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Mr. Halek brings over six years of specialized experience in transportation electrification, with a strong foundation built on two decades in the utility sector. As principal trusted advisor for ConsultOne Group, a Twin Cities-based consultancy, he provides strategic guidance to small businesses and property stakeholders across the residential, multi-family, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors, helping them implement turnkey EV charging solutions tailored to their needs.

Throughout his career, Mr. Halek has held executive leadership roles in eMobility and electrical infrastructure and collaborated with numerous leading EV charging station original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). He is well versed in residential and commercial Level 2 and DC Fast Charging technologies, network solutions, installation, servicing, and available market incentives.

Mr. Halek is also a thought leader in the EV space, having authored industry articles for the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, Minnesota Business Journal, and Minnesota Real Estate Journal. As an instructor with HalfMoon Education Inc., he taught the Adding EV Charging Stations to Homes and Businesses course and has moderated and spoken on expert panels, many CEC-approved, for organizations such as the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater Minneapolis, Minnesota Real Estate Journal Multi Housing Summit, and Minnesota Multi Housing Association Executive Conference.

Mr. Halek holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Studies from St. Cloud State University and an MBA degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. His prior roles include business development positions with leading electrical contractors in the Twin Cities, where he helped deploy certified EV charging solutions and earned multiple installation partner designations from top-tier EV charging OEMs.

Professor White’s 48 years’ experience in the electrical industry and his 25 years of teaching apprentices and CEU courses for electrical contractors, architects and engineers has provided perspectives he enjoys sharing. Professor White has written and revised more than 150 college course syllabi. He transitioned the entire skilled trades catalog of courses from quarter hours to semester hours. Professor White has created and changed numerous college programs of study for associate degrees and various trade certificates. He has taught for IEC Central Ohio, Columbus State Community College, and most recently Midlands Technical College Columbia, South Carolina. He has also been teaching CEU seminars for various training agencies and private companies since 2007. Professor White has a strong understanding of the National Electrical Code and tries to create interactions with seminar attendees. Regarding electrical system design, he has completed more than 100 projects including simple single buildings, multiple occupancy strips, and multi-use buildings.

Dr. McKelvey is the director of the Geotechnical Design Division at Earth Engineering Inc. in East Norriton, Pennsylvania. He is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in California, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Dr. McKelvey is also a Diplomate (D.GE) of the Academy of Geo-Professionals and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (F.ASCE).

Dr. McKelvey has extensive experience in geotechnical engineering including site assessment and field investigations, deep and shallow foundation design for buildings, bridges, and other structures, retaining wall design, embankment stability, mechanically stabilized soil structures, and subsurface hydrology.

He also has significant experience in mitigating heavy construction claims and in litigation support pertaining to impacted heavy construction projects. Dr. McKelvey has also handled construction support and construction quality assurance projects. His environmental engineering experience includes technical contributions to the remediation of many Superfund sites and over 50 landfill design projects.

Dr. McKelvey has published over 30 technical papers in journals, conference proceedings and trade magazines. He is the past chair for the Delaware Valley Geo-Institute (DVGI) and is a voting member in ASTM committees Soil and Rock (D18), and Geosynthetics (D35). He is an editorial board member of the Geotechnical Testing Journal. Dr. McKelvey also serves on two Geo-Institute committees: Earth Structures and Embankments and Dams. For the latter, he is a member of the subcommittee on landslide risk assessment.

Ms. Abernethy joined The Noble Law employment law firm in January 2018 following more than 15 years in the defense bar at large international law firms. Ms. Abernethy has represented clients in matters arising under Title VII, the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (“REDA”), the North Carolina Whistleblower Statute, the North Carolina False Claims Act, the North Carolina Wage & Hour Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other state and federal employment statutes. Ms. Abernethy has extensive background and experience as a litigator in class and collective action cases. She has also developed significant experience with navigating the regulatory frameworks surrounding medical practice and related industries. She also has extensive experience in arbitration, mediation and in courts of appeals. She is admitted to practice before the State Bars of both North Carolina and Illinois, and in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Circuits. She has written and presented on topics relating to e-discovery, civil procedure, insurance coverage and the Medicare payment process. Ms. Abernethy received her J.D. degree from Washington University School of Law in 2001. She graduated Order of the Coif (top 10% of law school graduating class), and was an articles editor for the Washington University Law Quarterly. She has a B.A. degree in History from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. While practicing as an employment attorney in Chicago, Ms. Abernethy was named a “Rising Star” by SuperLawyers Magazine in 2010 and 2011. She was named a North Carolina “Super Lawyer” in 2022.

