����ֱ��

Mentors and Judges

Judges

Silke Dodel, Ph.D.

Dr. Silke Dodel is Founder & CEO of DeepScience, LLC, a data science and AI consulting firm focused on extracting actionable insights from business, biomedical, and neuroscience data. An affiliate member of the Center for Complex Systems at ����ֱ��, she develops innovative tools such as a “Google Maps for Science” platform for navigating scientific literature and a bias-reducing proteomics tool leveraging network analysis. Her expertise spans bespoke methods for high-dimensional nonlinear data, bioinformatics pipelines, brain imaging analysis (fMRI, EEG), natural language processing, large language models, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Tahl Milburn

Tahl Milburn is a seasoned technologist, investor, and advisor with over three decades of experience shaping innovation across Silicon Valley and beyond. As a hands-on expert in generative AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), he brings deep technical insight into emerging technologies, with a particular focus on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He is a frequent guest lecturer, known for exploring the current capabilities, future trajectory, and critical safety considerations surrounding AGI.
In addition to his technical work, Tahl is a managing partner, board member, and active investor with Seedfunders/Miami, where he focuses on identifying and supporting promising pre-seed technology startups. His investment portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, including fintech, medtech, artificial intelligence, and other high-growth innovation categories. Drawing on his extensive background as a CTO, Enterprise Architect, and consultant, he offers strategic guidance grounded in real-world experience, delivering both technical leadership and global perspective.

Claudia Rodrigues, Ph.D.

Claudia Rodrigues earned her B.S. in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1994) and her Ph.D. in Microbiology through an international program with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1999), where she studied intracellular calcium regulation in eukaryotic microorganisms. She completed postdoctoral training in vascular development at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2003–2005) and in stem cell biology and cardiovascular disease at the University of Miami (2005–2007).
Dr. Rodrigues joined the University of Miami as an Assistant Professor in 2007, establishing a research program in endothelial and vascular progenitor biology. She received the 2015 Florida Heart Research Foundation Researcher of the Year Award. In 2021, she became an Associate Professor at ����ֱ��, where her work focuses on endothelial cell biology across cardiovascular, aging, and multi-organ diseases. Her research, including discoveries on c-Myc in inflammation, is funded by major agencies, and she is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists.

C. Perry Weinthal, MSEE

C. Perry Weinthal is the EECS Lab & Building Manager at ����ֱ��, where he oversees a 97,000 sq. ft. LEED-certified engineering facility and supports multidisciplinary research and student design projects. With prior experience as an Engineering Team Lead at a Fortune 500 computer company, he has managed large-scale global manufacturing, advanced PCB systems, and high-performance sonar technologies. His work bridges industry and academia, with contributions to NSF innovation programs, published research, and startup development, including a 3D-printed prosthetics initiative. Passionate about STEM education, he actively mentors students and supports robotics and engineering outreach programs. Perry is also a current PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering at Florida Atlantic.��

Mentors

Shailaja Allani, Ph.D., Director, Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FAU
Ajay Bommareddy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Schmidt College of Medicine, FAU
Ahu Demir, Ph.D., Managing Director, LifeSci Advisors, LLC
Alexandra Gorgevska, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor, Biotechnology, Palm Beach State College
Chris Houghtaling, MBA, Research Commercialization Specialist, Office of Technology Development, FAU
Norman Ortiz, MBA, Founder, Apps Inc. and Consultant, Mr. Beast
Chirag Patel, Managing Director Go to Market Strategy, CSG
Charisse Rodriguez, MBA, President, Society of Women Engineers SEFL
Andrew Satz, Co-Founder & CEO, EVQLV
Miguel A. Lopez Toledano, Ph.D., Medical Director, CDMA, Neurelis, Inc.��
Qi Zhang, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept Chemistry/Biochemistry, FAU
Cheryl Zuckerman, MBA, Strategic Partnerships & Commercialization at Ambrosia Ventures��