2025 Speakers

Anjani Polit is the Deputy Principal Investigator for the OSIRIS-APEX mission to explore asteroid Apophis and the Mission Implementation Systems Engineer for the OSIRIS- REx asteroid sample return mission. During OSIRIS-REx proximity operations around asteroid Bennu, she led the OSIRIS-REx Science Planning Team and was the Vice- Chair of the Sample Site Selection Board. Anjani previously served as the Program Manager for the University of Arizona Earth Dynamics Observatory and was the Uplink Operations Lead for the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The asteroid (31663) Anjani is named after her. Learn more

Brett Mecum is an accomplished space policy professional with extensive experience across all government levels. He serves as a Commissioner on the newly created Arizona Space Commission, working to make Arizona a great commercial space state. As President of Cadmus Public Affairs, Brett has successfully influenced legislative agendas in multiple states. With advanced degrees in space leadership and law from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and Ole Miss School of Law, his career reflects a passion for fostering partnerships and advancing space-related initiatives for commercial and economic growth. Learn more

Christian Maender is an accomplished commercial space executive and innovative change leader with 25+ years of international human spaceflight experience, focused on business strategy and results-driven leadership. Extensive history working with commercial, government, and international customers delivering in-space services and solutions while expanding the commercialization of low Earth orbit (LEO) and fostering development of an expanded LEO economy. Learn more

Christine Boles is a Vice President in the Client Computing Group (CCG) and General Manager of Intel’s Federal and Industrial Solutions. Her organization is responsible for Intel’s Federal and Industrial business within the aerospace, manufacturing, energy, logistics and commercial building segments, including the product and ecosystem strategies for this rapidly evolving space.

Boles joined Intel in 1992 as an application engineer for 16-bit microcontrollers. For almost 30 years, she has led development, delivery and the enabling of customers and ecosystems for Intel based solutions in multiple leadership roles. These solutions span a broad range of embedded and internet of things applications across many industries, including communications, storage, retail, imaging, and commercial buildings.

Boles holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Arizona State University.

Christopher "CJ" Jannette is a systems engineer, entrepreneur, and defense technology expert, currently serving as the President and CEO of BlackStar Orbital. With a background in aerospace engineering, spacecraft servicing and launch operations. As Co-Founder and CEO of BlackStar Orbital he has been pivotal in bringing a new standard of modular, reusable satellite platforms to the aerospace industry. 

Prior to founding BlackStar, CJ played a pivotal role in key aerospace programs, contributing to missions such as Falcon Heavy Demo-1, Artemis 1, SpaceX Dragon for Crew and CRS missions, Axiom, Inspiration4, lunar landers such as Astrobotic Peregrine, and Intuitive Machines IM-1. His experience with SpaceX, NASA KPLSS II, United Frontiers and Ripple Aerospace included work on thermal protection systems for Starship and the first open water orientation of a launch vehicle without a launch pad since the cold war.

A veteran and defense technology SME, CJ has received multiple commendations, including the USAF Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal for his contributions to the Fukushima disaster response in 2011. His leadership at BlackStar Orbital is focused on advancing space sustainability, hypersonic vehicle development, and autonomous space operations, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving space economy. Outside of Blackstar, Chris is an independent consultant for VC firms and maintains console certifications as consultant with United Paradyne Corporation where he continues to contribute to spaceflight launch operations.

Blackstar Orbital envisions a future where thousands of hypersonic satellites are operating in and returning from Low Earth Orbit, redefining the future of spaceflight. 

The Honorable Dr. Dava Newman is the Director of the MIT Media Lab. She holds the Apollo Program Professor of Astronautics chair at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is a Harvard–MIT Health, Sciences, and Technology faculty member. She was awarded a MacVicar Faculty chair for making significant contributions to MIT undergraduate education. She served as NASA Deputy Administrator (2015-17), the first female engineer in this role, and was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Her research and teaching expertise include aerospace biomedical engineering, human performance, advanced space suit design, AI/ML for climate, design, leadership development, innovation, and technology and policy. Newman has been principal investigator (PI) on five spaceflight missions flown aboard the Space Shuttle, Russian Mir Space Station and the International Space Station, and is best known for her revolutionary BioSuit™ planetary spacesuit. Recently, she co-founded EarthDNA with partner Guillermo Trotti to accelerate solutions for spaceship Earth’s Ocean, Land and Air subsystems by curating satellite data to make the world work for 100% of humanity. She has >350 publications and has supervised >100 MIT graduate students and 200 undergraduates. Her teaching and research mantra is to: love, act, design, and innovate (LADI).

