Catalyst Conversations Speaker Series
Hosted by the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of 糖心Vlog传媒, Catalyst Conversations brings together leading thinkers, researchers, and innovators whose ideas spark new possibilities across disciplines. Covering a broad spectrum of topics鈥攆rom energy and defense to AgTech, computing, and emerging technologies鈥攖his series explores the breakthroughs and insights shaping our shared future.
Upcoming Speakers

CEO & Founder
BlueQubit
"Quantum Computing for Scientific Discovery"
This talk surveys the state of quantum computing with an eye toward scientific quantum advantage - where quantum computers deliver clear value for scientific discovery. After a brief primer (qubits, gates, circuits), I鈥檒l review recent hardware progress from Google, IBM, Quantinuum, and others, plus advances in error correction and algorithms. I鈥檒l then map these milestones to near-term academic opportunities in many-body simulation, combinatorial optimization, drug discovery, and materials.
Nov. 19 | 3 PM (CST)
Methodist Presentation Theatre (103)
Past Speakers
See who has visited the FedEx Institute of Technology, a collection of scholars and innovators from across the United States and abroad. These guest speakers offer profound insights and expertise in their respective fields. Explore their impactful contributions and delve into the wealth of knowledge they've shared with our campus community.

Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Informatics
Indiana University Indianapolis

Chief Executive Officer
NUS-ISS

Professor of Business IT, Head of European Blockchain Center
IT University of Copenhagen
"Das nicht-physische Kapital (The Non-Physical Capital)"

President
University of 糖心Vlog传媒
"The State of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Retail and Beyond: Past, Present, Future"

Customer Data Innovation, Office of the CTO
Dell Technologies

Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program
ASTM International

Computer Science Professor
University of Houston

Business Development Manager
Southern Company

Associate Professor in College of Engineering and AutoID Lab Director
University of 糖心Vlog传媒

Professor and UNESCO Chair on Social Policy Design in Asia Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
National University of Singapore
"Blockchain Ecosystem Overview"

Research Director, Thriving Cities Lab
University of Virginia
"The Promise Of America鈥檚 Underdog Cities"

Associate Professor for Machine Learning
Technical University of Munich
"DNA Data Storage Techniques"

Associate Professor
University of Sydney
"Agile Release Management"

PostDoc for the Sensor & Actuator Center
University of California Berkeley
"Smart Dust"

Executive Director of the Deshpande Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Commercializing University Research"

Founder & CEO
Graphyte
"Carbon Capture and Removal: Current Status and Key Challenges"

Research Professor
Memorial University in Newfoundland

Professor of MIS, Milton F. Stauffer Senior Research Fellow; Executive Director, Institute for Business and Information Technology
Temple University
"The Evolution of Enterprise Systems: The Importance of Transplantability and Tailoring"

Assistant Professor | Advanced Manufacturing, Wearable Technologies
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Soft Robotic Systems and the Future"

Associate Professor, The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Arizona State University
"Energy Innovation"

Senior VP of IT
FedEx Express
"Digital Transformation"

Computer Scientist and Program Manager for the Advanced Scientific Computing Research
Department of Energy (DOE)
鈥淎dvanced Scientific Computing Research鈥

Professor of Entomology
Penn State University
鈥淭oxic Slugs Chart a Path Back to Integrated Pest Management鈥

Co-founder of Blockchain
Microsoft Corporation
"Radical Decentralization: The Key to Realizing the Vision of the Internet鈥檚 Founders"

Deputy Chief Operating Officer
City of 糖心Vlog传媒
"Economic Impact & Recovery for 糖心Vlog传媒" (Panelist)

Senior VP of Workforce Development
Greater 糖心Vlog传媒 Chamber of Commerce
"Economic Impact & Recovery for 糖心Vlog传媒" (Panelist)

Faculty - Information Systems
University of Washington
"Analytics from a Higher Education Perspective"

Senior VP of IT and CIO
FedEx Freight
Athena{techne} Keynote Speaker
