2007 Sessions

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Don Slesnick
Mayor, Coral Gables
Welcome Remarks

Don Slesnick is currently serving in his third term as Mayor of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, is on the Board of Directors of the newly established Great Florida Bank and continues as the managing partner for the law firm of Slesnick & Casey. He has been in private practice since 1975, representing public sector employee organizations. Prior to this he held management positions with the Dade County Public Schools and the Dade County Police Department. A 50 year resident of Dade County, he graduated from Miami Senior High School, received his B.A. from the University of Virginia, a J.D. from the University of Florida and a M.P.A. from Florida International University. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1972 and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1985. Don is a Vietnam veteran, a former U.S. Army advisor to NATO forces in Germany, and was recently appointed as an Army Reserve Ambassador for Florida. > more

Dr. Ciro De Falco
Executive Vice President, Inter-American Development Bank
"The Importance of Engineering Education in the Americas"

Ciro De Falco assumed the position as Executive Vice President of the IDB on December 1, 2005. Previously, he was Manager of the Regional Operations Department 3 from 1994 to 2005 and was also Manager of the Plans and Programs Department from 1988 to 1994. Before joining the Bank, De Falco was director of the Office of Developing Nations Finance in the U.S. Treasury Department, where he handled financial and economic issues affecting U.S. relations with developing countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. He has also served as attaché for the Treasury Department in Brazil where he worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development in formulating its Brazil program. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from City College of New York, and completed his doctorate studies in Economics from the City University of New York. > more

Dr. Paul M. Horn
Senior Vice President & Director of Research, IBM
"Changing Nature of Innovation"

Dr. Paul M. Horn oversees the world's largest and most prolific research organization dedicated to information technology, with 3,000 researchers at eight labs worldwide. Under Horn's leadership as senior vice-president and director, IBM Research has produced an unmatched string of technological breakthroughs, including the chess-playing supercomputer Deep Blue, the world's first copper chip, the giant magneto-resistive head (GMR) and strained silicon (a discovery that allows chips to run up to 35 percent faster). Horn graduated from Clarkson College of Technology and received his doctoral degree in physics from the University of Rochester in 1973. Prior to joining IBM in 1979, Horn was a professor of physics in the James Franck Institute and the physics department at the University of Chicago. > more

Dr. Phillip Frost, M.D.
Chairman, Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services
"Innovation and Entrepreneurship - A Personal View"

Dr. Phillip Frost received his BA in French Literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957; attended the University of Paris; the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; was a resident of Hospital University of Pennsylvania; and clinical associate, National Cancer Institute. His professional experience includes clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine; former chairman, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital; former chairman, Key Pharmaceuticals, and former Chairman and CEO of IVAX Corporation. He is a life member and former chairman of the University of Miami Board of Trustees and is Vice Chairman of the Board, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. He currently serves on the boards of Northrop Grumman, Continucare Corporation and Cellular Technical Services Company, and is a Trustee of Scripps Research Institute, co-vice chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange and a Regent of the Smithsonian Institute.

Dr. William Scott Green
Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, University of Miami
"Nature and Trends of Entrepreneurship"

Dr. William S. Green is a member of the Kauffman panel on Entrepreneurship Curriculum in Higher education - a multidisciplinary panel of distinguished scholars who provides recommendations for a comprehensive approach to teaching entrepreneurship to college students - and served as the Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Rochester for several years. At University of Miami, Dr. Green has overall responsibility for enhancing the quality of the undergraduate experience and strengthening the integration of university-wide undergraduate curricular and co-curricular initiatives. He led the development of Rochester's innovative undergraduate liberal arts curriculum and founded its Department of Religion and Classics. Green earned an A.B. in religion at Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. in religion from Brown University. > more

Dr. Leonard Pinchuk, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Innovia LLC
"Innovation Leading to Entrepreneurship in the Medical Device Arena"

Dr. Leonard Pinchuk, one of the world's leading experts in biomaterials, can best be described as a serial inventor, with over 80 patents, as well as a serial entrepreneur, having founded eight companies. In 1987, he co-founded Corvita Corporation where he invented the nylon angioplasty balloon. Corvita went on to pioneer the area of stent-grafting, a minimally invasive means of bypassing aortic aneurysms and other arterial defects using catheters, stents and grafts inserted through a cut-down in the groin. Corvita completed a public offering on the NASDAQ in 1995 and was purchased by Pfizer a year later and then by Boston Scientific in 1998. Dr. Pinchuk received a B.S. degree in Chemistry from McGill University in 1976 and a Ph.D. Interdisciplinary in Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine from the University of Miami in 1984. In 2003 he was inducted into the University of Miami Iron Arrow Society. > more