David Anderman is a seasoned executive with a passion for business strategy and dealmaking in the technology, digital media, aerospace, and consumer sectors. He is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Stellar Ventures, a fund investing in early stage space startups. Previously he served as the General Counsel of SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company, where he supported the launch of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (the first-ever launch of humans by a private company), the maiden flight of Starship (SpaceX’s Mars colony ship), and the rollout of the Starlink global satellite internet system. More recently, he served as the Chief Legal Officer of Surf Air Mobility (NYSE:SRFM), a regional air mobility company developing electrified aircraft for the world market, which he helped through their public listing.

Prior to SpaceX, Mr. Anderman spent 16 years at Lucasfilm Ltd., George Lucas’s entertainment empire, starting as the junior lawyer and rising through the ranks to become Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. In 2012, he negotiated the $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm by the Walt Disney Company, and oversaw the integration of the companies post-merger. Learn more

Devin M. Patterson spearheads efforts to position Arizona as a leader in the global space, aerospace, and defense sectors. Leveraging his background in intelligence operations and economic development, Devin cultivates a cohesive ecosystem, attracting pioneering companies and strategic investments across advanced manufacturing and space-enabling infrastructure. Also serving as a mentor with 100 Black Men of Phoenix, he guides future leaders in public policy and entrepreneurship. Devin holds a Master’s in Applied Leadership and Management from ASU and is pursuing a Master’s in Space Business and Policy at Thunderbird. Learn more

The Honorable Drew Trojanowski is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC). In this capacity, he is responsible for supporting mission-driven organizations and dual-use innovation to help solve the worlds most pressing challenges. Working to remove the barriers to entry and advance collaborations between entrepreneurs, industry, academic, venture and mission-driven national security partner networks in Arizona, nationwide, and worldwide Learn more

Dr. Elena Rocchi is a Clinical Associate Professor at ASU The Design School; Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Environment, and the Arts program at Arizona State University; Faculty Affiliate at both The Interplanetary Initiative and The Biomimicry Center; Former Fellow at Taliesin the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. She has been Senior Architect and Office Director of Miralles Tagliabue Associated Architects (1995/2008). She was awarded the AIA 2020 Educator of the Year Award, Arizona Chapter. Learn more

Eric Christopher, famously known as ERock, is an innovative investor and respected business advisor. He's invested and advised a wide range of companies and world-renowned brands, including Shark Tank companies and a Shark Tank investor. Learn more

Dr. Hamden is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona Department of Astronomy, Assistant Astronomer with Steward Observatory, and the Director of the University of Arizona Space Institute. Dr. Hamden is an expert in space sciences, engineering, and technology and space related academic research.

Dr. Erika Hamden received her bachelor’s degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Harvard in 2006. She attended Columbia University where she worked with Prof. David Schiminovich, finishing her Ph.D. in 2014. She held prize postdoc positions at Caltech, working with Prof. Chris Martin and was an NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow and the R.A. and G.B. Millikan Prize Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Physics at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Hamden was awarded a Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship for her detector work in 2016. She received a PECASE award in 2019 and has received numerous other awards from NASA. She is the founder and organizer of the PI Launchpad and the Deputy PI of Aspera, a NASA Pioneers Mission with PI: Dr. Carlos Vargas, which will observe nearby edge-on galaxies in extreme UV. Aspera is scheduled to launch in 2026. Learn more

Mr. Grant Anderson co-founded Paragon in 1993. Now President/CEO, he has held diverse positions at Paragon including Chief Engineer, VP of Engineering, Treasurer/Secretary, CFO, Sr. VP of Operations, Chief Operating Officer and others.

Mr. Anderson holds a Bachelor and Master of Science from Stanford University. He is married with 3 children. Learn more

Guillermo Trotti is an architect and industrial designer. He has circumnavigated the Earth in his sailboat, and explored every continent on Spaceship Earth.

He taught Space Architecture design in the College of Architecture at the University of Houston, and Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, co-founded the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture; and EarthDNA. He is presently teaching and co-founder of the Space Architecture and Extreme Environments Masters program at the Arizona State University.

He is a Governing Member of the International Space University. He served in various space committees of the National Academies, National Research Council. His thesis "Counterpoint: A Lunar Colony" is part of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum permanent collection. His work has been exhibited in major museums in the USA and Europe. He has circumnavigated the Earth in his sailboat, and explored every continent on Spaceship Earth.

Professor Barnaby specializes in the analysis, modeling, and experimental characterization of extreme environmental effects on semiconductor materials, devices, and circuits. His research includes designing electronics for radiation sensing and developing techniques to ensure device reliability in high-radiation and extreme-temperature environments. He actively works on advanced CMOS+X, bipolar, solar, power device, and embedded memory technologies, with a primary focus on space-based applications. Learn more

Jan’s extensive, customer-focused career covers more than 30 years of leading high-performance multicultural product development teams at industry-leading computing systems companies. His ability to make decisions quickly and inspire teams to move at the speed of technology make him a valued contributor to the Benchmark executive team, where he leads product design, product realization and solutions and technology. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer he heads a team of highly skilled engineers responsible for partnering with customers to bring their ideas, visions and products to life and launching those products into production in our factories.

Prior to joining the Benchmark team in 2015, Jan served as an executive leader at both IBM and Lenovo, where he led the development and delivery of a number of key products, including IBM’s desktops, ThinkPad notebooks, x86-based servers and Flash System storage. During his tenure at IBM, he established the IBM Taiwan Systems and Technology Lab, growing the group to 300 engineers while leading 650 engineers across four U.S. locations as well as others in Taiwan and China. He also led the IT team for the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy for Lenovo. Jan led the development, production and program management of IBM’s significant acquisition of Texas Memory Systems.

Jan serves on the board of the Arizona Technology Council and the ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Industry Engagement Catalyst Council. Jan earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jessica Rousset is the Executive Director of the Interplanetary Initiative, leading its strategy, collaborations and operations. Jessica is a mission-driven operational, business development and commercialization leader focused on growing early-stage technology companies, creating innovation engines in large organizations and bridging academic, government and corporate interests toward the common goal of improving people’s lives. Learn more

As a cybersecurity engineer, John has spent nearly 15 years working on critical infrastructure security, in support of securing our homeland. Before MITRE, John worked operations in federal intelligence for critical infrastructure, including building defenses for national systems. Aside from energy, water, and pipeline sectors, John has recently co-authored guidance on space cybersecurity topics, including open-source guidance on securing satellites and hybrid satellite networks. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University as well as a Master’s in Space Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He currently lives outside of Phoenix with his wife and two kids. Learn more

Justin is the Vice President of Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships at ThinkOrbital Inc. He retired as a Colonel after 21 years serving in the Department of the Air Force and was instrumental in the standup of the US Space Force. He is a combat pilot with four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month fellowship at SpaceX and ended his military career as a Legislative Liaison advocating for Department priorities while building relationships with members of Congress and their staffs. Learn more

Kai Staats is a veteran developer of platforms for research and science education. He was co-founder of the world-renowned Yellow Dog Linux operating system used at Department of Energy, NASA, and universities for desktop and supercomputer applications. Kai wrote the machine learning algorithm Karoo GP used at LIGO in gravitational wave detection; and designed the Mt. Meru Astronomical Observatory in Tanzania. At ASU Kai led the development of SIMOC, a research-grade computer simulation and educational interface to a Mars habitat. Now, Kai and his team have constructing SAM, a hermetically sealed Mars habitat analog with greenhouse, crew quarters, airlock, Mars yard, and reduced gravity simulator located at Biosphere 2. Learn more

Kelli Kedis Ogborn is the Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, where she leads the Space Commerce Institute. With extensive experience in R&D and technology commercialization for the U.S. government and private sector, she helps companies transition to market capitalization in the expanding space economy. Previously, she held leadership roles at Advanced Rockets Corporation, as President, and H.S. Dracones, as President and CEO and served as DARPA’s Congressional Liaison. A published author and speaker, Kedis Ogborn mentors entrepreneurs and evaluates government R&D proposals. She holds degrees from San Diego State University, Stockholm University, and The Johns Hopkins University. Learn more

Kjell earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from UC Davis before joining Lockheed Missiles and Space Company as a staff orbit analyst, working on Air Force, NASA, and SDI satellite programs.

In 1992, he helped develop a prototype satellite ground system using off-the-shelf hardware and software, shaping future AFSCN ground systems. The next year, he co-founded KinetX, serving as its first President and CFO, and led orbit dynamics for the IRIDIUM satellite ground control system, developing automation strategies and unique orbit dynamics algorithms.

Since then, he has worked on major satellite programs, including SBIRS, MUOS, OneWeb, O3B, and SDA’s Tranche 2, focusing on system architecture and operations. A passionate advocate for autonomous satellite operations, he has published extensively on the topic. Kjell founded the NorthStar Earth and Space project, serves on its board, and currently leads Strategic Business Development at KinetX while securing funding for new initiatives. Learn more

Professor Kyle Hanquist is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona, where he is the Director of the Computational Hypersonics and Nonequilibrium Laboratory. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Hanquist is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a 2025 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program recipient. Learn more

Lisa Napolitano is the Vice President, General Manager of the Space Gold Business Enterprise (GBE)

With a career spanning over 20 years at Honeywell, she has held various escalating leadership positions across different functions and locations in Aerospace.

Lisa holds a Master's of Science in Management of Technology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor's in Microelectronic Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology.

She resides in Plymouth, Minnesota with her wife, Gilda, and daughter, Nadia, who is a freshman at Northern Michigan University studying Chemistry. Learn more

Mason Cave is a seasoned finance and real estate professional with a diverse background spanning public markets, private equity, and real estate development.

As a licensed CPA in the State of Arizona with an MBA from Arizona State University, Mr. Cave possesses a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and business administration. He has extensive experience in public markets, having successfully executed various capital raising transactions for Canadian companies and currently seeking a transaction for his own public company, AZC1. Mr. Cave maintains strong relationships with investment bankers and stock exchange representatives, providing valuable insights into market trends and regulatory developments.

Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa is director of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, where she is also appointed as Foundation and Regents Professor. She is a planetary scientist interested in the time scales and processes involved in the formation and evolution of the Solar System and planets, and currently serves as the Principal Scientist for the Mars Sample Return program. Wadhwa has served on numerous advisory committees for NASA and the National Academies. She is a recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award (2015), the Guggenheim Fellowship (2005), and the Nier Prize of the Meteoritical Society (2000). She was awarded the J. Lawrence Smith Medal of the National Academy of Sciences in 2021 and was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2023. Learn more

Senior Director of Government Relations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she fosters strategic partnerships to advance defense and aerospace education, engagement, and research. Previously, as Executive Account Manager at True Zero Technologies, she implemented cybersecurity solutions across multiple sectors. Fitzgerald began her career in Arizona advising Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on public safety and cybersecurity initiatives. Fitzgerald holds a Master of Science in Security and Intelligence Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. A published author in business ethics and participant in advanced operational training, she is committed to driving business-friendly cybersecurity, defense, and public policy innovation.

Micah Walter-Range is the Partner & President of Caelus Partners LLC. Micah works with stakeholders to enable the economic development on Earth that will lead to new commercial activities in space. This includes supporting startups in search of financing, providing market strategies for leading aerospace firms, and advising multiple nations on how to accelerate the growth of the commercial space economy. Micah is also the creator of the underlying stock index for the world’s only pure-play exchange-traded fund (ETF) that focuses on space, the Procure Space ETF, which trades on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (ticker:UFO).

