Noah Gift is the founder of Pragmatic AI Labs and serves as an Executive in Residence at Duke University, where he lectures in the Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) program. He specializes in designing and teaching graduate-level courses on machine learning, MLOps, artificial intelligence, and data science, while also consulting on machine learning and cloud architecture for students and faculty. A recognized expert in the field, Gift is a Python Software Foundation Fellow and an AWS Machine Learning Hero, holding multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect and AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialist. He has authored several influential books, such as Practical MLOps, Python for DevOps, and Pragmatic AI, and has published over 100 technical articles across various platforms, including Forbes and O'Reilly. His extensive industry experience includes roles as CTO and Chief Data Scientist for notable companies like Disney Feature Animation, Sony Imageworks, and AT&T, contributing to major films like Avatar and Spider-Man 3. Gift's work has generated millions in revenue through product development on a global scale. He actively consults startups on machine learning and cloud architecture while leading initiatives to enhance data science education.

Dr. Alfredo Deza is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University, where he teaches courses on machine learning, programming, and data engineering. He has been involved in academia for several years, focusing on innovative teaching methods and practical applications of technology. Dr. Deza co-authored the book Practical MLOps and has published several other works related to Python and machine learning. His teaching includes courses such as Python Bootcamp and advanced data engineering topics, and he actively develops online courses available on platforms like Coursera. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Deza works in developer relations at Microsoft, leveraging his extensive experience in software engineering and cloud computing to enhance educational content and support for students and faculty. He collaborates with various universities worldwide, including Georgia Tech and Carnegie Mellon University, to promote knowledge sharing in the field of technology and data science.

Derek Wales is an accomplished Adjunct Professor at Duke University, where he leverages his extensive background in engineering and data science to educate the next generation of professionals. A graduate of West Point with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Derek served ten years as an Engineer Officer in the Army, where he designed innovative technologies such as a laser target location module. After his military career, he earned degrees from Duke's Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) and Weekend Executive MBA (WEMBA) programs. Transitioning into the tech industry, he has worked as a data scientist and product manager, applying his skills in various domains. At Duke, he teaches courses on topics ranging from virtualization to generative AI, actively engaging students with practical insights from his diverse experiences. Derek's commitment to education and innovation positions him as a key figure in bridging military discipline with advanced data science applications.