20 September “A Space 18th SDG for the Future” SOTF Side Event Panelists


panelist	bio
Claire A. Nelson (The Futures Forum)	Dr. Claire Nelson is Chief Ideation Leader of The Futures Forum, a research and education practice specializing in bringing the power of strategic foresight and discipline of sustainability engineering to challenges facing organizations and communities. Nelson, named on Forbes as one of the top 50 female futurists in the world, is author of the game-changing book “SMART Futures for a Flourishing World: A Paradigm for Advancing Global Sustainability”. A sought-after speaker, Nelson’s engagements have included: World Bank; World Steel; US Air Force; and Engineering for One Planet. Dr. Nelson is a Member of the Board of the World Futures Studies Federation and Editor-At-Large of its flagship publication Human Futures Magazine. The convenor of the Space Futures Forum, a global initiative that advocates Space for All, she serves as Advisory Member at the Institute of Space Law and Ethics, and is a Goodwill Ambassador for UN International Moon Day. A social entrepreneur, Dr. Nelson is Founding President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the leading Caribbean American Diaspora organization and celebrated as the Architect and Convening Chair of the Campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. She is Curator of the Caribbean American Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill and White House Briefings, the National Caribbean American Heritage Awards, and the Caribbean Space Society. Dr. Nelson, an award-winning writer, storyteller, and performance artiste has written and performed two one woman shows ‘Limbo Like This’, which tells the story of Caribbean Life in America; and ‘Moon Runnings: The Life & Times of the First Jamaican on the Moon’, and the hit comedy Resident Alien, which received critical acclaim. The only Black female in her graduating class, she holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from George Washington University (1990). Dr. Nelson was named a White House Champion of Change in 2012
Henk Rogers (International Moonbase Alliance	Henk Rogers is the founder of the International Moonbase Alliance, an organization with the goal to build sustainable settlements on the Moon and Mars and establish Hawaii as a leader in the space industry. He also founded Blue Planet Energy, a global leader in renewable energy storage systems. Henk is the President of the Tetris Company and a pioneer in the video game industry. Today, Rogers is the founder of 10 companies and non-profit organizations focused on space exploration, renewable energy, and ending the use of fossil fuels on Earth. Rogers continues to be an influential figure and has received numerous awards, including being inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 2008 and named CEO of the Year by Hawaii Business Magazine in 2015.
Ben Gamble (AstroBen Podcast)	Ben Gamble, an MBA graduate from UCL, is a seasoned venue owner/operator and events entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry. He owns Dockside Vaults (500 capacity events venue) in London and is expanding with new properties in both London and New York. Passionate about sustainability in space, Ben is the host of the Astro Ben podcast, a leading space and science show with over 100 episodes featuring notable guests like astronauts Scott Kelly and Jared Isaacman, scientist Bill Nye, and UFO obsessive/rockstar Tom DeLonge. Through the podcast, Ben delves into crucial topics like the Overview Effect, reusable rocketry, and making space accessible to all. He’s also an advocate for integrating civilian space development into the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda as the 18th Sustainable Development Goal. Additionally, Ben runs Nylon Pie, a consultancy that secures venues for innovative operators in London and New York, merging his love for events and space, by facilitating events that promote space such as Yuri’s Night and May 4th parties. With plans to launch his own venture in the space economy before 2030, Ben is always eager to connect with those who share his vision for the future of venues, events, and space exploration.
Frank White (Human Space Program)	Frank White, a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, is a renowned author, space philosopher, and consultant who has written extensively on topics such as space exploration, climate change, and artificial intelligence. His most notable work is "The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution," which has become a seminal contribution to the field of space exploration. The book explores the profound cognitive shift that occurs when viewing the Earth from space and its implications for human evolution and space exploration.
Robert Zubrin (The Mars Society)	Robert Zubrin, Ph.D. is President of The Mars Society and of Pioneer Astronautics. He is an American aerospace engineer and author, best known for his advocacy of the manned exploration of Mars. Bob earned his B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Rochester (1974), his M.S. in Nuclear Engineering (1984), his M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics (1986), and his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering (1992) — all from the University of Washington. He has developed a number of concepts for space propulsion and exploration, and is the author of over 200 technical and non-technical papers and several books. Among others: "Merchants of Despair: Radical Environmentalists, Criminal Pseudo-Scientists, and the Fatal Cult of Antihumanism", "Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization", "How to Live on Mars: A Trusty Guidebook to Surviving and Thriving on the Red Planet", "The Case for Mars". Complete bio.