Micah holds a Master of Arts in International Science and Technology Policy from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College, where he double-majored in Astronomy and Political Science. Learn more

Michael Rosas is a passionate leader and a steadfast advocate for Arizona’s economic transformation. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Tucson, Michael’s journey from the University of Arizona—where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science—to his role as Vice President of Business Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) exemplifies his commitment to fostering progress and innovation.

At the ACA, Michael spearheads initiatives that fuel the state’s economy through its acclaimed three-pronged approach: recruit, grow, create. With a particular focus on the semiconductor sector, Michael has worked tirelessly to attract transformative investments and collaborate with local partners to assist companies in developing the skilled workforce necessary to sustain long- term success. Most recently Michael, along with partner organizations worked in providing strategic guidance and aided in forming the nation’s largest semiconductor small-scale consortium seeking CHIPS funding. His ability to unite diverse stakeholders and leverage federal opportunities like the CHIPS Act underscores his role as a driving force behind Arizona’s rise as a global technology leader.

Beyond his professional achievements, a lover of the arts, Michael’s passions include theatre, live local music, outdoor farmers markets and any opportunity to spend time with his corgi, Frida. Learn more

Dr. Sally C. Morton is executive vice president of Knowledge Enterprise at Arizona State University and responsible for ASU’s research and economic development ecosystem. She oversees research institutes, and leads expansion of economic development, corporate engagement, and intellectual property and technology transfer. Dr. Morton is responsible for the university’s close to $1 billion in research expenditures and leads over 2,700 employees. She is a professor in the College of Health Solutions and the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. Dr. Morton is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and holds a PhD in statistics from Stanford. Learn more

Dr. S. “Pete” Worden, (Brig Gen, USAF, Ret, PhD) held several US Air Force positions and a research professorship at the University of Arizona, Dr. Worden was then Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center. He now leads the Breakthrough Initiatives, a privately funded suite of space science programs to find life beyond earth and explore interstellar space. He is also an Advisor to the Luxembourg Space Agency and was knighted by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for his space services.

Shruti Gurudanti is a Partner and the Director of Corporate Transactions and Aerospace at Rose Law Group. With a career spanning corporate law, M&A, and venture capital, Shruti has acted as outside general counsel for businesses in the space industry, advising on regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and strategic partnerships. She also has extensive experience representing government and defense contractors, navigating the intricate regulatory frameworks governing procurement, and compliance.

Licensed to practice in both the United States and India, Shruti brings a global perspective to international business transactions, having led cross-border M&A deals. Her expertise extends to private equity transactions, equity financing, and international joint ventures, making her a trusted advisor to emerging and established companies operating in highly regulated industries.

A graduate of the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. She proudly represented India in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) at the IISL Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (Asia-Pacific), showcasing her expertise in international space policy and dispute resolution. Learn more

Dr. Tiffany Bao is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University. Her research interest is aspects of software security, which spans binary analysis techniques, game-theoretical vulnerability mitigation strategies, qualitative study on cybersecurity operations, and vulnerability risk assessment. Dr. Bao was the winner of the NSA’s Annual Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper Award and IEEE Security and Privacy’s Best Student Paper Award. She also has served as a program committee member in toptier cybersecurity conferences, including IEEE Security and Privacy, USENIX Security, Computer and Communication Security, and Network & Distributed System Security Symposium. Her team has discovered and responsibly reported tens of zero-day vulnerabilities. She received her Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University.

Zaheer Ali is a renowned space technology and policy expert, agilist, leader, and technologist. He is COO at Positon Inc., Managing Partner at New Space Finance, and Professor of Practice at Thunderbird School of Global Management (ASU). Previously, he held executive roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, ThinkOrbital, Space Railway, and USRA, advancing initiatives at NASA Ames and SOFIA. A founding executive of Material Mind and AIXIA Global, Zaheer is a research physicist with patents, awards, and 40+ publications. E-MGM: Thunderbird; BA: UC Berkeley, Physics. A first-generation American of Indian ancestry, he embraces a consilience of Eastern, Western, and indigenous wisdom. Learn more