Dr. Robert L. McCrory, Jr.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy
Vice Provost, CEO, and Director, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

After positions as Research Associate in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at MIT and as Staff Member in the Theoretical Division at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Dr. McCrory joined the University of Rochester as Scientist and Coleader of the Theory and Computation Group at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in 1976. Dr. McCrory's research in the general field of Theoretical Plasma and Laser Physics has made numerous contributions to inertial fusion. In 1995 he was awarded the Edward Teller Medal for his pioneering research and leadership in the use of lasers for controlled thermonuclear fusion. Dr. McCrory has also served on the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Space Technology to the U.S. Space Command of the Air Force Studies Board which advised the U.S. CINC SPACE on the military use of space, space architecture, and space policy. He received his B.Sc. in Physics from the MIT in 1968 and his Ph.D. in Applied Plasma Physics also from MIT in 1973. > more

Dr. Thomas J. LeBlanc
Executive Vice President and Provost, University of Miami
"History of University Intellectual Property"

Dr. Thomas J. LeBlanc, executive vice president and provost, was appointed in 2005. He is the chief academic officer and chief budget officer for the University and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating academic programs and enhancing the educational mission of the University. He is also a professor in the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. His publications include writings on operating systems, parallel programming, and software engineering. Prior to University of Miami, Dr. LeBlanc served as dean of the college faculty in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering at the University of Rochester. He holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from State University of New York at Plattsburgh. > more

Dr. Peter Tarjan
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami
"The Nuts and Bolts of Invention, Patents and the Protection of Intellectual Property"

Dr. Tarjan is a professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami, a Scientific Advisor for Cathion LLP and Vascon LLP, and consults for many small firms and as expert witness in patent cases and product liability litigation. He has been issued 22 patents and has received 21 funded research grants, the most recent being a Course Development Grant from the Provost for "The Evolution of Technology". As P.I. for two grants from NCIIA (National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Alliance) he developed a Technical Entrepreneurship program, a yearlong course involving engineering students from juniors to the master's level. Over the past seven years more than 100 students have participated and developed more than 20 different projects to the prototype level or beyond. He received his M.A. in Electical Engineering from MIT in 1960 and earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Syracuse University in 1968.

José I. Rojas, Esq.
Founding Partner, Rojas Law Firm, LLP
"Intellectual Property in Latin America"

Mr. Rojas is a founding partner of the firm and concentrates his practice in handling complex business and international litigation and alternative dispute resolution, as well as intellectual property and technology-related legal matters. He has handled numerous state and federal cases including multi-jurisdictional disputes, RICO cases, lender liability matters, antitrust and unfair competition claims, professional liability suits and business torts, among others. Additionally, he has extensive experience in structuring e-commerce, computer and Internet-related transactions and agreements; counseling on and resolving patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret disputes; and in litigating computer-related and other high technology matters. > more

Dr. Norma S. Kenyon
University of Miami
"Transition from Basic Science to Patentable Technology"

Dr. Norma Sue Kenyon is the Martin Kleiman Professor of Surgery, Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Associate Director of Research and Program Development, Director of Pre-Clinical Islet Transplantation, and Director of the Wallace H. Coulter Center for Translational Research at the Diabetes Research Institute. Dr. Kenyon has concentrated her work in the area of transplant immunology, identifying the types of cells in the immune system that either enhance or inhibit the rejection process, and translating these findings into new therapies for patients. An established leader in islet transplantation in pre-clinical models, the results of her work have sparked great enthusiasm within the scientific community, and have been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals. > more

Dr. Gary S. Margules
Assistant Provost for Technology Transfer, University of Miami
"What is IP and what will it mean to my career?"

