Nicholas Lima earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While in school, he operated MITs nuclear fission reactor and after graduating Nick became an engineer at SpaceX. There, he helped build and test the first private spacecraft to take astronauts into orbit and to the International Space Station. Nick is currently the Vice President of Engineering at Helion Energy, where he is working on harnessing fusion energy to deliver clean, inexpensive, and abundant electricity to the world. 

Dr. Ewere is the director of the aerospace engineering capstone senior design and faculty advisor to the Aerial Robotics Club and High-Powered Rocketry Club. He has taught several MAE courses including Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, Numerical Methods, Engineering Mechanics (Dynamics and Statics), Engineering graphics and computing in Mechanical Engineering. He has mentored several successful student teams in aerospace vehicle design, build and fly competitions like AIAA DBF, NASA’s Gateway to Blue Skies, NASA Student Launch and RoboNation SUAS. Dr. Ewere’s research interests are in science and technology at the intersection of aerodynamics, structural mechanics, energy and smart materials. Recent works have focused on exploiting aeroelastic instabilities on piezoelectric structures for engineering applications. He received a patent for an airflow sensor that mimics protuberances on a humpback whale flipper. Pedagogical research interests include engineering design education, developing better-equipped graduates for the workforce, bridging the core competencies gap, improving diversity and collaboration within disciplines. He is a member of the American Society of Engineering Education, Vertical Flight Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and a master’s in aerospace engineering, both from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Outside work Dr. Ewere plays soccer and likes to visit new places. 

Workshop Lead (Morganton), Technical Advisor (Durham), Judge

Michael Martine is an inquisitive, collaborative and global ‘connector of dots’ whose leadership roles have spanned business and technology for the past 25 years. Michael is currently the Director, Asset Engineering, a business and information technology executive in IBM’s Services division. Michael’s deep global experience includes his MBA in International Management from Thunderbird and studies at the Technical University in Berlin as well as his two year expatriate assignment in Budapest, Hungary. He holds a black belt in the Japanese To-Shin Do Ninjutsu martial art, is a sousaphone musician and avid podcaster on www.gamesatwork.biz. NCSSM Durham graduate from the 6th class in 1987.  

Special Speaker, Technical Advisor (Durham)

Chip Bobbert joined NCSSM in June 2024 as Director of the Colopy Entrepreneurship Program. Chip has spent 20 years in education as a program developer, technologist and funder, turning emerging technologies into impactful services. At Duke University, he spent a decade as a senior technologist and Innovation Architect, building one of the largest and most recognized programs of its kind in higher education where it earned a listing among the Top 50 by Newsweek. He frequently collaborates with innovators, entrepreneurs, and funders and has been involved in developing numerous products, services, publications, and inventions. Chip has also taught at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering and served as an Emerging Technologist and Director in the UNC System, where he pioneered streaming media use in education. His efforts there earned him the Staff Employee of the Year award and a North Carolina State Employee of the Year nomination. Outside his institutional roles, Chip co-founded Construct3D, a company focused on professional development and the national dialogue around innovation centers. Through this channel, he is a frequent speaker on Industry 4.0 and educational technologies. He holds a graduate degree in Instructional Design and Technology and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. His current focus is on next-generation digital credentials, which aim to quantify and verify learners’ competencies faster and more accurately. He has worked on implementing these technologies and pushed for the development of a $15 million fund to support these programs.

Click here to learn more about his entrepreneurship program!

Workshop Lead (Morganton), Judge

Dr. Pravallika (Pravi) Devineni is a Lead AI Scientist at Duke Energy, where she uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve complex problems in the utilities industry. In her role, she has developed AI products that drive real impact—creating tools that help predict and prevent issues, enhance security, and optimize energy delivery. Her work focuses on analyzing large datasets, building intelligent systems that continuously learn and improve, and applying AI to support smarter decision-making.

Before joining Duke Energy, Pravi was a research scientist at a Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory, where she applied AI and Machine Learning to a range of scientific challenges. Her work spanned areas such as Nuclear Engineering, Urban Planning, and Materials Science, helping to develop smarter solutions for city management, materials development, and energy systems.

Pravi is passionate about technology and its power to solve tough problems creatively. She enjoys participating in hackathons, where she can see innovation in action and support students as they bring new ideas to life. When she is not working, Pravi enjoys hiking, cooking and pursuing creative ideas.

Workshop Lead (Durham)

Dennis Daniel is an accomplished leadership coach and management consultant with over four decades of experience. An Executive Program Leader of the John Maxwell Certified Leadership team, he specializes in enhancing leadership capabilities through targeted coaching and training programs. His extensive expertise spans both individual development and organizational growth, making him a valued partner in leadership transformation initiatives.

Dennis's approach to coaching combines deep industry knowledge with practical applications, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. He holds certifications in IT management and security, which allow him to integrate technical insights with leadership principles effectively. This unique blend of skills enables him to provide comprehensive solutions that drive operational efficiency and foster strategic success.

Throughout his career, Dennis has led numerous workshops and seminars focused on leadership development, strategic management, and personal growth. His commitment to professional development is underscored by his continuous pursuit of advanced coaching methodologies and his dedication to lifelong learning.

Passionate about developing potential, Dennis empowers leaders and organizations to achieve their goals by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge. His coaching style is informed by real-world experiences and a deep understanding of the dynamics of leadership in various business environments. Dennis's commitment to excellence and his ability to address complex challenges make him an effective coach and mentor for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike.

Workshop Lead (Morganton)

Aneka Happer works as a software engineer at Kyrus Technology, specializing in computer security. She attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as an undergraduate, where she studied Computer Science and Mathematics. She is also an NCSSM Durham alumni from the class of 2019.

Workshop Lead (Durham)

Dr. White is the founder of OpenPlains Inc. whose mission is to democratize geospatial modeling in flood resilience planning. His research focuses on participatory geospatial modeling and open source software engineering. He received his Ph.D. from NC State University in Geospatial Analytics and serves as a research software engineer and lecturer for the Center for Geospatial Analytics.

Workshop Lead (Durham)

I am a Full Stack Data Scientist, with a Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Texas at Austin (with undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science). I have 20+ years experience as a Software Engineer with the last 6+ years spent working in hybrid Data Science/Software Engineering roles.

I have lived in Durham, NC for 19 years and currently work at Seguno Software as a  Data Scientist analyzing data, building predictive models, and building data pipelines.

Workshop Lead (Morganton)

James Happer has taught physics, mathematics, engineering, data science and other STEM subjects in multiple countries for over 30 years. He currently teaches physics, astrophysics, research and more at NCSSM Morganton.

Technical Advisor (Durham), Judge

Through his role, Michael Owoc is responsible for building online services that power video game accounts, server management, matchmaking, e-commerce, etc.

Technical Advisor (Virtual), Judge

I am a seasoned Critical Infrastructure Security professional based in Bakersfield, California, with over 16 years of experience. Specializing in OT security, I have proven track record of helping organizations implement strong security measures that align with international standards. As a founding member and vice president of the ISC2-San Joaquin Valley chapter, as well as an active participant in various ISC2 chapters, I am dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the technology sector by mentoring aspiring professionals. I am actively contributing to the International Society of Automation(ISA), IEEE, where I influence cybersecurity standards and raises awareness about cyber threats. Beyond my professional commitments, I am engaged in volunteer work with NGOs and serves as a judge and mentor for educational competitions, nurturing the next generation of innovators. Currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity, I am holding both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology and has extensive mentoring experience.

Technical Advisor (Virtual), Judge

Harini is a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in automation testing, quality assurance, and software development. Currently serving as a Director of Technology, Harini has been instrumental in transforming the testing landscape for various large-scale initiatives encompassing numerous microapplications.

She has a proven track record of leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies, to ensure efficiency, consistency, and high-quality outcomes.

With a strong background in DevOps and Agile environments, Harini has led and mentored teams of Assurance engineers, enabling them to deliver seamless integration and validation of complex systems. Harini holds a Master's degree in Software Engineering and is a Microsoft Certified Professional. Passionate about driving innovation and building resilient software systems, she is dedicated to sharing her insights and empowering teams to excel in the evolving world of technology.

Judge

Bhanuprakash Madupati is a seasoned technology leader with over a decade of expertise in .NET full-stack development, cloud computing, and enterprise architecture. As the Technology Lead at the Department of Corrections, Minnesota, he has spearheaded large-scale digital transformation projects, utilizing technologies like .NET Core, AWS, Azure, and Angular to improve system scalability, security, and performance.

A recognized leader in the tech industry, Bhanuprakash has earned accolades such as the “Most Inspiring Leader in AWS & Cloud Technology” at the Global Technology Leaders Award 2024 and the Indian Achievers’ Award 2024. With over 25 research publications, he serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals, including IJSR, JIST, and IJERT.

Bhanuprakash has evaluated innovation across 20+ hackathons as a judge or mentor and served as a judge for notable awards like the Claro Awards, Globee® Women in Business Awards, BIG Innovation Awards, and The Connected Awards.

A Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) and a member of IEEE and BCS, Bhanuprakash inspires innovation through his extensive contributions to the tech community and commitment to excellence.

