Francisco Garcia is a Senior Management Consultant at Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Inc. (PRiMEX), which is part of the MEP National Network. He has had leadership roles in the Puerto Rico manufacturing community for more than 35 years.
Apostol Vassilev is a research team supervisor in the Computer Security Division at NIST. His team’s research agenda covers a range of topics in trustworthy AI and cybersecurity. Vassilev works closely with academia, industry and government agencies on the development and adoption of standards in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and contributes to national and international standards groups. Vassilev holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Texas A&M University. He has authored over 50 scientific papers and holds five U.S. patents. Apostol enjoys life with his wife. They are empty nesters, and when Apostol is not working, they enjoy hiking together in nature, taking care of and playing with their cat and dog, and pursuing environmental causes.
Megan King is a writer-editor at NIST and edits the Taking Measure blog. After graduating from John Carroll University, she began her career as a newspaper journalist, covering county fairs and school board meetings. Megan has worked in various communications roles in the government for more than 15 years, including as a content manager and strategist. Outside of work, Megan coaches beginner ice skaters, cheers on Pittsburgh sports teams, and knits.
Jazalyn Dukes is a research structural engineer in the Earthquake Engineering Group at NIST. She is also a member of the National Construction Safety Team for the technical investigation of Hurricane Maria’s impacts on Puerto Rico. Dukes’ research interests include probabilistic analysis methods, finite element modeling, seismic retrofit of structures using fiber reinforced composites, and multi-hazard reconnaissance studies. Outside of the office, her many interests include crafting and DIY, church and community service, and traveling.
Melissa Midzor leads the Spectrum Technology and Research Division at NIST, developing innovative measurement methods and tools to promote novel and efficient use of spectrum through improved access, sharing, atmospheric sensing and precision timing. Prior to NIST, Midzor served as the division director for Electronic Warfare Integrated Laboratories at Naval Air Systems Command. She also served for two years in the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures Office.
Edward Griffor serves as associate director for cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) in the Smart Connected Systems Division at NIST. He has 10 years’ experience as chief scientist in the auto industry, where he led the development of technologies for self-driving vehicles. Griffor is adjunct professor at the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University and at the University of Grenoble Alpes in France for artificial intelligence. His books include the Handbook of System Safety and Security, the Handbook of Computability and the Mathematical Theory of Domains. Griffor has a Ph.D. in mathematics from MIT and a habilitation (European academic designation) in electrical engineering from the University of Oslo. His current work combines methods of physics, computing, mathematics and biosciences to the assurance of CPS and IoT systems, including automated driving system (ADS), reactor protection system (RPS) and biomedical system assurance.