Featured Bioinformatics Experts

I am Brian Tham, an Applied Artificial Intelligence undergraduate at Singapore Institute of Technology with a strong academic record and practical experience in AI research and development. My work focuses on advancing AI applications, particularly in the areas of model protection, computer vision, and machine learning. You may view my portfolio/website at https://tham.ai As a Research Student at Singapore Institute of Technology, I've contributed to significant work on AI model protection, specifically focusing on defending deep neural networks against model extraction attacks. My research encompasses model watermarking, adversarial robustness, and advanced defense mechanisms, with practical applications in medical imaging through UNet model implementation for brain MRI segmentation. My technical portfolio includes notable projects such as FoodVision, a real-time deep learning food detection system utilizing YOLOv8 technology, and a Speech Emotion Recognition system based on Wav2Vec2. I've also conducted comprehensive analyses of emerging technologies, including a detailed study of ransomware impacts across various industries and an evaluation of AI chatbot capabilities. Previously, I enhanced medical education at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where my e-learning courseware development contributed to a 20% improvement in student test scores. My professional experience extends to the Ministry of Defence of Singapore, where I specialized in data processing automation and visualization using PowerBI and Excel. I hold multiple prestigious certifications, including Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Google Business Intelligence, and AI4I® – Proficiency in AI from AI Singapore. My technical expertise spans Python, machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and data analysis tools, complemented by a deep understanding of quantum computing, large language models, and autonomous vehicle technologies. This combination of academic excellence, practical research experience, and technical expertise positions me at the forefront of AI innovation and its real-world applications.

Dr. James Utley is a pioneering scientist at the forefront of cellular therapy, AI, and data science. A Johns Hopkins-educated Immunohematology expert and Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP), he also holds advanced certifications in data science and machine learning. While serving as Technical Director at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Utley oversaw more than 150,000 successful cellular transfusions and spearheaded advancements that significantly improved patient outcomes. This experience included leading initiatives for the Department of Defense, where he revolutionized cellular transfusion practices. His innovative approach is further exemplified by his FDA-approved work and numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Dr. Utley is also known for his bold, hands-on approach to research, embodying the spirit of a "biohacker" by pushing the boundaries of CRISPR and genetic engineering through self-experimentation. This unique blend of rigorous scientific training and unconventional methods has earned him the moniker "the pirate" within the biohacker community.

Jorge Gandara immigrated from Guatemala to New York in 1992 at the age of seven and exhibited a high proficiency in math and science throughout his childhood. This talent and interest eventually led Mr. Gandara to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and graduate in 2009 from Stony Brook University, where he also began his scientific career as a lab technician. Over the years, Jorge has held key roles in laboratories at prestigious institutions like Mirimus Inc., The Rockefeller University, and Dr. Christopher Mason’s lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he contributed to the PathoMAP project (now MetaSUB), mapping the DNA of every NYC subway station. In July of 2018, the Microbiome Core at Weill Cornell Medicine was established. Jorge built the Core from the ground up with a focus on high-throughput DNA processing, namely 16S Sequencing and Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing. Since the Core’s inception, Jorge has overseen the processing of nearly 17,000 samples from notable institutions across the United States and internationally and was appointed the Microbiome Core Manager in January 2024. His expertise in advanced sequencing techniques and the Microbiome Core’s white glove sample service make it one of the most successful and unique facilities in the field.

Andrew has over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation in the financial services, insurance, and consumer sectors and is the Chief Data Officer at Opening Bell Ventures, a leading Data and AI enablement firm. Prior to joining Opening Bell Ventures, Andrew led data transformation efforts for Ally Financial, including the establishment of Ally’s award-winning Data-To-Intelligence Program, focused on enabling data to be a competitive organizational asset. Prior to Ally, Andrew led digital transformation initiatives at LPL Financial, Wells Fargo and OneBeacon Insurance Group. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Illinois, an M.B.A. from Babson College and has completed post-graduate work at Duke University. In addition, he has been an advisor for George Washington University’s Digital Marketing offering, is the past Treasurer of the Informs Chicago Chapter and current President of the Informs North Carolina Chapter. Andrew has been a presenter at the UNCC Analytics Frontiers Conference, the North Carolina Technical Association, the INFORMS Analytics Conference, the PegaWorld Conference, and the Infoworld Internet Conference.