2025 Seattle Fusion Week

Join fusion energy companies, elected officials, research institutions, NGOs and more for educational presentations and a networking reception. 2025 Seattle Fusion Week will take place in-person in Seattle and Everett on September 29th-30th.

Standard Ticket Sales End Friday, September 19th.

Email Lindsay McCormick, Policy & Program Manager, CleanTech Alliance (lindsay@cleantechalliance.org) with any questions.

Tentative Agenda

Click here to view our tentative full-day agenda* for Monday, September 29th.

*Sessions are subject to change

 Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Private Tour of Zap Energy

Indicate Your Interest in the Zap Energy Lab Tour

In collaboration with Seattle Fusion Week, Zap Energy will host a private tour for approved guests on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm at our facilities in Everett, Washington.

Tour details will be supplied to approved guests prior to the event.

All tour participants must sign a visitor NDA, supply their unique confirmation code, and show photo ID. Tours are limited to professionals and students over the age of 18. We are unable to offer tours to employees of other fusion companies or to those with significant competing interests in other fusion companies. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is filled.

Contact Amy.Jasper@zap.energy with any questions or concerns.


Monday, September 29th (Everett Day)

  • 8:00am-2:30pm PT | Panels, booths, and networking | WSU Everett (915 N Broadway, Everett, WA 98201)
  • 2:30-3:00pm PT | Break/Travel Time
  • 3:00-4:00pm PT | Side Event: Investing in Fusion at Plug and Play’s Everett location (2333 Seaway Blvd Everett, WA 98203)
  • 4:00-4:30pm PT | Break/Travel Time
  • 4:30-6:30pm PT | VIP Remarks, National Labs Capabilities Panel+ Networking Reception | Future of Flight Museum (8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275).

Tuesday, September 30th (Seattle Day)

  • Avalanche Energy Lab tour (open to the public but space is limited. You can indicate your interest in touring Avalanche’s Tukwila lab at registration but it is NOT a guarantee you will get in. Avalanche Energy has final say over the attendee list and will send out formal invites with instructions and an NDA if you have registered here).
  • Private roundtable discussions with elected officials, utilities, rulemaking agencies, and nonprofits around fusion energy deployment. Tickets are free but space is limited so please email Lindsay to indicate your interest.

Speakers

Fusion 101

Dr. Christopher Keane, Senior Advisor to the Provost and Executive Vice President, Professor of Physics, Washington State University

Dr. Christopher Keane is Senior Advisor to the Provost at Washington State University (WSU) and Professor of Physics. From July 2014 to December 2023, he served as Vice President for Research at WSU and Vice Chancellor for Research of the WSU Pullman campus. He led WSU efforts to expand research and scholarship opportunities for WSU faculty and staff, bring WSU innovations to the marketplace, improve the University’s research infrastructure and operational performance, and enhance research funding. During his tenure WSU significantly expanded its large research awards and partnerships with other leading research institutions.

Prior to joining WSU in 2014, Dr. Keane performed a variety of scientific and leadership roles related to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), ultimately serving as Director of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) User Office. Dr. Keane also served in the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration as a member of the Senior Executive Service, where he led the U.S. ICF Program, including construction of the stadium-sized NIF laser and development of the NIF ignition program.

Dr. Keane holds B.S. degrees in Physics and Engineering from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton University. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences and the American Physical Society. He is the recipient of the NNSA Silver Medal, the Defense Programs Award of Excellence, and the Fusion Power Associates Special Award.

Updates from Washington Fusion Companies

Kate Kelly, Chief of Staff, Avalanche Energy

Kate is Chief of Staff at Avalanche Energy: a Seattle-based, venture-backed fusion energy startup developing modular fusion microreactors. Prior to joining Avalanche, Kate worked in Product Management at DreamBox Learning and Microsoft. Kate is an Electrical Engineer by training, having previously worked in nuclear consulting and always dreamed of working on Climate Tech. 

Alex Cheung, Director of Design Integration, Zap Energy

Alex Cheung is the Director of Design Integration at Zap Energy, where he leads engineering initiatives that connect cutting-edge fusion science with practical hardware development. He brings over two decades of experience in fusion energy research, development, and project execution. Since joining Zap in 2022, Alex has led the design and commissioning of Century, a first-of-its-kind fusion test platform, and serves as the technical lead for Zap’s fusion pilot plant program. Prior to Zap, Alex spent more than 15 years at TAE Technologies, where he led multidisciplinary teams on fusion demonstration plants and contributed to the development of several key fusion devices. He also served as project manager for the construction and deployment of a novel radiation therapy system in China. Alex holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Irvine.

