Clarke College

Dr. Chalachew Temesgen Jemberie holds a Ph.D. in Economics with a specialization in Econometrics from Agrocampus Ouest, France (now Institut Agro Rennes-Angers). He is an expert in Advanced Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Econometric Analysis, with over a decade of experience bridging academic research and applied data science.

Dr. Jemberie serves as an Adjunct Professor at UMGC, UMBC, and Trine University, teaching courses in machine learning, data science, and data-driven decision-making. In his professional roles—including Senior Data Scientist at the D.C. Department of Employment Services and Staff Data Scientist at NextEra Energy—he has developed AI-powered solutions for pricing optimization, workforce forecasting, and policy evaluation.

A thought leader in ethical AI and public-sector innovation, Dr. Jemberie combines rigorous econometric modeling with scalable machine learning systems to support data-informed decisions that drive equity and impact.

Dr. Natalie Papini is an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University in the Department of Health Sciences. She has an M.A. in Clinical Health Psychology and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health from Northern Arizona University. She teaches courses on research methods, health coaching, and stress management. Her research interests and specializations focus on mixed methods applications of positive psychology to body image, eating disorders, and weight stigma.

Experienced Software Engineering Manager with 7 years of rapid growth, leading end-to-end service builds and driving multimillion-dollar revenue at Teladoc Health through IPO and pandemic-era hyper-growth.

Michael Tabor is a full stack software engineer with over six years of experience delivering impactful digital solutions across diverse industries—including revenue operations, professional sports, oil and gas, and building technologies. Known for his ability to translate complex problems into clean, scalable code, Michael brings both technical depth and industry versatility to every project.

In addition to his work in the tech industry, Michael is a passionate mentor and facilitator, guiding students through the fundamentals of software engineering and real-world development practices. He is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment that helps aspiring developers grow their skills and confidence. Michael holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University and is a graduate of The Tech Academy’s Python Coding Boot Camp. His teaching style emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and real-world application.

With a Master of Science in Mathematics from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University, I am a seasoned professional at the intersection of Data Science, AI/ML, and Software Engineering. My academic rigor, combined with practical experience, has equipped me with a robust analytical framework essential for tackling complex problems in these rapidly evolving fields. I'm driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, constantly exploring the latest technological advancements.

I thrive on intellectual exchange, particularly discussions with other tech professionals who offer fresh perspectives. These collaborative conversations consistently spark new ideas, deepen my understanding, and inspire further research into emerging topics. This open-minded approach has been a cornerstone of my career, fostering an environment of perpetual growth.

I consider myself fortunate to have entered the data science domain when data scientist roles were proliferating. This timing provided me the opportunity to interact with Data Scientists that did not come from a traditional Computer Science or Statistics background. I learned a lot about how any individual could tailor their skills to best adapt to new industries. This experience solidified my belief in the power of adaptability and interdisciplinary thinking, principles that continue to guide my professional journey. My goal is to leverage my expertise to contribute meaningfully to innovative solutions and foster a culture of shared learning within the tech community.

Dr. Chalachew Temesgen Jemberie holds a Ph.D. in Economics with a specialization in Econometrics from Agrocampus Ouest, France (now Institut Agro Rennes-Angers). He is an expert in Advanced Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Econometric Analysis, with over a decade of experience bridging academic research and applied data science.

Dr. Jemberie serves as an Adjunct Professor at UMGC, UMBC, and Trine University, teaching courses in machine learning, data science, and data-driven decision-making. In his professional roles—including Senior Data Scientist at the D.C. Department of Employment Services and Staff Data Scientist at NextEra Energy—he has developed AI-powered solutions for pricing optimization, workforce forecasting, and policy evaluation.

A thought leader in ethical AI and public-sector innovation, Dr. Jemberie combines rigorous econometric modeling with scalable machine learning systems to support data-informed decisions that drive equity and impact.

Based in Dallas, TX, Tony is currently working as a Senior Developer Advocate at MongoDB. Tony has over 5 years of professional experience working as a full stack developer from start ups (Veryable) to enterprise level companies (Southwest Airlines), and he has over 4+ years of teaching experience focused on teaching bootcamp students on across all subject topics from the basic fundamentals to full stack development. During his free time, Tony enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and exercising.

I am a data scientist with experience in tech and government contracting. I work in Python, SQL, and R. I enjoy machine learning and AI applications. I also teach data science and AI at a tech boot camp.