Technical Advisor (Durham) 

Marc Baumbach is a co-founder and head of Engineering at Seguno, where they are building an embedded marketing automation platform inside of the Shopify commerce platform.

Judge, Technical Advisor (Online)

I’m a technology professional with over 20 years of experience in building innovative solutions across industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. I’ve worked on everything from designing Java/JEE systems to creating AI platforms and in-house AI agents, as well as building scalable microservices using Kafka.

What I love most about my work is solving complex problems and exploring new ideas, which is why I’m excited to be a judge at this hackathon. I’ve spent my career mentoring teams, breaking down complex ideas, and fostering creativity, so I’m thrilled to see how young innovators tackle challenges and think outside the box.

I’m here to evaluate projects not just on their technical execution but also on how creative, impactful, and practical they are. Most of all, I’m looking forward to being inspired by the next generation of tech enthusiasts and their fresh ideas!

Technical Advisor (Morganton)

Seasoned engineering leader with a proven track record in effectively leading team of engineers within a fast-paced environment. Responsible for overseeing the development of high-throughput, complex implementations utilizing a range of technologies such as Apache Kafka, MongoDB, and cloud-based solutions. Experienced in working with cross-functional teams, driving innovation.

Technical Advisor (Durham), Judge

I am experienced in designing and implementing end-to-end AI solutions in computer vision, NLP including GenAI, lead generation, etc. 

Judge

Tia is a 1999 graduate of NCSSM Durham, who holds a BA in Psychology and Master of Public Administration. Ms. Howell is a dynamic human resources professional with comprehensive experience implementing, managing, and optimizing multi-level HR practices with focus on continuous improvement. In addition to being a certified NC Notary, Tia enjoys volunteering with her son's school and basketball teams, local non-profits, and both NCSSM Campuses, when time permits. 

Technical Advisor (Durham), Judge

Have Masters in Computer science from ULL. Currently working as Data Engineer. AI/ML Enthusiast 

Technical Advisor (Morganton)

Andi Hariyono provides technical support within the company he works for. He has a background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Web Development. He designs fiber optics wide area networks, develops monitoring and support systems, and assists the network operation center. His clients include school districts, local governments and health care providers in North Carolina.

Workshop Lead (Virtual), Technical Advisor (Virtual)

I'm a theoretical physicist, which means I spend my time understanding the principles that shape our universe. My work focuses on creating mathematical models to understand everything from the smallest particles to the largest cosmic structures. It's about answer the 'why' behind how the universe works and contributing to a more better understanding of reality.

Judge, Technical Advisor

With over 14 years of experience in software development, I bring a deep understanding of modern technologies and innovative problem-solving capabilities. My expertise spans full-stack development, including proficiency in ReactJS, Angular, and backend technologies like NodeJS, PHP, Python, and Java. I have a strong background in cloud platforms, such as AWS, Salesforce Cloud, and IBM Cloud, and a proven track record of designing scalable, user-focused solutions.

Throughout my career, I’ve led diverse teams of up to eight developers, delivering projects that blend technical excellence with strategic insight. My hands-on experience includes crafting web applications, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and utilizing tools like Jenkins, GitHub, and automated testing frameworks. I am adept at business requirement analysis, Agile methodologies, and the full SDLC.

In addition to my technical expertise, I have worked across cutting-edge domains such as Artificial Intelligence, contributing to innovative projects and mentoring teams to adopt best practices.

Passionate about fostering innovation, evaluate ideas and empower the next generation.

Judge

I’m Healthcare Database Specialist with 22 years of experience. I have technical expertise on SQL server, Artificial Intelligence, Data Exchange Design, Leadership and Project Management. I have been involved in many Hackathons and Awards judging programs. 

Technical Advisor, Judge

Krishna Kumar is a seasoned Corporate and Technology Strategist with a vast background in leading strategic initiatives across diverse industries, including railways, transportation, logistics, IT, and hospitality. He is an expert in transformation, mergers, acquisitions, digital initiatives, and artificial intelligence, with a deep understanding of vendor and business relationships. Prior to this, he co-founded one of the world’s first live mobile video applications and held senior executive roles in Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks globally, as well as in IRCTC, where he led ERP implementations and supported 20 million users.

Krishna has held pivotal leadership roles at Hewlett Packard (HP) Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE), where he managed global IT operations and played a key role in HPE’s demerger with Computer Science Corporation, which led to the creation of DXC Technology. He is a founding board member of the US India Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Austin AI Valley. In addition to being a technology investor and advisor, Krishna is a sought-after technology speaker and has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from HPE Management and multiple recognitions for his ERP work in Indian Railways.

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Technical Advisor (Durham)

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