Dr. Margules has direct business experience in technology management, academic technology transfer, strategic planning, corporate ventures, R&D/project management, licensing, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and product development. He has twenty-seven years of industry experience (eight years with Cordis Corporation as Senior Scientist, three with Pfizer Hospital Products as Assistant Director of Technology Development, three with Senmed Medical Ventures as Director, Medical Technology, and thirteen with the University of Miami). He earned Doctor of Engineering Science and Master of Science degrees in chemical/bio-engineering from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical/biomedical engineering from the University of Miami. > more

Dr. Kevin Parker
Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Rochester
"Defending Intellectual Property"

As Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Dr. Parker oversees the direction and growth of engineering programs, including research, education, outreach, and development programs. Dean Parker is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Radiology, and Bioengineering at the University of Rochester, where he has held positions since 1981. He received a B.S. degree in engineering science, summa cum laude, from the State University of New York at Buffalo and completed his graduate work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees received for work in electrical engineering with a concentration in bioengineering. Dr. Parker is an expert in medical imaging, linear and nonlinear acoustics, and image processing; his teaching has earned him plaudits from undergraduates, and his research has been cited as among the world's best by his peers. > more

Dr. Johnson A. Edosomwan
CEO, JJA Consultants, Inc.
"The Meaning and Value of Leadership"

Dr. Johnson A. Edosomwan, a distinguished alumnus of University of Miami and founder of its Leadership Institute, is a recognized leader in engineering, leadership and comprehensive continuous improvement. He serves in several leadership positions and capacities including Chairman and Senior Executive Consultant of JJA CONSULTANTS, a full service consulting, training, and research company; Chairman, Continuous Improvement Company; Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, The Royal Legacy Homes, and the Johnson A. Edosomwan Limited Liability Company. His past work experience includes leadership, consulting, and engineering positions in Fortune 500 companies including Arthur Young & Company, Touche Ross and Traintex Management Services. > more

Richard Wiese
Former President, The Explorers Club
"Exploring Leadership"

In early 2002, Richard Wiese became the youngest president in The Explorers Club's hundred-year history. During the past four years he has worked in the Yucatan jungle of Mexico putting satellite collars on jaguars; climbed and sampled the most geologically unique volcano in the world, Tanzania's Oldonyo Lengai; and has been a member of two expeditions to Antarctica to core glaciers for the purpose of climatological studies. He was a member of the 2004 Yeronisos Island Expedition, an archaeological dig in Cyprus; and in 2005 led an expedition to bio-prospect for extremophiles and new life forms in Mount Kilimanjaro's crater, resulting in the discovery of 29 new life forms. Most recently he trek down the deepest canyon in the world and was involved in the first microbial survey of Central Park in NYC. > more

Carlos Alvarez
Mayor, Miami-Dade County
"Leadership in Government"

On November 16, 2004, Carlos Alvarez became Mayor of Miami-Dade County. After a distinguished 28-year public service career, Mr. Alvarez assumed a new level of public service, where he is ushering in a new era of integrity and accountability in local government. Among the Mayor's accomplishments are the establishment of the Mayor's Initiative on Aging, a series of year-round educational programs and activities specifically geared for senior citizens launching in January 2006; a Mental Health Task Force, made up of criminal justice experts, mental-health advocates and others to study the best ways to improve the lives of our mentally ill; and Haitian Independence Month, which celebrates Haitian culture and the contributions of the Haitian community to Miami-Dade County in January. > more

Dr. Vineeth P. John
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"The Enemy Within: The Real Cost of Toxic Leadership"

Dr John has won numerous awards for teaching and has also published various articles and case reports in the leading medical journals. He has presented his lecture on "Toxic Leadership" to many business and professional organizations including the 2006 Telefonica Leadership Conference. Dr. John was born in India and was educated at the Christian Medical College, India. After obtaining his medical degree, he completed his training in Psychiatry at the Tufts/New England Medical Center, Boston. In 2005, he joined the faculty at the Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, where he worked as an attending psychiatrist in the Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Unit at the UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Currently, Dr. John is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. > more

Debra J. Gawrych, MBA
Consultant
"Lessons in the Exploration of Leadership"

Debra J. Gawrych, MBA is a nationally known consultant with large corporate clients such as Procter & Gamble and Wachovia, as well as smaller local and individual clients. She has been a dynamic change agent for over twenty-six years. Her corporate experience includes business and management consulting, system sales, systems analysis and design, process improvement, trading floor investments, and executive coaching, organizational change, leadership training and development. After several years of working with a leading consulting firm, Debra started her own company to bring the idea of leadership to a more personal level. She engages her clients to discover their authentic selves in order to take charge of their lives to achieve their highest potential. > more

Pedro (Pete) R. Pizarro
President and CEO, Telefónica USA, Inc.

