2024 I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference Speakers

22-year-old Alyssa Carson, an astronaut in training since the age of seven, is in the final stages of becoming the youngest American woman to go to space as part of a 2024 Mission. In 2016, Carson was the youngest to graduate from the Advanced Possum Academy, officially becoming an astronaut trained and certified to go to space. She received her Certification in Applied Astronautics at age 17, and in 2023, she graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Astrobiology. She is currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas, pursuing her PhD. More than anything, Alyssa is driven by an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest; to push the boundaries of space travel and make a positive and lasting impact on the world.

Brynn MacLennan Snyder has been an entrepreneur since she co-founded a bounce house company with her siblings at 13. She pursued a BFA in Product Design from Brigham Young University, which provided the foundation for her work with esteemed companies such as Johnson & Johnson in their R&D Division and Wadsworth Design and Die Cuts with a View in their Design Division, where she contributed to their product line.

Today, Brynn and her husband, Dr. Danny Snyder, have innovated a sustainable, effective, and easy-to-use electric flosser that is transforming daily oral care nationwide. A family-founded and run business, Slate Dental, Inc. is the creator of the Slate Electric Flosser™, the game-changing electronic flossing device brought to market in 2022. As Co-Founder of Slate Dental, Inc., Brynn leads the company’s day-to-day operations, overseeing product development, distribution, and sales and marketing. They are also parents to 5 children!

Cody James is a Channel Development Manager with Universal Robots (the foundation of the Teradyne Robotics Group), with 9 years of experience in the industrial automation space. Starting as an applications engineer working hands-on with all manner of automation equipment (robotics, motion controllers, PLCs, etc.), Cody has developed a strong aptitude for a “solution first” approach. With his expanded responsibilities in account management and partnership roles, he is able to take projects through the complete ideation to production cycle. Cody’s career has been dedicated to collaborating with clients in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, specializing in robotic technology.

Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III is a pioneer in digital protection and a Fellow in the IEEE. He was awarded the highest honor in power engineering by the IEEE in 2012, and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2019 for his invention of the first digital protective relay. Dr. Schweitzer has been recognized with numerous awards, including honorary doctorates, for his contributions to the development of electric power systems worldwide. He founded Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) in 1982 to develop and manufacture digital protective relays and related products and services.

Dr. Wade Larson is a workforce consultant with 30 years in HR, strategy, leadership enablement, and talent management. As an expert in HR and leadership, Wade helps organizations improve structures, culture, management, and leadership outcomes to achieve their goals. As an international speaker, published author, and professor for WSU, Larson strives to help others achieve the best versions of themselves. Wade has worked with hundreds of organizations and thousands of leaders to shift mindsets, innovate programs, and lead change that helps them do more, achieve more, and live their best lives.

Erin Donnette is a Senior Strategist at Boeing, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy in North America. Previously, she worked as a Government Relations Manager in Sacramento and also served as Director of Government Relations for World Energy. Donnette has worked in the California State Assembly as Chief of Staff to former Assemblywoman Catharine Baker and Capitol Director for Assemblyman Brian Maienschein. She is active in the developmentally disabled community and animal rescue organizations and enjoys outdoor activities. Donnette earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy from CSU, Sacramento.

Jacob brings an extensive background in capital improvement, process control, and operations management to ATC Manufacturing. He is heading the ATC leadership team to ensure the organization meets short-term and long-term goals. With many years working in the aerospace and lumber sectors, Jacob accrued the knowledge and skillset to implement initiatives to drive enterprise-wide successes. Jacob graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

BS Mechanical Engineer. 30+ years in factory automation and 15+ years in project management. Engineer for GE Medical: State-of-the-art CAT-Scan detector, Semiconductor substrate Manufacturing, and Bio-Tech manufacturing of natural microbes for agricultural applications. Founder and Inventor of SleepVibe, a wireless device that helps you sleep without the need for medication or invasive methods. Top 6 presenter at Flywheel Investment Conference, April 2024.

Jason Miller is the Director of Corporate Investments and Partnerships at KSPS PBS and the Founder/Director of the Career Explore Northwest initiative. Career Explore NW is a career exploration platform for students and job seekers that features, with video, virtual field trips, interactive interviews, and supporting data, the wide variety of careers available from employers in the Inland Northwest region. Jason began this initiative 5 years ago in answer to teachers wishing to show their students careers in our region to keep our talent regional, and regional employers expressing a desire for students to know about what they offer. The project has won 2 national awards and 1 Washington State award. To date, the initiative has highlighted 136 careers from over 50 employers in the Inland Northwest and continues to grow.

Mark Norton is a highly experienced professional in advanced manufacturing. He is the Executive Director of Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA) and Principal of Norton Strategic Consulting. Mark is a LinkedIn thought leader with over 2,000 followers. His industry accomplishments include leading the Product and Market Development team and being an Aerospace subject matter expert. He is also active in non-profit work with STEM and workforce development. Mark has also been involved in various industry events as a featured guest and moderator.

Michaele Armstrong, PhD, MBA is with Evergreen Bioscience Innovation, and past Associate Director of SP3NW, Washington State University’s business incubator. Her molecular oncology bench and clinical research background pivoted to technology transfer and startup support while performing MBA consulting projects for Fortune 500 companies. Currently, she cultivates growth in the bioscience industry across Northwest by working with life science startups and engaging ecosystem partners in developing novel programs and organizations for impact-focused outcomes. These include SP3NW, Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster and FIERCE – NSF Regional Innovation Engine.

Richard McCauley is the General Manager of Mazak Corporation's Western Region. He has been working with Mazak for 45 years, starting as a Distributor Sales Manager and working his way up to his current position. Richard holds a degree in Metals Technology and is an expert in operating CNC Lathes and programming. He enjoys mentoring young professionals in the machine tool industry and spending time with his family in Orange County, California.

Scott Thielman is CTO and co-founder of Product Creation Studio. With expertise leading the development of consumer, medical, and industrial products, Scott has participated in all aspects of development for clients, including Philips, Johnson & Johnson, and L'Oreal. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and is a licensed professional engineer.

Stan Shull is a space industry analyst and a strategic advisor to space companies. He started his career as an engineer on satellites, military space programs, and the space station. At The Boeing Company, he directed corporate planning and led an initiative to develop an aerospace data business. Stan then led business development at four software and analytics startups, where he helped drive successful exits by acquisition and IPO. He holds a BS in aerospace engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Stan was an early proponent of space commercialization, and he actively promotes the space ecosystem in Washington State.