William E. Bentley is the Robert E. Fischell Distinguished Chair of Engineering, the Inaugural Director of the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, and the Director of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute. He is also appointed to the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park and the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research. At Maryland since 1989, Dr. Bentley has focused his research on the development of molecular tools that facilitate the expression of biologically active proteins, having authored over 300 related archival publications. His recent interests interface biology with electronics, establishing electrogenetics as a means for electronic control of biological systems.
He is a fellow of AAAS, ACS, AIMBE, and the American Academy of Microbiology. He has served on advisory committees for the NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, FDA, USDA, and several state agencies and has mentored over 50 PhDs and 25 postdocs, many now in leadership roles within industry (24), federal agencies (5) and academia (26). He co-founded a protein manufacturing company, Chesapeake PERL, based on insect larvae as mini bioreactors.
Patrick McGrath is the Program Director for Climate Tech at The Schmidt Family Foundation. Pat has spent his career in R&D for low-carbon energy technologies. Most recently, Pat has served as an advisor to climate tech companies and investment funds across a range of sectors and development stages. Pat was previously the Deputy Director for Technology at ARPA-E in the U.S. Department of Energy, where he led a diverse staff of technical and commercialization experts to develop and deploy next-generation energy technologies. In his time at ARPA-E, Pat oversaw new program initiatives in long duration energy storage, advanced fission and fusion technologies, flexible carbon capture, advanced grid optimization, renewable generation, and low-GHG agriculture. Prior to ARPA-E, Pat served as a technical advisor to DARPA on power and energy technologies for defense applications. Pat completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and a BS in Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
As the Director of UM Ventures - College Park, Ken leads a team of dedicated professionals who serve faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maryland at College Park. UM Ventures - College Park manages the University IP portfolio, engages corporate partners for research, supports faculty startups, and provides experiential learning opportunities for students.
As the Energy Program Manager, Ryan leads efforts to strengthen and grow the state’s targeted energy industry; develops strategic initiatives, programs and partnerships to grow the energy industry; and connects Maryland businesses with stage appropriate resources.
Prior to joining the Maryland Department of Commerce, Ryan was the Chief Technical Officer and Founder of Manta Biofuel, which produces renewable fuels from algae.
Kelly Schulz is the CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life science trade association in the state. As Secretary of
Commerce and Secretary of Labor, she witnessed firsthand Maryland’s global leadership in technology and life science innovation. She also served as a Maryland state delegate from 2011-2015.
As TEDCO’s Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Tammi is primarily responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, execution and management of TEDCO’s marketing and fundraising strategies designed to broaden awareness of and resources for TEDCO and its various programs; this includes the development and implementation of the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy.
Wright is the Vice President of Corporate Strategy for Constellation. She is responsible for the development of the enterprise strategy at Constellation, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and the leading competitive supplier of energy products and services to 2 million homes and businesses across the United States. In this role, Wright also advances new technologies, policies, and business model transformations through partnerships, grants and research and development. Prior to this role, Wright served as Director of Corporate Strategy; Chief of Staff to William A. Von Hoene, Jr., Exelon’s Chief Strategy Officer; and held roles in Government Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Exelon.