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H. Heather Chen-Mayer is a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). She applies neutron beam methods, such as prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA), for composition analysis of objects related to cultural heritage and materials used in infrastructure. Her research interests include Compton imaging of prompt gamma rays, gamma-gamma coincidence spectroscopy, and pulsed beam PGAA. She has a Ph.D. in physics from the City University of New York.

Brian A. Weiss is a mechanical engineer and, shortly after this blog was first published, became an Associate Research Engineer at the University of Maryland – Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS). His focus at ARLIS is on performing test and evaluation of defense-related technologies in the scope of the Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, and Augmentation (AAA) mission area. Prior to joining ARLIS, Dr. Weiss was a project leader at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His NIST research focused on developing the necessary measurement science to verify and validate emerging monitoring, diagnostic and prognostic technologies and strategies for smart manufacturing to enable manufacturers to respond to planned and un-planned performance changes. He has a B.S. in mechanical engineering, a professional master's in engineering, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

With over 17 years in management positions, Aaron puts his change management expertise to work for OMEP clients and staff. His passion is providing the leadership necessary to challenge status quo thinking and create a culture of proactive problem solving through continuous improvement. He has a proven track record of driving excellence and achievement through his shoulder-to-shoulder leadership approach.

Aaron began his work with OMEP in 2004 when he served as a Business Consultant. After seven years, Aaron chose to continue his professional growth by joining a long term client where he spent over 5 years in various Operations and New Product Development leadership positions.  He has recently returned to OMEP to utilize his skills and expertise as OMEP’s President. Aaron works with OMEP staff and clients to help manufacturers implement leading edge strategies aimed at world class performance.

Sheng Ran is currently a postdoctoral researcher at NIST and the University of Maryland. He obtained his Ph.D. in physics at Iowa State University. Besides doing research in quantum materials, he is also a meditation instructor.

Rodney Petersen is the director of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. He previously served as the Managing Director of the EDUCAUSE Washington Office and a Senior Government Relations Officer. He founded and directed the EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Initiative and was the lead staff liaison for the Higher Education Information Security Council. Prior to joining EDUCAUSE, he worked at two different times for the University of Maryland - first as Campus Compliance Officer in the Office of the President and later as the Director of IT Policy and Planning in the Office of the Vice President and Chief Information Officer. He also completed one year of federal service as an Instructor in the Academy for Community Service for AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps. He is the co-editor of a book entitled "Computer and Network Security in Higher Education". He received his law degree from Wake Forest University and bachelors degrees in political science and business administration from Alma College. He was awarded a certificate as an Advanced Graduate Specialist in Education Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Maryland.

Nenad Ivezic is the leader of the Process Engineering Group in the Systems Integration Division of the NIST Engineering Laboratory. He received his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Belgrade and MS and Ph.D. degrees in computer-aided engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Ljiljana, a librarian at the Library of Congress, live in Bethesda, Maryland, where they raised their two daughters, Vera and Jovana.