Rick Tumlinson (EarthLight Foundation)	Rick N. Tumlinson cofounded the Space Frontier Foundation, New Worlds, Space Fund. and Earthlight Foundation. He worked with Gerard K. O’Neill at the Space Studies Institute, founded the New York L-5 Society, and was a key player in the Lunar Prospector project. He also helped pass the Space Settlement Act of 1988, testified before President Reagan’s National Commission on Space, and was a founding trustee of the X-Prize. He cofounded the firm LunaCorp and was a cofounder of the space firm MirCorp. A regular contributor to Space News and Huffington Post, he writes in dozens of newspapers and publications. He has appeared on several tv programs as ABC, CBS, CNN, Russia TV, China’s CCTV and UK BBC. He joined NASA’s Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, helping to lay out the framework for the first human outpost on the Moon and steps towards putting humans on Mars. He authored Do we go to play? Or do we go to stay?, Here We Go Again, A Giant Leap Forward – or a Giant Step Backward?, Private Industry Can Help NASA Open the Space Frontier, Return to the Moon For the Right Reasons, in the Right Way, There is No Debate Between the Moon and Mars, You Can’t Call Them Space Tourists Yet, A Goal worth Dying For, and The Third Wave of Alternative Space.
Cheryl Gallagher (Asgardia)	Cheryl Gallagher, known professionally as Madhavi Devi, is a multifaceted active professional artist and musician who has made significant and unique contributions to the fields of ambient electronic music and visual arts. Her work, characterized by spiritual depth and transcendental qualities, has earned her recognition within the New Age and ambient music communities and the creative arts community. She is also known as a strong advocate in the aerospace community for human cultural evolution through her published articles, produced videos and project support for various organizations contributing to positive and advanced human physical and cultural development in space. She also has a Master’s Degree in Adult Education with a focus on Program Administration, she’s a graduate of a fine arts program in Sonoma, CA, and she also has versatile skills in many digital creative production realms, social media platforms, website design, and various AI tools. She’s a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys) and an active member of the International Association of Artists and the International Association of Aeronautical Artists. She is also active in a variety of space initiatives and NGOs, including Space Renaissance International, and has leadership roles in several space initiatives and NGOs, such as Asgardia, Spaceborne United, and ASRI. Based in Austin, Texas, Cheryl Gallagher’s (Madhavi Devi) commitment to personal and collective evolution is evident in both her art and her advocacy. She is deeply involved in promoting human cultural evolution, particularly in the context of space exploration, where she sees an opportunity for humanity to transcend its current limitations in the outer space environments planned for the future. She supports organizations dedicated to this overall vision, in general as well as research on specific aspects of human evolution, such as reproduction in space, and legacy projects that accurately documenting Earth’s history for future generations. For more information, visit Cheryl Gallagher (Madhavi Devi)’s official website www.madhavidevi.com.
Gary Barnhard (Space Development Foundation)	Gary Pearce Barnhard is a self-described synergistic technological philanthropist, entrepreneur, and serial venture capitalist whose intersections with the space business span all sectors. He is a computer, robotic, space, and utility systems engineer with over 46 years of experience. He currently serves in several capacities, including: Director of Strategic Relationships for the National Space Society, Founder, President and CEO of Xtraordinary Innovative Space Partnerships, Inc. (XISP-Inc), and Vice President of the Moon Village Association.
Shannon Procise (Business Acceleration Network)	Shannon Procise's passion for community development and empowering others has driven her dedication to social impact. A longtime resident of Satellite Beach, FL, Shannon has been an integral part of the space community for many years, playing a pivotal role in fostering the economic development and prosperity needed for the space program to thrive. Her expertise in training, consulting, event planning, marketing, public relations, and networking has been utilized by renowned figures and everyday community members alike to uplift and strengthen their neighborhoods. Shannon has spent over two decades cultivating a vibrant international network of community organizations, fostering their growth through knowledge-sharing, marketing, and collaborative strategies. She is known for her ability to connect people and resources, creating a powerful web of support for community-driven initiatives. A master at forging strategic alliances and nurturing sustainable partnerships, Shannon adeptly navigates complex challenges and inspires teams to achieve their highest potential. She generously shares her knowledge, empowering others to create positive change in their space communities, and beyond. Shannon's leadership has been recognized through various media appearances, including television, radio, and print. Shannon is at the forefront of driving positive change in Brevard County through her leadership of the Brevard Prosperity Initiative. She leverages her extensive experience to guide the initiatives towards excellence, ensuring they achieve their goals of creating a thriving and equitable community for all residents. Under Shannon's guidance, the Brevard Prosperity Initiative have become a model for community development. She fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, to address systemic challenges and implement innovative solutions. As a dedicated community builder in Satellite Beach, Shannon has been instrumental in driving the economic development and prosperity necessary for the space program to flourish. She recognizes the symbiotic relationship between a thriving community and a successful space industry and has worked tirelessly to strengthen both.