Jessie Barton, Director of Communications, Helion

Jessie Barton is the Director of Communications at Helion. She is a science communicator passionate about the merging of clean energy and innovative technology. In her role at Helion, she works with scientists and engineers to break down technical concepts to educate the public about Helion’s fusion technology.

In addition to her role at Helion, Jessie is a Board Member at the Technology Alliance and Seattle’s Furniture Repair Bank. Jessie earned her BA in Communications Studies from Drury University and an MS in Communication from Purdue University.

Bibake Uppal, Head of Kyoto Fusioneering America

Bibake Uppal leads KF America, Kyoto Fusioneering’s (KF) Seattle-based U.S. arm, where he drives strategic partnerships, business development, and external affairs across North America. Under his leadership, KF entered a novel public-private joint venture in Canada, expanded its U.S. commercial and strategic relationships, secured cooperative-research grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, and expanded its investor base to North America.

Before KF, Bibake led multinational teams advising large-cap clients in Energy, Resources & Industrials, and Food & Agriculture on M&A strategy and post-merger integration with Deloitte Consulting. He also served as a corporate communications strategist for a Canadian Crown corporation. In a prior life, he was an NCAA and CFL athlete, and a forest firefighter.

He holds an MBA and M.S. in Big Data and Business Analytics from IE Business School, and a B.A. in Communications from Simon Fraser University.

Mel Clark, President & CEO, CleanTech Alliance

Mel Clark is a leader with 25 years of nonprofit experience, as well as for-profit business experience in real estate and human resources.  She has a demonstrated track record of strong fiscal stewardship and program development.  She joined the CleanTech Alliance in April 2020.

She has two adult children, one in college studying computer science, the other a theatre technician at Disneyland.

She was born in Massachusetts, raised in Kansas, spent summers on the beach in Connecticut, and attended colleges in New York and Washington.  She is a life-long learner, and loves to read, travel, cook, bake, and garden, and enjoys hiking, yoga, swimming, diving, and tolerates running (long enough to finish a marathon in 2017). 

Nirav Desai Founder of Moonbeam and Director of Innovation Acceleration & Strategy, HP

Nirav S. Desai is a entrepreneur, investor, and innovation strategist dedicated to transforming how corporations engage with emerging technologies and startups. As the Founder of Moonbeam, he has helped organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia embrace innovations and establish strategic plans for technology adoption, be that AI, spatial computing, novel computing platforms, or next generation energy. He worked with the CleanTech Alliance to develop the 2025 Washington State Fusion Energy Landscape Report. Nirav also serves as the Director of Innovation Acceleration & Strategy at HP, where he leads cross-functional initiatives that fast-track the development and commercialization of next-generation technologies. Based within HP’s Technology Innovation Office, his work focuses on catalyzing breakthroughs in Edge Computing, AI, immersive tech, and embedded hardware. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to connect innovation ecosystems, forge strategic alliances, and accelerate bold ideas from concept to market. He contributes to the innovation ecosystem through being a futurist for Jobs for the Future, a startup mentor for University or Washington and Nova University in Lisbon, Innovation co-chair for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, and a board member for the Virtual World Society.

Permitting and Siting and Legal Considerations for Fusion Energy

Moderator

Laura Morton, Partner, Perkins Coie

Laura Morton is a partner in Perkins Coie’s Washington, D.C. office. She counsels energy companies and utilities pursuing the development of major onshore and offshore infrastructure projects, with a focus on federal environmental review, permitting, and natural resources. Laura’s clients seek her advice based on her deep regulatory knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of federal agency policy and practices following her almost decade of government service across multiple agencies. In addition to helping clients advance permitting for infrastructure development projects, she leverages her industry and government experience to counsel utilities and energy technology and manufacturing companies on strategies to navigate agency policy priorities and compliance requirements for multimillion-dollar federal funding and financing opportunities. Laura’s prior experience includes serving as acting Deputy Staff and senior advisor to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, senior advisor in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Deputy Associate Director for Energy and Climate Change at the White House Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ), and Policy Advisor at the Office of Management and Budget.

Speakers

Tom Bugert, State Public Affairs, Helion Energy

Tom Bugert leads State and Local Public Affairs for Helion Energy, a fusion energy company based in Everett. Prior to Helion, Tom served as State Government Affairs Manager for REI Co-op, as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and as State Government Affairs Director for The Nature Conservancy of Washington. Tom began his work in natural resources at Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition, first as an intern and then as State Policy Director before he joined the Coalition’s board.

Chris Ajemian, Consultant, Ajemian Consulting

Chris Ajemian is an independent consultant who works in fusion energy commercialization and energy policy. He was co-founder of CTFusion, a fusion energy startup that spun out of the University of Washington. He provides business development, legal, regulatory and environmental strategy.

Chris has 25 years of experience working with business, government, and non-profits. He has practiced corporate law, worked with the U.S. Departments of State and Energy, and worked in various clean energy ventures. He has built relationships with power utilities, venture funds, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ARPAE, IAEA, and the environmental community. He founded and been a CEO for a software start-up, advised three U.S. presidential campaigns, and has been a journalist covering the White House and U.S. Congress.

His interests include leadership, fusion energy, corporate strategy, plasma physics, strategic planning, government, Asia, U.S. politics, foreign policy, and diplomacy. He works closely with the Cleantech Alliance of Washington and the Fusion Industry Association.

Durable and Transferable Skills for the Fusion Sector

Moderator

Andy Ferrera, Partner, Kinetic West

Andy is a Partner at Kinetic West and joined the team in 2018. Andy began his career as an elementary school teacher in Washington, DC, before returning home to the Pacific Northwest in the Seattle office for the Boston Consulting Group. Andy’s work centers on collective impact / system strategy and implementation – focusing on workforce development, education, homelessness, and housing that bring together community, government, business, labor, non-profits, and philanthropy to work together towards a common goal. Andy has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College.

Speakers

Bri O’Connell, Talent Operations Manager, Helion Energy

Bri O’Connell’s career has taken her across energy, manufacturing, and big tech sectors—spanning roles in Europe, South America, and the U.S. Her time abroad sparked a passion for driving global change toward a cleaner, better energy future.
At Helion Energy, Bri leads the Talent Operations team, building the hiring programs, processes, and tools that connect exceptional talent to our mission: a future with unlimited clean energy. She launched Helion’s first internship program to support the next generation of clean energy innovators. As the fusion space scales, she’s helping future innovators understand and develop the skills that will shape this growing sector!

Spencer Cohen, Principal and Founder, High Peak Strategy LLC

Dr. Spencer Cohen is principal and founder of High Peak Strategy LLC, an economics and research consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington specializing in port operations, labor markets,  regional economic analysis, international trade research, and U.S.-China relations. High Peak Strategy LLC works with a diverse range of clients, including ports, economic development organizations, industrial development authorities, engineering firms, industry and trade associations, and local governments.

Dr. Cohen is a leading expert in port and trade economics, economic impact modeling, labor market analysis, and regional economic development. He has worked with clients across the U.S. and abroad, including in Florida, Washington, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and the Asian Development Bank.

Dr. Cohen has a PhD in geography (economic geography) from the University of Washington, where his research examined land markets and local government finance in China. He has lived, studied, and conducted research in China. He was a 2021-2023 National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Public Intellectuals Program Fellow and 2023 American Mandarin Society fellow. Spencer serves on the board of the Seattle Economics Council and is an affiliate faculty with the University of Washington Department of Geography. He holds a BA in mathematics and history (double major) from the University of Connecticut and an MA in China Studies from the University of Washington.

Kate Kelly, Chief of Staff, Avalanche Energy

Kate is Chief of Staff at Avalanche Energy: a Seattle-based, venture-backed fusion energy startup developing modular fusion microreactors. Prior to joining Avalanche, Kate worked in Product Management at DreamBox Learning and Microsoft. Kate is an Electrical Engineer by training, having previously worked in nuclear consulting and always dreamed of working on Climate Tech. 

Advanced Manufacturing for Fusion

Speakers

Dr. Clemente Parga, Engineering Manager, Materials, Manufacturing, and Qualifications (MMQ), Zap Energy

Dr. Clemente Parga specializes in the design and development of refractory alloys (W, Ta, Re, Ru, Mo, Co, Nb, Zr, Ti, Hf), metal carbide/boride compounds, Ni-superalloys, copper, titanium and aluminum alloys. He has extensive experience on eutectic systems, oxidation, liquid metal corrosion, brazing, LASER and electron-beam melting of materials, among others. He obtained his Ph.D in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Idaho., and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. Clemente worked at Blue Origin as a Liquid Fuel Rocket Engine Materials and Processes Engineer, and was the Lead M&P Engineer on the BE-7 Liquid Hydrogen-Oxygen Engine for the Blue Moon Lunar Lander. Clemente also worked at the Idaho National Laboratory on the TREAT Reactor Fuel Conversion program and as a researcher for the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) at the Cadarache’s Research Centre, the host site for the ITER fusion reactor.

Veterans and Late Career Professionals Transitioning into the Fusion Workforce

Moderator

Jill Thornton, Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing

Jill Thornton is the Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing, where she leads statewide initiatives to align educational programs with the evolving needs of industry. With deep expertise in managing grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Education, Jill has played a pivotal role in launching mechatronics programs and advancing student success strategies. A dedicated advocate for workforce development, she works at the intersection of education, industry, and innovation to build pathways that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Speakers

Dr. Greg Van Dyk, CEO, Altrusion

Dr. Greg Van Dyk is the CEO of Altrusion, a fusion energy supply chain company located in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Prior to his role in Altrusion, Col (ret) Van Dyk’s Air Force career included conducting research to leading international efforts and large programs. His nuclear engineering PhD involved both computational and experimental fusion research and was followed by a tour at the Department of Energy (DOE) leading an office funding over $200 million in yearly research and development (R&D) at 3 national laboratories. Following his tour at DOE, Dr. Van Dyk led two Department of Defense (DoD) multi-billion-dollar Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1 programs, one in development and one transitioning into production. Following his program management positions, he was named as the Chief Scientist of the largest DoD acquisition program in development and led multiple R&D efforts across DoD and DOE. Dr. Van Dyk was then stationed in the United Kingdom leading joint research between the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Air Force and served as DoD’s lead for fusion technologies engaging the U.K. and U.S. fusion energy and space propulsion communities.

Ryan Umstattd, VP of Product & PartnershipsZap Energy

Ryan is the Vice President of Product and Partnerships for Zap Energy where he is developing the go-to-market strategy for cost-effective fusion energy. After completing his PhD in Applied Science (Plasma Physics), Ryan served for 20 years in the Air Force as a scientist, professor, and program manager for a first-of-its kind satellite. Prior to transitioning to the private sector, he also served at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) where he helped prepare breakthrough energy technologies for transition from the lab to customers within the Department of Defense. During his last year at ARPA-E, he was the Deputy Director for Commercialization, responsible for oversight of 11 tech-to-market advisors and the hands-on management provided to 300+ project teams for a $250M/yr research and development portfolio.

Mike Prato, Director of Strategy, Avalanche Energy

Michael joined Avalanche in early 2023 following a twenty-three year career in the United States Marine Corps and three years working as a strategy consultant and business developer advisor to companies involved with Department of Defense logistics and acquisitions programs in Washington, D.C. He brings a wealth of knowledge in building functional organizations and working with government agencies to deliver complex projects. As Director of Strategy at Avalanche, Michael will lead strategic partnerships with government, academia and industry partners. Michael loves to fish, hunt and ride motorcycles and as recent Seattle transplants, he, his wife and their baby daughter look forward to exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors.

Commercialization and Enabling Technologies

Moderator

Rachelle Ames, Vice President of Economic Development, CleanTech Alliance

Rachelle Ames leads the BUILT Cluster focusing on decarbonizing infrastructure and built environment and one of the initial clusters launched by the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program. She also leads the Alliance’s entrepreneur support programs and has developed the new Lab2Launch resource focusing on breaking down barriers between industry and the Northwest’s academic institution resources.

In addition to entrepreneur support and commercialization activities, she leads member and sponsors development and engagement, and partnership outreach for the Alliance. Rachelle joined the CleanTech Alliance in 2018, after five years at Washington State University working within the Office of Research and focused on industry-academia engagement and technology transfer.

She has a Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Molecular Biosciences from Washington State University and is passionate about helping scientists, engineers, technical founders, and industry communicate their technologies and innovations to others to increase collaboration opportunities through shared understanding.

Outside of work, Rachelle enjoys playing tennis with her husband – Collin, laughing at their two cats, attending rock concerts, and cheering for her favorite sports teams (Go Cougs, Seahawks, and Mariners!)

Matthew Cloutier, Head of Business Operations, Fusion Fuel Cycles

Matthew Cloutier heads business operations at Fusion Fuel Cycles (FFC), a joint venture between Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) focused on advancing technologies for the deuterium-tritium fuel cycle. On assignment from KF, he is responsible for corporate strategy, financing, and supporting the commercial delivery of UNITY-2, Canada’s first dedicated fusion fuel cycle test facility, while fostering collaborations with industry, government, and research partners worldwide.

Matthew’s background spans strategy consulting, engineering, and skilled trades. Prior to joining KF, he advised energy and industrial clients on growth strategy, acquisitions, and integration as a consultant with Deloitte. He has also served as an operations and design engineer in multiple industrial sectors and is a Red Seal-certified electrician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Calgary.

Standards and Supply – Getting to 1000 Fusion Machines

Shaun Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer, Peak Nano

Shaun Walsh is a long-time student and practitioner of marketing, seeking a balance between storytelling, technology, and market/audience development. He has held various executive and senior management positions in marketing, sales, engineering, alliances, and corporate development at Cylance (now BlackBerry), Security Scorecard, Emulex (now Broadcom), and NetApp. He has helped develop numerous start-ups that have achieved successful exits, including IPOs (Overland Data, JNI) and M&A deals with (Emuelx, Cylance, and Igneous). Mr. Walsh is an active industry speaker (RSA, BlackHat, InfoSec, SNIA, FS-ISAC), media/podcasts contributor (Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CRN, MSSP World), and founding editor of The Cyber Report. He loves lifting heavy things for CrossFit and strongman competitions, waiting for Comic Con, trying to design the perfect omelet, or rolling on the mat. Mr. Walsh holds a BS in Management from Pepperdine University. 

Dr. Jim McCarrick, High Energy Density (HED) and Photon Systems Program Director, Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL)

Jim McCarrick is the Program Director for the High Energy Density (HED) and Photon Systems element within the NIF & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL). He oversees development and deployment of advanced short-pulse lasers and the experimental platforms and systems that leverage those lasers, with application to HED science and inertial fusion energy.

Jim has been at LLNL for 26 years and has worked in a variety of science and engineering areas that serve LLNL’s core mission of strategic deterrence. In recent years his focus has been bringing LLNL’s capabilities to adjacent national needs, primarily for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. He holds a B.S. degree in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he studied magnetic fusion.

Dr. Greg Van Dyk, CEO, Altrusion

Dr. Greg Van Dyk is the CEO of Altrusion, a fusion energy supply chain company located in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Prior to his role in Altrusion, Col (ret) Van Dyk’s Air Force career included conducting research to leading international efforts and large programs. His nuclear engineering PhD involved both computational and experimental fusion research and was followed by a tour at the Department of Energy (DOE) leading an office funding over $200 million in yearly research and development (R&D) at 3 national laboratories. Following his tour at DOE, Dr. Van Dyk led two Department of Defense (DoD) multi-billion-dollar Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1 programs, one in development and one transitioning into production. Following his program management positions, he was named as the Chief Scientist of the largest DoD acquisition program in development and led multiple R&D efforts across DoD and DOE. Dr. Van Dyk was then stationed in the United Kingdom leading joint research between the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Air Force and served as DoD’s lead for fusion technologies engaging the U.K. and U.S. fusion energy and space propulsion communities.

Mike Heumann, Founder & Principal Analyst, Ignition Research

Mike Heumann is the lead analyst at Ignition Research, and has held executive positions and provided strategic consulting for global high-technology companies in the energy, electric vehicle, cybersecurity, and datacenter markets for over two decades. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and successfully completed the Stanford University/AEA Executive Institute Program. His experience in the energy and EV industry includes market sizing/forecasting, strategic positioning, product management and marketing, and merger and acquisition consulting for a number of leading companies and venture capital firms on a worldwide basis.

Critical Minerals and Materials for Fusion Energy

Speakers

Aaron Feaver, Executive Director, Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials (JCDREAM)

As Executive Director of JCDREAM, Aaron is a global expert on the move to engineered materials solutions for clean technology with a concentration on the synthesis and processing of high-performance carbon materials. He co-founded EnerG2 and has written and spoken extensively on nanotechnology topics. He led the company’s technology development from inception at the labs of the University of Washington in 2003 to a venture-backed business.

Under Aaron’s technical leadership, EnerG2 closed its first large sales and implemented its products in a commercial setting. This was the result of many people’s hard work and, in addition to reinforcing EnerG2’s vision, it showed that the company could deliver a genuine cost-benefit for its customers as well as a really useful solution. EnerG2 has never been about science for science’s sake; instead it’s about developing products that people can actually use to improve the world.

Prior to Aaron’s focus on nanotechnology, he was a project manager and engineer for Boeing’s Design for Environment / Manufacturing initiative. He also worked in a manufacturing engineering capacity on all of Boeing’s commercial airplanes. Aaron currently serves on the Board of Advisors at the University of Washington’s Materials Science and Engineering Department. Aaron received a BS from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Washington.

VIP Remarks at the Future of Flight Museum

Sen. Marko Liias, Senator for Washington’s 21st Legislative District, Washington State Legislature

Senator Marko Liias is a lifelong Washingtonian born and raised in the neighborhoods he now serves. He represents the communities of the 21st Legislative District, which includes neighborhoods in Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo.  

Marko was appointed to the House of Representatives in 2008 and won re-election three times. He was appointed to the Senate in 2014 and is currently serving his third term as a senator.    

Throughout his service in the Legislature, he has prioritized policies to increase access to public transportation across Washington, provide educational and career opportunities for students, make the state safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth, and build an economy that works for everyone.    

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Marko championed the 2022 Move Ahead Washington transportation package which will invest nearly $17 billion in transportation resources across the state over the next 16 years while creating quality, family-wage jobs. The package prioritizes the future of Washington by investing in a sustainable transportation sector that addresses the climate crisis. Through funding to electrify the transportation sector, invest in active transportation, and expand transit options, Move Ahead Washington is a shift towards a greener transportation sector.   

National Labs Capabilities Panel at the Future of Flight Museum

Moderator

Dr. Karl Mueller, Director, Ames National Laboratory

Bio coming soon!

Speakers

Dr. Jim McCarrick, High Energy Density (HED) and Photon Systems Program Director, Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL)

Jim McCarrick is the Program Director for the High Energy Density (HED) and Photon Systems element within the NIF & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL). He oversees development and deployment of advanced short-pulse lasers and the experimental platforms and systems that leverage those lasers, with application to HED science and inertial fusion energy.

Jim has been at LLNL for 26 years and has worked in a variety of science and engineering areas that serve LLNL’s core mission of strategic deterrence. In recent years his focus has been bringing LLNL’s capabilities to adjacent national needs, primarily for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. He holds a B.S. degree in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he studied magnetic fusion.

Dr. Pattrick Calderoni, Technical Lead, Fusion Program, Idaho National Laboratory

Pattrick Calderoni is the technical lead for fusion research activities at the Idaho National Laboratory. He is the Principal Investigator of the Blanket Nuclear Testing (BNT) Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE), the primary interface with the DOE Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) office and coordinates a broad portfolio of research projects focused on fusion technology. His technical expertise includes fusion breeder materials, blanket design and tritium technology.


Dr. Calderoni has more than 20 years’ experience in the development of fission and fusion energy systems and testing of nuclear components. He recently served as the National Technical Director for the DOE Advanced Sensor and Instrumentation (ASI) program, which is an element of the Department of Energy, Nuclear Energy research portfolio. In addition to instrumentation, his technical expertise includes sodium and molten salt reactors. Dr. Calderoni’s leadership extends globally, having contributed to experiments in various nuclear research facilities, including the INL Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT), and international facilities like the Monju reactor in Japan and research reactors in Europe.


Dr. Calderoni holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from
University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering
from Universita’ di Bologna, Italy. He is affiliated with the Project
Management Institute, holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate, and is a member of the American Nuclear Society.

Check back soon as we confirm more speakers.

Maps & Directions

Washington State University Everett (WSU Everett) – 915 N Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce Offices – 1301 Fifth Ave, Suite 1500, Seattle, WA 98101

Hotel Recommendations

Visiting from out of state? Check out our list of recommended hotels in the Seattle and Everett area.

Sponsors


Email Rachelle to inquire about sponsorship.

Resources