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 to become
the youngest American woman to go to space as part of a 2024 Mission.

In 2016, Carson was the youngest to graduate the
Advanced Possum Academy, officially making her an astronaut trainee 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.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, collaborative robots (cobots) have emerged as game-changers across various industries. These versatile machines work alongside humans, enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency. Join us as we delve into the world of collaborative robotics, exploring their impact in multiple industries, including aerospace manufacturing.

Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, is recognized as a pioneer in digital protection and holds the grade of Fellow in the IEEE, a title bestowed on less than one percent of IEEE members. In 2002, he was elected as a member of the National Academy
of Engineering.

Dr. Schweitzer received the 2012 Medal in Power Engineering, the highest award given by IEEE, for his leadership in revolutionizing the performance of electrical power systems with computer-based protection and control equipment.

In 2019, Dr. Schweitzer was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his invention of the first digital protective relay.

Dr. Schweitzer is the recipient of the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award and Graduate Alumni Achievement Award from Washington State University and the Purdue University
Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineer Award. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from Purdue University, the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in
Monterrey, Mexico, and the Universidad Autónoma de San
Luis Potosí in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, for his contributions to the development of electric power systems worldwide. He has written dozens of technical papers in the areas of digital relay design and reliability and holds more than 200 patents worldwide pertaining to electric power system protection, metering, monitoring, and control.

Dr. Schweitzer received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Purdue University and his doctorate from Washington State University. He served
on the electrical engineering faculties of Ohio University and Washington State University, and in 1982, he founded Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) to develop and manufacture digital protective relays and related
products and services.

Erin Donnette is a Senior Strategist for North American Sustainability Policy, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy for The Boeing Company.

She previously served as Government Relations Manager based in Sacramento. In this role, Donnette acted as the Company’s liaison to the State Legislature, State regulatory entities, and Northern California communities as part of their global engagement.

Prior to joining Boeing, Donnette served as Director of Government Relations for World Energy, a renewable fuel producer based in Southern California. During her time there she was able to secure the company $10 million in CAEATFA tax credits, helped to reinstate the federal Biodiesel Tax Credit, and successfully negotiated a PLA with the California State Building Trades.

Previously, Donnette served in the California State Assembly as Chief of Staff to former Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, Capitol Director for Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, and as staff for several other members. During her tenure in the legislature, she personally ushered over 50 bills to signature on behalf of her Members.

Donnette is active in the Capitol region working with the developmentally disabled community, animal rescue organizations, and as an avid outdoorswoman. A Northern California native, Donnette earned her Associate’s degree from Folsom Lake College, and her Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy at CSU, Sacramento.

Currently competing for $70 million in funding, the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub looks to bridge the gap between demand and current manufacturing capabilities, build a domestic supply chain, and create a worldclass testbed for advancing high-rate manufacturing techniques. Jacob Bonwell will provide updates on this effort, which is critical to advancing U.S. economic and national security and meeting aerospace sustainability goals.

James is a BS Mechanical Engineer with 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, Bio-Tech manufacturing of natural microbes for agricultural applications.

Founder and Inventor of SleepVibe. SleepVibe is 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. www.careerexplorenw.org

Michaele Armstrong, PhD, MBA is the 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. 

The future is now, and we are doing more with single machines than ever before. Our future will include different skill sets with employees, roles are changing, and while we can continue to work with conventional equipment, we will also add automation.

An introduction to satellites, including real-world examples of how satellites benefit everyday life on Earth; high-level overview of the dynamic and global, modern space economy including information on the Washington State space sector; review of upcoming space programs and initiatives and why space exploration and development is important for humanity.

Today's talent shortage is not going away and it will be a multi-generational problem. The industry must shift its approach to "rework work" including automation, AI, and modernization. At the same time, it needs to reconsider how to find, develop, and grow talent. Join Dr. Wade Larson as he shares best practices from Eastern Washington and around the country of what manufacturers are doing to proactively solve the workforce problem. Larson will share efforts currently underway including case studies that are leading these innovative practices to reinvent K12, education, and workforce development to build tomorrow's workforce today.