Dr. Alex Aklson is a data scientist in IBM Canada’s Digital Business Group, where he has contributed to innovative projects, including the development of a smart system to detect early signs of dementia by analyzing walking speed and home activity patterns in older adults. Prior to IBM, Alex worked at Datascope Analytics in Chicago, where he crafted data-driven solutions using a human-centered approach. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Dr. Joseph Santarcangelo, a Data Scientist at IBM, brings a unique blend of academic excellence and practical expertise to the field of data science and artificial intelligence. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, his groundbreaking research focused on the intersection of machine learning, signal processing, and computer vision to understand how video content influences human cognitive processes. At IBM, he has established himself as a prominent educator and course developer, creating comprehensive learning materials that have reached hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. His teaching portfolio encompasses a wide range of technical subjects, from foundational Python programming to advanced topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. Santarcangelo's ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible learning experiences has made him an influential figure in data science education, maintaining consistently high ratings from learners while continuing to push the boundaries of applied machine learning and artificial intelligence research.

Saishruthi Swaminathan serves as Ethics by Design and Board Program Advisor at IBM, following her role as Advisory Data Scientist in IBM's AI Strategy and Innovation division and Technical Lead at the Center for Open Source Data and AI Technologies (CODAIT). After earning her Master's in Electrical Engineering with Data Science specialization from San Jose State University and Bachelor's in Electronics and Instrumentation, she has established herself as a leader in democratizing AI through open source technologies. Working with a global team of 30+ developers and data scientists, she has contributed to frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Spark while developing tools for AI fairness, explainability, and robustness. Her passion extends beyond technology to social impact, leading initiatives for rural children's education and organizing women empowerment meetups. Her educational content has reached over 96,000 learners through various platforms, and she frequently speaks about cognitive bias in machine learning and ethical AI practices. Growing up in rural India without internet access, she brings a unique perspective to making technology accessible to underserved communities