Our Guests
Dr. Amanda Parkes
Dr. Amanda Parkes is a fashion scientist and innovator with 20+ years of experience in sustainability, wearable tech, and smart materials. As Chief Innovation Officer at Pangaia and Future Tech Lab, she leads cutting-edge advancements in material science and biofabrication for a more sustainable fashion future.
With a Ph.D. from MIT Media Lab and degrees in Mechanical Engineering & Art History (Stanford), Dr. Parkes has shaped the industry through research, startups, and leadership roles. A sought-after speaker (TEDx, WEF, NYT Luxury Conference), she’s been recognized by Business of Fashion 500, Vanity Fair, and The Glossy 50 for revolutionizing fashion tech.
Alexa Lachmann
Alexa Lachmann joined the Plasma Physics PhD program at Columbia University in Fall 2023. She graduated with a degree in Physics and minors in Mathematics and Computer Science from New York University in 2023.
Jennifer W. Lopez
Jennifer W. Lopez is a mission-driven leader in innovation, technology, and venture investment, with a passion for scaling solutions that create meaningful impact. With extensive experience in deep tech, startups, and corporate innovation, she has led high-impact initiatives across venture capital, philanthropy, and global organizations. Jennifer specializes in bridging the gap between groundbreaking science and real-world applications, helping visionary founders and teams bring transformative ideas to market.
Jessica Banks
Jessica Banks is an inventor, roboticist, and entrepreneur with degrees in Engineering (MIT) and Physics (UofM). As founder of RockPaperRobot (RPR), she designs kinetic furniture that transforms traditional objects into interactive experiences—think levitating tables and adaptable seating.
Jessica is also the engineering lead & co-host of Netflix’s Emmy-winning “Hack My Home,” where she blends science with home innovation. A passionate advocate for women in STEM, her work has been featured in major media, and she speaks on topics from robotics to entrepreneurship. Despite her high-tech pursuits, she still finds joy in the small wins—like squeezing the last bit of toothpaste. More at www.rockpaperrobot.com.
Dr. Neer Asherie
Dr. Neer Asherie is a biophysicist and faculty member at Yeshiva University specializing in the study of protein phase behavior, crystallization, and biomolecular interactions. With a strong background in interdisciplinary research, he explores how proteins and other molecules self-assemble, contributing to advancements in drug formulation and biomaterials. Passionate about science communication and education, Neer actively mentors students and collaborates across disciplines to drive innovation in biophysics.