Paul J. Werbos (Millennium Project, NSS, NSF, MST)	Dr. Paul John Werbos is a prominent figure in the fields of machine learning and computational intelligence, currently serving as a Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). He oversees the Adaptive and Intelligent Systems (AIS) area within the Power, Controls, and Adaptive Networks (PCAN) Program, as well as the new focus on Quantum, Molecular, and High-Performance Modeling and Simulation for Devices and Systems. Werbos is recognized for his pioneering work in neural networks, particularly for developing the backpropagation algorithm, which is fundamental to training artificial neural networks. He has received the IEEE Neural Network Pioneer Award. He served as one of the original presidents of the International Neural Network Society (INNS). Dr. Werbos holds four degrees from Harvard and the London School of Economics, in economics, international political systems, and applied mathematics with a focus on quantum physics. He has contributed significantly to energy sustainability and space exploration initiatives, notably through his involvement in the NASA-NSF-EPRI initiative for space solar power technologies. Werbos has interests in broader philosophical questions regarding consciousness and human potential, with various publications exploring these themes. His influential 1974 Ph.D. thesis has been reprinted and he has authored multiple works on artificial intelligence and sustainability.
Constance Erlanger (GoKnown LLC)	Connie is the co-founder and CEO of GoKnown LLC, a technology firm located in Aventura, Florida, specializing in cybersecurity and data ownership solutions. The company has developed KNOWN®, a pioneering real-time distributed ledger designed for secure, scalable, and decentralized computing at the Edge. Before establishing GoKnown in 2018 with notable partners, including technologist Michael Harold, Connie had a robust career in banking and finance in New York City. Her extensive experience encompasses bank lending across 11 countries, foreign exchange trading, and real estate management. She also co-founded and managed two previous financial services companies, where her husband, Michael Erlanger, developed patented intellectual property that influenced GoKnown's technology. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Connie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College and has pursued language studies in Taiwan. She is married and has two daughters. GoKnown collaborates with various leaders in cybersecurity and aerospace, and its technology, underpinned by the patented kBFT™ consensus protocol, addresses critical global challenges, including cybersecurity threats and data scalability issues.
Ari Eisenstat (Space 4 Humanity)	Ari Eisenstat is an International Futurist at the University of Hawai'i - Research Center for Future Studies and Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution Instructor in Human Rights, Space Exploration, and Astrobiology. Ari facilitates Outer Space Innovation and Advocacy programs through the United Nations Association-USA, Nexus Global Summit, and UH NASA Astrobiology Institute featuring Astronauts, UN Office of Outer Space Affairs Officials, Elected Representatives, New Space Industry Leaders, and Civil Society Experts. Ari serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of 'Space for Humanity,' Advisor for the Conrad Foundation, and has presented for programs hosted at the White House, NASA Houston, Mountain View, & Cape Canaveral. With experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Ari has lectured at United Nations Agencies in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, UN Climate Change Conferences in Marrakech and Bonn, World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Bogota and Merida, as well as universities such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Penn, Duke, UC Berkeley, NYU, and globally. Ari engages in futures consulting, experiential education, strategic advising, venture philanthropy, impact investing, and creative media for leading edge projects.
Chantelle Baier (4SPACE)	Chantelle Baier, the dynamic Founder of 4SPACE, is a pioneering visionary and extraordinary trailblazer simultaneously in the space sector and in the art world. As the first women to land authorized artwork on the Moon, Chantelle’s life’s mission exemplifies her dedication to the sustainability of community and cosmos alike. A foreshadowing futurist and remarkable market-maker, Chantelle’s diverse expertise and steadfast focus push the boundaries of expression, exploration, and innovation. Her remarkable ability to envision emerging trends and imagine the possibilities of tomorrow have earned the support of top scientists, venture capitalists, world-renowned artists, global leaders, and corporations worldwide. Chantelle’s interdisciplinary approach bridges the traditional divide between the often-siloed art, science, marketing, and STEM disciplines, making her an invaluable leader in the space industry. Her multifaceted skills enable her to connect diverse stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and foster interdisciplinary dialogue, driving forward the critical mission of sustainable space exploration. Launching from her groundbreaking work with 4SPACE, Chantelle designed the S.P.A.R.K. (Space Play Art Robotics Knowledge) program for Elon Musk’s private school, Ad Astra (now Astra Nova School). She also proudly serves on the board of the National Space Society. Chantelle Baier’s legendary leadership and innovative insight are not only shaping the future of space exploration but also ensuring that the sustainability of space ensures the sustainability of Earth.
Humberto Alfonso Garcia Montano (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua Managua)	Professor docente en Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua See Prof. Garcia Montano full bio.
Christian Villanueva (Society of Space Professionals On Campus)	Christian is the current President of the Society of Space Professionals On Campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Space Operations with a focus on systems engineering and human factors. He is an advocate for advancing the space industry and supporting the next generation of space professionals. Organization description - The Society of Space Professionals On Campus (SSPOC) is a community of student professionals with a passion for the space industry! We offer students a chance to network and create meaningful connections with others through socials, guest speakers, trips, and conferences.
Robert Katz (World Innovation Network)	Robert S. Katz proudly serves as CEO & Executive Director of the 501(c)3 NGO think tank World Innovation Network (WIN). As Space-Advocate, Cyber-Strategist, Ecosystem Engineer, Fitness-Freak, and even Dope-Dad, he smashes-space-silos to not only Connect-The-Dots, but to, more importantly, Connect-The-Thoughts. His global Space Tank events unite top ASTROpreneurs with top ecosystems.He locally leads NASA Space Apps Challenge in Cape Canaveral at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. With Physics, Math, Computer Science, and Chemistry degrees, plus AI doctoral research, Robert spearheaded the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars Program), transforming it into today’s Patriot Missile and Iron Dome. Further, he pioneered countless satellite tracking and communications firsts. These include, for example, the first global geo-location tracker, the first global wireless email, and the first wireless internet. His over 321 SOLUTIONneering™ clients across industry, government, and academia range from CIA to Space Force. His on-the-ground tactical, treaty, and teaching task forces have brought him to over 32 countries…so far. Besides securing assets in space, Robert further protects his country and community as a firefighter-paramedic, HAZMAT specialist, and underwater rescue diver. Combined, Robert seeks to streamline security from both the top-down, and the bottom-up.
Bernard Foing (Space Renaissance International)	Prof. Bernard H. Foing, president Space Renaissance International,executive director of ILEWG, EuroMoonMars & ArtMoonMars manager, Prof VU Amsterdam, Leiden observatory, ISU and EPFL, on leave from CNRS, former ESA Chief Scientist and chair of ESTEC staff association committee (2012-2017) & SMART-1 Lead scientist. Chair IAF ITACCUS, member IAF committees (TAC, GLEX IPC, space exploration, astronomy, space habitats, traffic management), full member IAA International Academy of Astronautics since 2010, vice-chair COSPAR planetary and PEX Planetary Exploration Panel, co-director IMA International Moonbase Alliance, founder Moon Village & MV Association, EGU space instrumentation officer, president MoonGallery foundation (moongallery.eu). Worked at ESA ESTEC(1989-2020), as ESTEC staff committee chair (2012-2017), senior scientist, advisor to DG, Chief scientist, Head of Research Division, study lead (SIMURIS, MORO lunar orbiter, EuroMoon lander), staff, visiting scientist fellow. Co-Investigator of SOHO, XMM, BIOPAN, SMART-1, Mars Express, COROT, ISS/Expose, ExoMars. Publications: 830 articles, including 225 refereed papers. Academics: Habilitation 1990, CNRS, post-doc astronomer ESO European Southern Observatory Chile, PhD astrophysics & space techniques (CNRS, Lockheed, SacPeak, Boulder, Harvard), Prof agrégé Physics, Ecole Normale Supérieure ENSET Paris-Saclay.
Adriano V. Autino (Space Renaissance International)	Adriano Autino is CEO, co-founder and former President of the Space Renaissance International (SRI). SRI’s and Adriano’s mission: opening of the space frontier: civilian space development, low-cost access to space, space tourism, geo-lunar space industrialization, use of near-Earth asteroids, and full development of space economy. He authored and co-authored many publications on our civilization’s expansion into outer space. He also was a small entrepreneur in the field of automation real time and hard real time systems. He developed a suite of fully integrated tools for system engineering (Project lifecycle management). See a full bio here.