Summer Program Speaker Bios

Keynote Speaker

Guido Appenzeller, Partner, Andreessen Horowitz

As Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, Guido Appenzeller is an expert in infrastructure, AI, and open-source technology. He has held key leadership roles at Intel, VMware, and Yubico, co-founded successful companies like Big Switch Networks and Voltage Security. Guido has extensive expertise in cloud, networking, and data center technology, and has driven product strategy and growth in various high-profile tech companies. Guido is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including being named a Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneur, and holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University and a Diplom in Physics from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Keynote Speaker

Bill Barnett, The Thomas M. Siebel Professor of Business Leadership, Strategy, and Organizations, Stanford GSB

As a Thomas M. Siebel Professor of Business Leadership, Strategy, and Organizations at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Faculty Director of the Stanford Executive Program, William P. Barnett is an expert in strategy, organizations, and competitive dynamics. He has extensive expertise in organizational behavior and has published widely on competitive strategy and organizational evolution. William holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and an A.B. in Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Keynote Speaker

Gordon Wetzstein, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University

As an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Stanford University, Gordon Wetzstein leads the Stanford Computational Imaging Lab and is faculty co-director of the Stanford Center for Image Systems Engineering. Gordon has extensive expertise in computational imaging, AI, and optics, with applications in next-generation imaging and neural rendering. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, and the PECASE Award, among others. Gordon holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from The University of British Columbia and a Diplom in Media System Science from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

Keynote Speaker

Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University

As Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Robotics Laboratory at Stanford University, Oussama Khatib is a leader in robotics research, focusing on control architectures, algorithms, and human-friendly robot designs. He has extensive expertise in enabling robots to interact safely with humans, with applications ranging from healthcare to space exploration. He is a Fellow of IEEE and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has received the IEEE Robotics and Automation Pioneering Award and the Engelberger Award. He holds a Ph.D. from Sup'Aero in Toulouse, France.

Stanford Profile

Hrishi Maha, Leader AI/ML and Data, DPR Construction

As a Leader of AI/ML and Data at DPR Construction, Hrishi Maha is an expert in managing and architecting large-scale technology projects. He specializes in leveraging Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Generative AI to optimize the construction life cycle and deliver successful outcomes. He has over 16 years of experience at DPR Construction, with roles ranging from Senior Programmer Analyst to his current leadership position. Hrishi holds a BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Pune and a Diploma in Advanced Computing from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

Melody Spradlin, VP Global Workplace Services, KLA

As Vice President of Global Workplace Services at KLA, Melody Spradlin is a seasoned technical expert with extensive experience leading geographically distributed teams for major global companies. She has successfully managed programs from conceptualization through execution across diverse business functions. Melody has extensive expertise in project management, strategic planning, and construction management. She holds a Master's in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy.

Cheik How Yeoh, APAC GWS, Senior Director, KLA

As Senior Director of APAC Facilities Operations & Real Estate at KLA, Cheik How Yeoh brings over 23 years of experience in regional facility operations, real estate management, EHS, and security management. Cheik How has extensive expertise in managing large real estate portfolios and leading remote teams across APAC. Prior to KLA, he spent 13 years at Hewlett-Packard (HP), where he led workplace transformation and facility optimization initiatives. He holds an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Marlaina Thompson, Global MEP Engineer, KLA

As a Global MEP Engineer at KLA, Marlaina Thompson leads the development and implementation of mechanical, electrical, and process piping designs for global sites. Marlaina has extensive expertise in project management, operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with diverse standards. She is responsible for quality assurance, control systems, and the deployment of MEP strategies across office, lab, and cleanroom environments. Marlaina holds degrees in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Southern New Hampshire University and Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Yan-Ping Wang, Founder and CEO, iDRC

As Founder and CEO of iDRC, Yan-Ping Wang leads a climate startup that provides Gaiamesh, a lightweight control system for commercial buildings that leverages AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to save energy and improve management. Yan-Ping previously led R&D efforts and real-world projects in BIM and IoT at Walt Disney Imagineering in Shanghai. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, a Master of Architecture from MIT, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a minor in Structural Engineering from UC Berkeley.