Pedro (Pete) Pizarro currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica USA, Inc. and is responsible for designing and executing Telefónica's strategy, managing the telecommunication and IT Services needs of US Multinational Corporations throughout the USA, Latin America, Central America and Caribbean Regions, leading Telefónica's Residential Hispanic Consumer Business in the Continental USA and Puerto Rico, and the Small and Medium Size Business segments in the US and Puerto Rico. Prior to joining Telefónica in 2002, Mr. Pizarro served as the President and CEO of Esavio Services Corporation, a network integration and managed services consulting company based in Philadelphia, PA. He is actively involved with and provides leadership to a number of local and national organizations, including the Beacon Council, the International Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and The Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. > more

Dr. Michael J. Manyak, MD
Vice President for Medical Affairs, Cytogen Corporation

Dr. Michael J. Manyak is Vice President for Medical Affairs for Cytogen Corporation, a Professor of Urology, Engineering, Microbiology, and Tropical Medicine at The George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) and is on staff at the Center for Prostate Disease Research, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The medical corporate experience of Dr. Manyak includes service on the scientific advisory board or as a consultant to more than 25 biomedical technology and pharmaceutical companies. In this capacity he has been involved in business development, strategic planning for FDA approval of products, intellectual property development, protocol construction, and clinical trials. Dr. Manyak was selected as a Fellow National of The Explorers Club in 1992, chaired the Expeditions Committee for 10 years, and was appointed to the Science Advisory Board in 1997 which he now chairs. > more

Carol J. McCall, FSA, MAA
Vice President, Research & Development Humana Inc.
"Epidemiology Meets Engineering"

Carol McCall re-joined Humana in 2002 to create Humana's Center for Health Metrics, an area within Humana's Innovation Center that was focused on leveraging Humana's data assets. The goal was to create new analytic methods designed to capture, characterize and predict consumer healthcare behavior. A fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, Carol has 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. She has served as an actuary for various health plans including Central Life Assurance, Employers Health Insurance and Humana, and worked as an actuarial consultant with Milliman. In 2005, Carol helped to create and now serves on the board of Green Ribbon Health, LLC, a company formed for the purpose of delivering health support services to 20,000 people in western Florida as a part of the government's Clinical Care Improvement Pilots. > more

Dr. Richard J. Bookman
Vice Provost for Research & Executive Dean for Research and Research Training,
University of Miami
"Integrated Engineering for Medicine"

As vice provost, Dr. Richard J. Bookman is the chief research officer for the University of Miami and is responsible for overall policy implementation and coordination of research activities. At the Miller School, he is responsible for nurturing and growing the research enterprise, promoting inter-departmental and inter-school research efforts, and overseeing research administration. Bookman came to the Miller School in 1991 as an assistant professor, and in 1993 he became the director of the M.D./Ph.D. program. In 1997 he was named associate dean for graduate studies and in 2005 he took on the added responsibility of associate dean for research and graduate studies. Dr. Bookman received his A.B. degree from Brown University in 1975 in computational neuroscience and his Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. > more

Dr. W. Dalton Dietrich, III
Professor, Neurological Surgery, Neurology, and Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Miami
"The Importance of Engineering in Spinal Cord Injury Research"

Dr. Dietrich is the Scientific Director of The Miami Project To Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Dietrich's research interest is the pathobiology and treatment of CNS injury in both the acute and chronic setting. Animal models of cerebral ischemia, and brain and spinal cord trauma are utilized to investigate the mechanisms of tissue injury. The ultimate goal is to target specific injury processes for pharmacological intervention, including the addition of growth factors, to promote circuit plasticity, regeneration and recovery of function. Recent studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of moderate hypothermia following traumatic brain injury. These experimental studies have led to the initiation of clinical trials for hypothermia in humans in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. > more

Dr. Herman S. Cheung
Knight Chair and Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami
"Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering"

Dr. Cheung received his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1975 in Molecular Biology. He was awarded a Post-doctoral Fellowship by the National Institutes of Health. In 1996 he joined the University of Miami School of Medicine as a Research Professor of Medicine. Dr. Cheung serves on the editorial boards of two journals, Osteoarthritis & Cartilage and Frontiers in Bioscience. He is the site Director of NSF Industry/University Center for Biosurfaces and co-Director of the Cellular Therapy and Tissue Engineering Initiative at University of Miami. He is one of the Founding Members and Internal Board Member of Walter H Coulter Center for Translation Research at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Cheung's research interests include biomineralization, osteoarthritis and stem cell tissue engineering. He has over 130 full-length peer-reviewed publications in basic and clinical journals. > more

Engineering For The Americas 2006
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