a Senior Data Scientist at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, Garrett explores innovative applications of AI, particularly in the realm of human-machine teaming. Previously, Garrett contributed to advancements at Ria Financial, bringing machine learning and AI expertise to complex problems in fraud detection and risk assessment, and leveraging data science to drive business results.
Beyond technical endeavors, Garrett also serves as the executive producer of the T3 Talks and Forensic Friday podcasts, showcasing thought leadership and a passion for fostering informed discussions in the fields of technology advancement as well as psychology and public safety.
A firm believer in using data as a tool to create efficiencies, manage risks, and drive growth, Garrett is dedicated to transforming raw data into actionable insights. Whether mentoring aspiring data scientists or engaging in conversations about ethics in AI, Garrett is passionate about advancing the field responsibly and meaningfully.
Lead Data Scientist, VT-ARC
Garrett Anderson
Cindy Chin
CEO and Chief Space Officer of Planetary Systems AI
Cindy Chin is the CEO, Chief Space Officer and Founder of Planetary Systems AI. Planetary Systems AI accelerates data flow and insight generation for decision-making in the space sector, optimizing planetary support operations, making space data simple and smart.
She is an award-winning operator and serial entrepreneur, founder of companies like CLIPr and CLC Advisors. She is an inventor of multiple AI patents in the tech industry in computer vision.
She is also a NASA Datanaut one of NASA’s Open Innovation program initiatives that operated within the Office of the Chief Information Officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C and an Ambassador for NASA’s International SpaceApps Challenge, the largest hackathon on the planet.
She is also a mentor, advisor and board member to tech startups teams including Google for Startups Accelerator in North America, AWS Space Accelerator, Founder Fuel in Canada, and Al Data Lab at Howard University. She was a Visiting Professor at FH Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.
She’s been nominated for for several awards including VivaTech’s Top 30 Female Founders, Venture Beat Female AI Award, and AI Awards North America and winner of multiple startup award competitions. She was named as one of Entrepreneur Magazine's 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs in 2018.
Chief Technology Officer, Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3) United States Space Force
Brian DeLong
A transformative technology leader with over two decades of innovation excellence, Brian DeLong drives breakthrough advancements at the critical intersection of strategic vision and technological capability. His career spans an extraordinary range of achievements—from pioneering the world class endurance coaching industry and Olympic anti-doping paperless programs to revolutionizing NFL-caliber virtual reality training and professional fantasy sports platforms. Brian's exceptional talent lies in his ability to translate complex technical capabilities into decisive competitive advantages, bridging the often challenging divide between business leadership and engineering excellence.
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3), Brian infuses commercial innovation methodologies and startup agility into military technology modernization. His distinctive approach empowers teams to operationalize emerging technologies for decision advantage through disciplined adaptation and strategic implementation.
Brian's commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond traditional boundaries through his creation of unique engagement initiatives. His signature "Waffles on Wednesday (WoW!)" gatherings, iconic brown bag Wisdom Sessions, and accessible Office Hours have become legendary within the defense technology community for reimagining collaboration with Science and Technology (Futures), Industry, Commercial, and Non-Traditional partners.
Learn more about Brian's initiatives and insights at thecto.space
Chandra
Donelson
USSF Space Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer
Chandra Donelson was appointed in April 2024 as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (acting) for the U.S. Department of the Air Force. In this role, Donelson is responsible for developing and implementing DAF-wide strategies for enterprise data management, analytics, digital transformation, and responsible/ethical artificial intelligence to optimize performance and drive innovation in and across all missions and operations.
Donelson previously served as Space Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Space Force. Prior, she served as the Deputy Chief Data Officer, G-2 at Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA). She also was previously an OSINT Data Manager for the G2, where she led HQDA G-2 and Defense Intelligence Mission Area (DIMA) Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) portfolio modernization efforts. She earlier served as a Data and Analytics Officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Donelson earned her MBA, Information Technology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics from Univ. of Missouri – Columbia. She has held several leadership roles – including Chapter Lead and Strategic Advisor – in the DMV Chapter of Women in Data.
Dan Hirleman
Professor & Director, Data Mine of the Rockies, Purdue
Dan Hirleman is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University and Director of the Data Mine of the Rockies. He is committed to creating and scaling models for experiential learning that provide transformative opportunities and a margin of excellence for students beyond traditional university curricula. The Data Mine of the Rockies and the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) are case studies.
Hirleman previously served as Purdue’s: inaugural Chief Corporate & Global Partnerships Officer; Executive Director for International Advancement; Senior Intellectual Property Officer; and Senior International Officer. Prior to that, and beyond faculty appointments, his academic assignments included: Associate Dean for Research we well as Chair of the Mechanical & Aerospace Department at Arizona State University; the William E. and Florence E. Perry Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue; and the 2nd Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced.
He has over two hundred publications, seven U.S. patents, and presented eighty invited lectures in fourteen countries. His research involves: cyberphysical security of space systems; cyber education; laser sensors for strain-level, label-free ID of cells; semiconductor manufacturing; combustion diagnostics; and global engineering. His team developed ten technologies that are licensed and/or are deployed in commercial products.
Hirleman received the Hon. George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation and the ASME Charles Russ Richards Memorial Award (given annually for outstanding achievement in mechanical engineering) and chaired the Advisory Board of Engineers for a Sustainable World. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing racquetball.
Associate Professor, Sociology
Director, Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership
United States Air Force Academy
Rick Neimeyer, PhD
Richard E. Niemeyer, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the United States Air Force Academy’s Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership and the Director of the Academy’s Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center. After graduating from the University of California, Riverside, in 2011 with a Ph.D. in sociology, he co-founded the UC Riverside Institute for the Applications of Mathematics and Integrated Science, serving as its deputy director until 2013. Since then, he has organized numerous transdisciplinary meetings, workshops, and panels on the sociobiological determinants of health, the mathematical modeling of social conflict, and the neuro-sociological foundations of deviant behavior. His current research explores cognitive security and social processes in isolated, confined, and extreme environments from a transdisciplinary and mechanistic perspective. Dr. Niemeyer is also a Co-Investigator on a five-year AFOSR-funded MURI grant to develop a theoretical framework for reducing susceptibility to mis/dis/malinformation.