John Rewolinski, Parametric Scheduling Lead for Hyperscale Datacenters

As a Scheduling Expert and President at Muninn Consulting, John Rewolinski is a leader in hyperscale data center planning and scheduling optimization. He has worked on dozens of multi-billion dollar projects across mission-critical, heavy civil, and industrial sectors, totaling over $100 billion in program costs. John has extensive expertise in advanced scheduling techniques such as parametric scheduling, 4D scheduling, and forensic analysis. He holds a Certificate in Advanced Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Artificial Intelligence from Harvard Extension School and an A.A.S. in Construction Management from Rogue Community College (RCC).

Niels Falk, CEO, HD Lab

As the Head of Consulting & Innovation and Partner at HD Lab, Niels W. Falk is a leader in leveraging technology to create value in the construction industry. He has extensive experience in construction management, contract management, and project planning, and has led divisions for major construction firms. Niels has a strong background in cost management, design management, and project estimation. He holds a Master's in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and has completed executive education programs at Columbia Business School and IMD Business School.

Peter Fangel, Managing Partner, BAUHERR

As Managing Partner at BAUHERR and Project Director at Realdania By & Byg, Peter Fangel Poulsen is a leader in project management and contract negotiation, specializing in helping clients complete construction projects by taking on an active leadership role. Peter has extensive expertise in overseeing large and complex projects, including BLOX, DOKK1, and multiple restoration and cultural projects across Denmark. He holds a Master's in Civil Engineering and Urban Planning from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Københavns Teknikum.

Claire Maxfield, Atelier Ten (Martin)

As a Managing Director of Atelier Ten in the US, Claire Maxfield is a recognized leader in the environmental design and delivery of large, complex, and environmentally ambitious masterplans, landscapes, and buildings. Claire has extensive expertise in climate-responsive architecture, high-performance façades, advanced energy systems, and carbon management. She holds a BA in Architectural History and Environmental Studies from Cornell University and an M.Arch from Princeton University’s School of Architecture.

Caroline Quinn, Director of Innovation, Autocase

As the Director of Innovation at Autocase, Caroline Quinn is passionate about leveraging building data to create sustainable solutions. Caroline has extensive expertise in building science, data integration, AI development, and project management. She leads innovation efforts for Autocase’s SaaS products, including a triple bottom-line analysis tool and a decarbonization planning tool. Caroline holds a Master of Applied Science in Building Science from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Mount Allison University.

Brad Jacobson, Partner, EHDD and Founder, C.Scale

As Partner at EHDD and Co-Founder at C.Scale, Brad Jacobson leads high-performance teams focused on sustainable design and decarbonization in the built environment. Brad has extensive expertise in carbon footprinting, business strategy, and software tools that enable the decarbonization of buildings. He co-led the development of EPIC, an open-access tool for carbon-neutral design. He holds a Master's in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor's in Urban Studies from Stanford University.

David Kirk, Project Executive, Stanford University

As a Project Executive at Stanford University, David Kirk is an expert in construction, project management, and green building. David has extensive expertise in managing complex projects, with a focus on sustainable construction practices. He has over 16 years of experience at Stanford, where he has held various roles in project management. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a LEED AP certified professional.

Terry Raby, Global Workplace Design Director, Meta

As the Global Workplace Design Director at Meta, Terry Raby leads the design of innovative and high-performance workplaces across Meta’s global portfolio. Terry has extensive expertise in workplace design, planning, and space management, with over 13 years of experience at Meta. Prior to this, she held key roles in space planning at Oracle and property management at Balco Properties.

