Meet Dr. Mamta Patel Nagaraja

Dr. Mamta Patel Nagaraja is currently the NASA Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research in the Office of the Chief Scientist. In this role, she advises the Chief Scientist in the areas of exploration and biomedical and physical sciences performed by humans in space. Her research expertise is on the molecular effects of microgravity on bone cells. Additionally, Dr. Nagaraja has previously served as a program scientist for space biology, led science communications, served as the lead mechanical engineer for a scientific instrument, trained astronauts for their missions in space, and worked in the Mission Control Center. One of her most coveted recognitions was getting an interview to become a NASA astronaut. She learned the most about how to succeed after failing (twice!) to achieve this dream. Lastly, Dr. Nagaraja is passionate about increasing diversity and inclusivity in science, and she loves mentoring others to help them find their best career pathway. She lives in the Washington D.C. metro area with her husband and three children. Dr. Nagaraja is a bilingual, first generation American and first generation college graduate from an immigrant family, with five kids and dedicated, selfless parents.

Stephen Wallace

Stephen M. Wallace is the Defense Information Systems Agency chief technology officer. He also serves as the Emerging Technology Directorate director and focuses on delivering innovative processes, services and capabilities across the agency. The Emerging Technology Directorate develops, executes, prioritizes and collaborates EM-based needs, such as zero trust, 5G, Quantum Resistant Cryptography, and DOD IT Standards.

Previously, Wallace served as the technical director of DISA’s Development and Business Center, where he worked on integrating commercial and government-owned technologies in support of the agency’s emerging technologies. Wallace’s other former roles within DISA include chief of cyber innovation and chief engineer for Department of Defense Enterprise Email.

Prior to joining DISA, Wallace was a government contractor for Computer Sciences Corporation. During this time, he worked to build a variety of enterprise class collaboration, identity management and authentication systems for the federal government.

Wallace has a master's degree in cybersecurity, and a bachelor's in telecommunications, both from Capitol College. He holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Program.

Jon Weinstein

Jon is an entrepreneur, management consultant, and executive coach with a varied, somewhat unusual history. Jon’s career as a management consultant accelerated when he founded Line of Sight, a firm focused on working with clients to improve their success through better project management, process improvement and managing organizational change. His clients ranged from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, as well as local, state, and federal government organizations. Jon co-authored two books and scads of articles on topics including project management, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational change and hit the speaking circuit on these topics around the US, South Africa, and Europe.

Jon is excited to be a part of the Management & Organizations faculty and to serve as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Simon Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, working to engage and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders.