Quantum Rising: Unveiling Our Cutting-Edge Conference Agenda
The Quantum Rising Conference will explore cutting-edge developments at the intersection of quantum technology and artificial intelligence.
Our diverse program will cover crucial topics including national defense applications, ethical considerations in emerging technologies, industry innovation, scientific research breakthroughs, educational advancements, governmental applications, and supply chain optimization. These sessions will offer invaluable insights for professionals, researchers, and students across various fields.
While our full conference agenda is still being finalized, we encourage you to bookmark this page and check back in the coming weeks for a detailed schedule of sessions and speakers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the quantum and AI revolution!
Agenda
Registration and Breakfast
Kickstart your day with a chance to network and meet fellow attendees over breakfast.
Welcome Address
Official greetings and a look ahead at the innovations shaping the future.
Introduction
Lily Milliner | Board President, NQLN | CEO, Build-It-Up
Speakers
Dr. Timothy Akers | CEO, NQLN | Associate Provost for Academic Research, California State University, San Bernardino
Mohamed Balla | Chief Financial Officer, City of Atlanta
Dr. Greg George | Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Economic Analysis, Middle Georgia State University
Keynote: Quantum Rising—AI's Role in Building the Next-Gen Workforce
Discover how quantum and AI are reshaping industries and preparing the workforce for tomorrow.
Keynote: Quantum Rising—AI's Role in Building the Next-Gen Workforce
Discover how quantum and AI are reshaping industries and preparing the workforce for tomorrow.
Speaker
Will Hurley (“Whurley”) | CEO, Strangeworks
Fireside ChatQuantum Rising—AI's Role in Building the Next-Gen Workforce
Learn how Vision drives innovation at the intersection of Technology, Education, and Stakeholders.
Moderator
Dr. Kaylin Carey | Researcher, Morehouse School of Medicine | Area of Research: Chemokines, Ovarian Cancer, Immunology, Tumor Microenvironment
Speakers
Joe Queenan | Executive Director, South Carolina Quantum Donnie Beamer, CFA | Senior Technology Advisor, City of Atlanta
Break and Networking
SessionFrontiers of Innovation:Tackling Life Sciences' Greatest Challenges with AI and Advanced Computing
Dive into the forefront of life sciences as we explore pivotal challenges and revolutionary solutions brought forth by advanced computation and AI.
Introduction
Dr. Randi Hunley | Deloitte and NQLN Board Secretary
Panelists
Alan Andress | Deloitte Consulting LLP
Will Hurley (“Whurley”) | CEO, Strangeworks
James Chappell | Cyber Bio, SCBio
Lunch and Networking
Pick a table and mingle with experts and professionals during lunch session.
KeynoteQuantum Literacy Education for Workforce Development and Equity for Excellence in STEM
Moderator
Suresh Nair | INA Solutions, Inc.
Speaker
Dr. Tomasz Durakiewickz | National Science Foundation, Program Director, Condensed Matter Physics Program Division of Materials Research, HBCUUP Program and CREST Program Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM
PresentationCybersecurity & Bioterrorism: Supply Chain Threats Throughout the US
Explore Vulnerabilities in the Era of Quantum Literacy and Biological Cyberterrorism.
Introduction
Dr. Timothy Akers | CEO, NQLN
Speaker
Dr. Merrick Watchorn | Co-Founder, Quantum Security Alliance
Break and Networking
“Vets Speak” Series
DoD's technical priorities and future of STEM as they close the divide— Integrating Quantum & AI Across Industries
Moderator
Andre B. Wells, SGT US Army Ret. | Founder and CEO, American Group Contrax (AGX-LLC)
Speakers
Dr. John Rosenthall | President and CEO, Tougaloo College Research & Development Foundation
Dr. Timothy Akers | CEO, NQLN | Associate Provost for Academic Research, California State University, San Bernardino
Dr. Merrick Watchorn | Quantum Security Alliance
SessionUnlocking Life Science Breakthroughs with Advanced Computation and AI
DAn exclusive view into the Cleveland Clinic's innovative approaches to tackling life science challenges using advanced computation and AI.
Panelist
Alan Andress | Deloitte
Sudhir Saxena | Life Science, GNQ Insilico
Dr. Hakan Doga | Life Science, IBM Quantum
Day 1 Wrap-Up: What's NextQuantum AI Literacy Rising
Wrap up with key takeaways on the future of quantum AI in life sciences, healthcare, and national security. A national strategy for future-proofing the next generation of workforce leaders.
Speakers
Lily Milliner | Board President, NQLN
Dr. Timothy Akers | CEO, NQLN
Registration and Breakfast
Kickstart your day with a chance to network and meet fellow attendees over breakfast.
Welcome
Setting the stage for another exciting day of innovation and learning.
Speaker
William G. (Bill) Hervey | Board Member, NQLN, Inc. | Professor, Middle Georgia State University
KeynoteQuantum Literacy Rising in Cybersecurity—Challenges and Opportunities
A visionary talk on navigating the complexities and potential of cybersecurity and AI for national defense and workforce.
Introduction — Dr. Timothy Akers
Speaker
James “Aaron” Bishop | Founder, Quantum Security Alliance
Presentation Quantum Literacy and AI as Emerging Technologies in the Workforce
Protecting National Defense and Industrial Strength through Cybersecurity and Resiliency
Introduction - Lily Milliner
Distinquished Speaker
Dr. Michael Barker | Principal Research Faculty - Cybersecurity at Georgia Institute of Technology
Break and Networking
Panel: Ethical AI in Quantum Technologies
Panel DiscussionEthical AI in Quantum Technologies
Industry, academia, and government leaders discuss the critical need for ethics in advancing AI and quantum technologies.
Moderator
Meme Styles | President & Founder, Measure
Panelists
Manuel (Manny) Trujillo | President and CEO, Swain Techs
Dr. Lethia Jackson | Professor, Technology and Security, Bowie State University
Joseph Baweja | Digital Public Health Lead Abt Global
DemonstrationQuantum Buy-In and Opportunities (Qubitekk Demonstration)
Driving Quantum Literacy into the Classroom and Embracing the CHIPS Act.
Moderator
Suresh Nair | INA Solutions, Inc. | NQLN Board Treasurer
Presenters
Cody Cates | Education & Workforce Outreach, Qubitekk
Jason Schaake | Physicist, Qubitekk
Lunch Networking
Pick a table and mingle with experts and professionals during lunch session.
KeynoteEducational Innovations—The Rise of Quantum & AI
A Visionary Talk on Navigating the Complexities and Potential of AI for a Quantum-Powered Workforce.
Moderator
Lily Milliner | CEO, Build-It-Up | Board President, NQLN, Inc.
Speakers
Dr. Cecelia Wright-Brown | Lecturer | Electrical Engineer and Physicist
Joe Queenan | South Carolina Quantum
Deloitte and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Focus Group
SessionThe Quantum Classroom: Next Generation Rising with Cutting-Edge AI Learning Tools
Helping Industry and Educators Move from Theory to Practice by Sharing Some Best Methods for Teaching Quantum to Future Leaders for Workforce Development
Moderator
Dr. Kevin A. Peters | Chief Education Officer, NQLN, Inc. | Director, Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE), Morgan State
Student Contributors
Student Presenters
SessionNext Generation Leaders: From Labs to Living Rooms – Students Advancing Quantum and AI for Sensor Technology
Empower students with hands-on experience in Quantum and AI Technologies, Bridging Academic Research and Real-World Applications to Drive Workforce Innovation, Research, and Development.
Moderator
Dr. Birol Ozturk | Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Acting Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Department of Physics, Morgan State University
Student Contributors
Student Presenters
Break and Networking
Panel DiscussionBridging the Gap between Minority Serving Institutions and Minority Business Enterprises
Discussion on Emerging Technology Practices and Next Steps.
Moderator
William G. (Bill) Hervey, J.D., LL.M. | Board Member, NQLN, Inc.
Panelist
Suresh Nair | Treasurer, NQLN, Inc. | CEO/President, INA Solutions, Inc. | NSF & Quantum Machine Learning in the Classroom for HBCUs
Dr. Timothy Akers | Associate Provost for Academic Research, California State University, San Bernardino (HSI – Hispanic Serving Institution) | CEO, NQLN, Inc.
Dr. Silvanus J. Udoka | Professor and Dean of School of Business, Clark Atlanta University (HBCU)
De’Andre B. Wells, SGT US Army Ret. | Founder and CEO, American Group Contrax (AGX-LLC)
National Quantum Literacy Network Call to Action: 5 Year, $5 Billion Plan for the U.S.
Let us Come Together to Design a National Strategy that Empowers the Next Generation of Leaders, Prioritizing Innovation in Quantum AI Literacy as a Cornerstone of National Security.