Dave Odom is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Naval Nuclear Laboratory operated by Fluor Marine Propulsion where he is responsible for the executive management and oversight of the cybersecurity program.  Dave spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a Cryptologist/Information Warfare Officer. While on active duty, he served at the National Security Agency and was recognized as one of the Department of Defense experts in the tactics of Computer Network Operations.  He holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Computer Science from Norfolk State University and the Naval Postgraduate School respectively, and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).  Throughout his professional career, Dave has been involved in several freelance projects including: technical editor for the 1st edition of the book “Gray Hat Hacking”, security analyst for the IRS, and technical curriculum developer for various cybersecurity courses of instruction.  In an effort to improve the representation of minorities within the cybersecurity workforce, he developed and facilitated the 2018 Cybersecurity Boot Camp, designed to educate youth from underserved populations in the greater Pittsburgh area.  Dave is an Affiliate Practice Scholar for the Pitt Cyber Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, a member of the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Jason Soto is an accomplished Cybersecurity Director with over a decade of experience dedicated to safeguarding critical assets and spearheading proactive security initiatives. His professional background includes a consistent record of successfully implementing advanced threat detection systems, establishing robust security analytics capabilities, and leading comprehensive security awareness training programs. Mr. Soto possesses deep expertise in Cloud Security, Vulnerability Management, and Threat Intelligence programs, complemented by a profound understanding of industry security best practices and frameworks. He is committed to remaining at the forefront of the evolving threat landscape and establishing resilient security postures.

Currently serving as the Director of Information Security and Compliance at UNICEF USA, where he provides strategic leadership in the assessment and evaluation of information security risks and ensures adherence to security standards. His responsibilities encompass the leadership of the Vulnerability Management Program, Third-Party Risk Management, Cloud Security efforts, Threat Hunting, and the Threat Intelligence Program. Furthermore, he is responsible for Security Analytics and Response and directing Security Awareness Training.

Prior to his current role, he held the position of Information Security Administrator at Contraloria General de la Republica Dominicana. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Information Security Program. He also coordinated Security Awareness Programs, monitored network and system security, and regularly performed penetration testing.

His core competencies include Security Detection and Response, Security Operations, Vulnerability Management, Cloud Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Threat Hunting,Third Party Risk Management, Solutions Architecting, and Leadership. He holds numerous professional certifications, including CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA CASP+, ISC2 SSCP, and various MAD Defender and Threat Intelligence certifications.

Jerry L. Turner III is a cybersecurity leader and instructor with over 20 years of experience spanning military service, federal agencies, and private sector roles. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jerry brings deep expertise in information security, governance, compliance, risk management, and hands-on technical operations. He currently serves as a Senior Security Control Assessor supporting Army-wide financial systems under the Risk Management Framework (RMF), where he also developed the Army Personnel Monitoring Portal (APMP) to reduce access-related audit findings. Alongside his technical work, Jerry is a passionate educator. He has taught cybersecurity and information technology at various different education levels and has served as an adjunct or contract instructor for Colorado Technical University, Pikes Peak Community College, Cyber Brain Academy, and IIUSA. He has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels, led multiple ISC2 and CompTIA certification boot camps, and maintains consistently high student ratings. Jerry holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology, a Bachelor’s in IT, and numerous industry certifications including CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, and Security+. He is also an ISC2 Authorized Instructor and graduate of the Air Force “Train the Trainer” program. Jerry combines real-world insight with a student-focused approach to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Dr. Mohamed Mneimneh is a distinguished academic and industry professional with over 20 years of experience. He has taught 18 different courses and developed 7, showcasing his dedication to education. Dr. Mneimneh holds 22 patents and publications, including 4 patents, 1 book, 4 journal papers, and 11 conference papers. His work has garnered 322 citations, with an h-index of 6 and an i10-index of 5. Recognized for his extraordinary performance at SAP, he has won several prestigious awards, including the SAP Intrapreneurship Pitching Competition in 2015 and the MIT Physionet/Computers in Cardiology Challenge in 2007.

Jerry is an experienced information security professional currently serving as the Associate Director of Security Operations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He leads the Information Security Operations Center (SOC), focusing on incident response, firewall security management, and cyber forensic services. He also leads the Threat & Vulnerability Team, focusing on red team activities, threat hunting and vulnerability assessment.

Jerry has also served as an adjunct instructor for Cyber Security Bootcamps and has created multiple courses for cybersecurity training organizations.

With multiple decades of technical experience and a passion for helping others, Jerry straddles the line between technology practitioner and educator.