Solon Stewart-Rose, Meta Facilities Projects Lead North America

As a Facilities Project Lead at Meta, Solon Stewart-Rose leads complex design and construction projects with a focus on improving efficiency through technology and engineering expertise. Solon has extensive experience managing high-profile projects, including work at UCSF Mission Bay Hospital, and overseeing budgets, schedules, and compliance standards. He holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Gabor Nagy, Global Workplace Research Lead, Meta

As the Global Workplace Research Lead at Meta, Gabor Nagy is a recognized expert in workplace strategy, research, and innovation. Gabor has over 20 years of experience connecting with executives, architecture firms, and vendors to create high-performing workplaces that inspire people. He focuses on employee experience and workplace performance through research and strategy. Gabor holds a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from Osaka University and a Master of Science in Architecture and Building Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

Matt Breidenthal, Director of Engineering, HOK

As the Director of Engineering at HOK, Matt Breidenthal leads the engineering practice for the firm's most complex and high-profile projects. Matt has extensive expertise in structural and forensic engineering, project management, and sustainable design. He has delivered billions of dollars of construction projects across the U.S. and internationally, earning him numerous prestigious awards. Matt holds a Master's Degree in Structural Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas.

Varun Raja, LEED Green Associate, VDC Manager, DPR Construction

As a VDC Manager at DPR Construction, Varun Raju Sivaram Raja is an expert in leveraging Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools to drive leaner processes and superior quality in construction projects. Varun has extensive expertise in structural engineering, project management, and prefabrication solutions. He holds a Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the Bangalore Institute of Technology.

Cynthia Brosque, Product Manager, SafeAI and Instructor of CEE327 Construction Robotics at Stanford University

As a Product Manager at SafeAI and Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, Cynthia Brosque is an expert in robotics for construction and autonomous systems. Cynthia has extensive expertise in evaluating the safety, quality, schedule, and cost impacts of construction robots and has led field tests and research on human-robot collaboration. She has worked on advancing the deployment of robots for safer and more efficient construction methods. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, and a Bachelor's in Architecture from Universidad ORT Uruguay.

Simone Zatti, Director of Sales, Hilti North America

As a Director in the Sales Division at Hilti North America, Simone Zatti leads a dynamic division of over 100 team members, generating more than $80 million in annual revenue. Simone holds full P&L responsibility and plays a key role in driving the vision, strategy, and market leadership of Hilti's construction technology division. He has extensive expertise in fostering growth, optimizing operations, and managing large-scale teams. Simone is a graduate of Stanford Graduate School of Business, holds an MSc in International Management from the University of Bath, and a BSc in European Economics from University of Rome Tor Vergata.

Uriel Engle, Self-Perform Application Specialist, DPR Construction

As a Self-Perform Application Specialist at DPR Construction, Uriel Engle brings over 12 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, with a strong focus on integrating technology and hands-on construction practices. Uriel has extensive expertise in BIM, project management, and software applications to optimize construction workflows. He has also led efforts in welding and framing, further enhancing his practical construction knowledge. Uriel studied Construction Management at American River College.

Mihir Somalwar, Innovation Lead, Hensel Phelps

As a Corporate Innovation Lead at Hensel Phelps, Mihir Somalwar leads Diverge, a corporate venture capital firm investing in state-of-the-art construction technologies. Mihir has expertise in robotics and innovation management, collaborating with startups to advance cutting-edge construction solutions. Previously, he was a Senior Robotics Engineer at SafeAI, where he designed autonomous systems for heavy machinery. Mihir holds a Master of Science in Robotics and Mechatronic Systems from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Maharashtra Institute of Technology.

Andrew Cameron, Project Manager, Hensel Phelps

As a Project Manager at Hensel Phelps, Andrew Cameron leads large-scale construction projects with over 15 years of experience. Andrew has extensive expertise in project management, deep foundations, and surveying, overseeing major projects like the Sunnyvale Civic Center Modernization and the SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Renovation. He is a DBIA-certified professional and was recognized as a 40 Under 40: Champion of Construction in 2021. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Roger Williams University.