Panelist
Dr. Timothy Akers | CEO, NQLN
Lily Milliner | Board President, NQLN
Dr. Randi Hunley | Board Secretary, NQLN
Suresh Nair | Board Treasurer, NQLN
Dr. Kevin Peters | Chief Education Officer, NQLN
William Hervey, Esq. | Chief Legal Counsel, NQLN
De’Andre B. Wells, SGT US Army Ret. | AGX-LLC Founder and CEO
Press Releases About Our Speakers
Joe Queenan, Executive Director of South Carolina Quantum Association to Join Fireside Chat on Leadership and Innovation at Quantum Rising Conference
Atlanta, GA (November 19, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is proud to announce that Joe Queenan, Executive Director of the South Carolina Quantum Association, will be featured in the Fireside Chat: Forging the Future – Leading By Collaborating in Quantum &...
Quantum Rising Conference Welcomes Keynote Speaker William Hurley, CEO of Strangeworks, on December 12
Atlanta, GA (November 12, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference, a premier event dedicated to advancing quantum literacy and fostering workforce development, is excited to announce William Hurley (known as “Whurley”), founder and CEO of Strangeworks, as the keynote...
Quantum Rising Conference Welcomes Founders of Quantum Security Alliance as Featured Speakers
Atlanta, GA (November 14, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference, dedicated to advancing quantum literacy and building a future-ready workforce, is excited to announce Dr. Merrick Watchorn and Mr. James “Aaron” Bishop, founders of the Quantum Security Alliance (QSA),...
Kaylin Carey to Moderate Quantum & AI Innovation Fireside Chat at Quantum Rising Conference in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA (November 20, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is proud to announce doctoral candidate, Kaylin Carey, MS, as the moderator for the highly anticipated Fireside Chat: Forging the Future: Leading with Vision in Quantum & AI Innovation will...
Quantum Rising Conference Welcomes Professor William Hervey, J.D., LL.M., of Middle Georgia State University as Featured Speaker
Atlanta, GA (November 21, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is pleased to announce Professor William Hervey, J.D., LL.M., of Middle Georgia State University, as a featured speaker at this year’s event, taking place on December 12-13 at the Georgia Tech Conference...
Dr. Kevin A. Peters of Morgan State University to Moderate “The Quantum Classroom: Next Generation Rising with Cutting-Edge AI Learning Tools” Panel at Quantum Rising Conference
Atlanta, GA (November 19, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is proud to announce Dr. Kevin A. Peters, Director of the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) at Morgan State University, as the moderator for the panel “The Quantum...
Dr. Birol Ozturk of Morgan State University to Moderate “Next Generation Leaders: From Labs to Living Rooms” Panel at Quantum Rising Conference
Atlanta, GA (November 19, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is excited to announce Dr. Birol Ozturk, Associate Professor of Physics at Morgan State University, as the moderator for the “Next Generation Leaders: From Labs to Living Rooms – Students Advancing...
Meme Styles, President & Founder of Measure, to Moderate “Ethical AI in Quantum Technologies” Panel at Quantum Rising Conference
Atlanta, GA (November 19, 2024) – The Quantum Rising Conference is pleased to announce Meme Styles, President & Founder of Measure, as the moderator of the “Ethical AI in Quantum Technologies” panel. This pivotal session will take place on December 13 at the...
Topics to be Covered

National Defense
Strengthening security and defense mechanisms with advanced quantum and AI technologies.

Ethical Technology
Navigating the moral implications of AI and quantum advancements.

Education
Revolutionizing teaching, learning, and research through new and emerging advances in pedagogical methodologies.

Government
Improving governance and public services through advancements in technological advancements.

Supply Chain and Transportation
Understanding the current supply chain and vulnerabilities or challenges faced in logistics.

Industry
Driving innovation and competitiveness across various sectors.

Research and Science
Accelerating scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs from quantum sensors to quantum network communications.