8:00 am
waffles with Brian Delong
Chief Technology Officer, Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3) United States Space Force
Brian DeLong
A transformative technology leader with over two decades of innovation excellence, Brian DeLong drives breakthrough advancements at the critical intersection of strategic vision and technological capability. His career spans an extraordinary range of achievements—from pioneering the world class endurance coaching industry and Olympic anti-doping paperless programs to revolutionizing NFL-caliber virtual reality training and professional fantasy sports platforms. Brian's exceptional talent lies in his ability to translate complex technical capabilities into decisive competitive advantages, bridging the often challenging divide between business leadership and engineering excellence.
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3), Brian infuses commercial innovation methodologies and startup agility into military technology modernization. His distinctive approach empowers teams to operationalize emerging technologies for decision advantage through disciplined adaptation and strategic implementation.
Brian's commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond traditional boundaries through his creation of unique engagement initiatives. His signature "Waffles on Wednesday (WoW!)" gatherings, iconic brown bag Wisdom Sessions, and accessible Office Hours have become legendary within the defense technology community for reimagining collaboration with Science and Technology (Futures), Industry, Commercial, and Non-Traditional partners.
Learn more about Brian's initiatives and insights at thecto.space
12:00 pm
wisdom session with dr. Tossell
Lead, Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR)
Research Fellow,
Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS)
Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI)
University of Colorado, Boulder
Chad tossell, phd
Dr. Chad Tossell (Lt Col, Retired) leads the Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR) Program in the Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, a M.S. in Applied Psychology from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Human Factors / Human-Computer Interaction from Rice University. Before joining NSI, Dr. Tossell taught courses in human factors, psychology, and systems engineering at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) winning the Outstanding Academy Educator Award in 2023. His research in human-AI teaming, automated driving, social robotics, training, and the will to fight has resulted in a wide range of publications, multiple research awards, and featured in media outlets such as The Economist. In addition to his time at USAFA, Dr. Tossell served as a Behavioral Scientist and Developmental Engineer in a variety of technical and leadership positions around the world including the Air Force Research Laboratory for six years as program manager, team lead, technical advisor, and branch chief. In support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support, Dr. Tossell deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-2015 where he served as the Director of Operations for the Security Assistance Office and awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
1:15 pm
kick-off with bart stewart
Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAO)
Chief, S6 Information Dominance Division
Space Systems Command, USSF
Bart Stewart
Bartley "Bart" Stewart is a problem-solving professional with extensive experience in the defense and space sectors. As Division Chief at Space Systems Command, he leads initiatives that enhance the United States' space capabilities. His prior roles include Integration Engineer, Entropy Manager, and International Affairs Officer, reflecting his versatility in managing complex projects and fostering global collaborations. Bart's expertise in applying complexity theory to enterprise cyber risk and emerging A.I. technologies, coupled with his innovative approach to cybersecurity challenges, culminate in an uncanny ability to uncover the often hidden connections between systems and ideas. Bart promotes community, scalability, and intuition to create positive behaviors and successes within organizations.
2:00 pm
PANEL I: AI AND HUMAN ETHICS
Navigating the Moral and Strategic Implications of Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into national security, defense, and decision-making, the ethical considerations surrounding its use have never been more critical. This panel will explore the balance between innovation and responsibility, addressing questions of bias, accountability, and the ethical use of AI in warfare and intelligence operations. Experts from government, academia, and industry will discuss how to develop policies, frameworks, and safeguards that ensure AI enhances human capabilities while aligning with ethical and strategic priorities.
submit your questions for the ai and human ethics panel
Dr. joel mozer
moderator
Dr. Joel B. Mozer, was a senior-level executive serving as the United States Space Force Director of Science, Technology, and Research, at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In that position, he served as the central lead for all science and technology matters for an organization that comprises approximately 16,000 space professionals worldwide managing a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning, and launch facilities. Dr. Mozer currently serves on the Board of Directors for Catalyst Campus for Technology Innovation and performs research on the use of generative AI for strategic planning.
Space Force Chief Science Officer Emeritus
garrett anderson
panelist
Garrett Anderson is a seasoned data analytics and data science professional with over 15 years of industry experience, including more than 7 years dedicated to harnessing the power of machine learning and AI. As a Senior Data Scientist at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, Garrett explores innovative applications of AI, particularly in the realm of human-machine teaming. Previously, Garrett contributed to advancements at Ria Financial, bringing machine learning and AI expertise to complex problems in fraud detection and risk assessment, and leveraging data science to drive business results.
Beyond technical endeavors, Garrett also serves as the executive producer of the T3 Talks and Forensic Friday podcasts, showcasing thought leadership and a passion for fostering informed discussions in the fields of technology advancement as well as psychology and public safety.
A firm believer in using data as a tool to create efficiencies, manage risks, and drive growth, Garrett is dedicated to transforming raw data into actionable insights. Whether mentoring aspiring data scientists or engaging in conversations about ethics in AI, Garrett is passionate about advancing the field responsibly and meaningfully.
Lead Data Scientist, VT-ARC
cindY chin
panelist
CEO and Chief Space Officer of Planetary Systems AI
Cindy Chin is the CEO, Chief Space Officer and Founder of Planetary Systems AI. Planetary Systems AI accelerates data flow and insight generation for decision-making in the space sector, optimizing planetary support operations, making space data simple and smart.
She is an award-winning operator and serial entrepreneur, founder of companies like CLIPr and CLC Advisors. She is an inventor of multiple AI patents in the tech industry in computer vision.
She is also a NASA Datanaut one of NASA’s Open Innovation program initiatives that operated within the Office of the Chief Information Officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C and an Ambassador for NASA’s International SpaceApps Challenge, the largest hackathon on the planet.
She is also a mentor, advisor and board member to tech startups teams including Google for Startups Accelerator in North America, AWS Space Accelerator, Founder Fuel in Canada, and Al Data Lab at Howard University. She was a Visiting Professor at FH Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.
She’s been nominated for for several awards including VivaTech’s Top 30 Female Founders, Venture Beat Female AI Award, and AI Awards North America and winner of multiple startup award competitions. She was named as one of Entrepreneur Magazine's 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs in 2018.
chad tossel, phd
panelist
Lead, Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR)
Research Fellow,
Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS)
Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI)
University of Colorado, Boulder
Dr. Chad Tossell (Lt Col, Retired) leads the Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR) Program in the Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, a M.S. in Applied Psychology from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Human Factors / Human-Computer Interaction from Rice University. Before joining NSI, Dr. Tossell taught courses in human factors, psychology, and systems engineering at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) winning the Outstanding Academy Educator Award in 2023. His research in human-AI teaming, automated driving, social robotics, training, and the will to fight has resulted in a wide range of publications, multiple research awards, and featured in media outlets such as The Economist. In addition to his time at USAFA, Dr. Tossell served as a Behavioral Scientist and Developmental Engineer in a variety of technical and leadership positions around the world including the Air Force Research Laboratory for six years as program manager, team lead, technical advisor, and branch chief. In support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support, Dr. Tossell deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-2015 where he served as the Director of Operations for the Security Assistance Office and awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
3:15 pm
interactive activity: bill michael
breakout brainstorm problem statements.
Bill Michael
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
William Michael is an instructor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCCS. He leads the Data Analytics and Systems Engineering curriculum where complex data meets complex systems. He previously served as an instructor at UCCS and brings extensive experience from both industry and government sectors. His career includes roles as an Engineering Test Pilot and manager at Northrop Grumman, a Department Head and test pilot instructor at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, and a systems engineer at the National Reconnaissance Office.