Ms. Harris established The Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC, in August 2018, and she brings a wealth of experience in education law and civil litigation. Before launching her own practice, Ms. Harris served as an associate attorney at a local education law firm and as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina. Her firm reflects her commitment to protecting children and her passion for entrepreneurship. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. She is licensed to practice in the State Courts of North Carolina and the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina. An active member of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) and the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA), Ms. Harris was inducted into the NCBA’s Leadership Academy in 2017, one of only 16 lawyers selected statewide. She is a published author in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and education rights, and she regularly teaches continuing legal education courses and speaks at community events on education law topics.

Mr. Hood is a trial attorney in a wide-ranging civil practice with over 200 jury trials to his credit. His concentration includes business disputes, construction law, personal injury and collections. He is also a certified mediator, helping to settle cases pending in both state and federal court and served as president of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, the organization for lawyers representing business interests in civil litigation. Mr. Hood’s involvement in the legal community includes service on the Section Council for both the Insurance Law and Dispute Resolution Sections of the North Carolina Bar Association, and on the boards of the UNC Law Alumni Association and the Equal Access to Justice Foundation. In his local community, he serves on the Board of the Historical Association of Catawba County and has served on the county’s Board of Elections for 25 years, including four years as board chair.

Mr. Litrenta is a litigator who focuses his practice on commercial litigation, construction law and defects, general liability, governmental and municipality liability, premises liability, transportation and professional liability matters. His litigation background spans both prosecution and defense, bringing a comprehensive perspective to each case he handles. Mr. Litrenta began his legal career as a prosecutor, where he gained significant courtroom experience conducting multiple jury trials. His ability to build and present cases in court led him to transition to criminal defense, where he effectively leveraged his trial skills and knowledge of evidence to defend his clients. This diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of both sides of the legal process, which he now applies to his civil litigation practice. With trial experience in multiple states, Mr. Litrenta is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He is known for his tireless work ethic and strategic approach to litigation. In addition to his practice, Mr. Litrenta is passionate about teaching and regularly presents on topics such as jury selection, evidentiary issues, and trial advocacy. He earned his J.D. degree from Barry University and holds a B.S. degree in Anthropology and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ms. Viera’s intimate knowledge of the North Carolina family court system began as a child amidst a domestic violence and child abuse situation. Although tumultuous, she was inspired by her childhood to pursue the goal of a legal career helping families in similar situations. She conducted her undergraduate studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She pursued her law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill where she was able to hone her skills as an orator, writer, and legal thinker. As a family law attorney, Ms. Viera utilizes the tools of negotiation, mediation, and litigation to find solutions for families navigating the legal system. She was named a Top 40 Young Lawyer by the American Bar Association in 2020, a North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Power List Attorney in Family Law in 2022, and has received the designation of Super Lawyers Rising Star, Best Lawyer Ones to Watch, and Legal Elite by Business North Carolina. Modern Legal is based in the South Park area of Charlotte, and her team provides legal, mediation, and arbitration services to clients in North Carolina and South Carolina. Learn more at ModernLegalNC.com.

Ms. Weyandt’s practice focuses exclusively on family law, including issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence, as well as the issues of alienation of affection and criminal conversation. Ms. Weyandt is a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University. She earned her J.D. degree from Wake Forest University School of Law, where she served as Senior Notes and Comments Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review. While in law school, Ms. Weyandt was also a member of the Moot Court Board, where she competed as a member on the Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Team; worked as a research assistant for Dean Suzanne Reynolds in researching and editing her North Carolina Family Law treatise; and served as a teaching assistant and Academic Engagement Group Leader for various subjects.

Ms. Verley believes knowledge is power and there is always a solution for every situation. With a focus on sustainability, longevity and energy efficiency she stays up to date on the most innovative solutions for the building envelope. Through public speaking, digital media and articles, she is able to bring the forefront of information to local markets with a focus on proper use of materials situationally rather than a cookie-cutter approach. Ms. Verley’s building envelope focus includes masonry restoration and moisture management, waterproofing, roofing, single-ply and protected membranes, garden roofs, and assembly solutions. She earned her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering.

Mr. Barkhurst has extensive litigation experience in business and real estate disputes. He has developed a special concentration in the area of eminent domain, representing governmental entities as well as landowners in numerous lawsuits. Mr. Barkhurst has successfully represented numerous owners in ranch power line takings. He also represents governmental entities in construction disputes, and he has represented contractors and subcontractors in private disputes. Mr. Barkhurst has a B.A. degree, with honors, from Southwest Texas State University and a J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Texas Tech University, and he is a former USAF Captain and F-111 Aviator. 

Mr. Bowles began working in the field of land surveying in 1978 and is certified as a registered professional land surveyor in the State of Texas. He has given seminars to lawyers, real estate professionals and other land surveyors on land surveying principles, practice and codified standards. Mr. Bowles has been an expert witness in a number of legal actions centering around boundary disputes and land surveyor negligence claims. He has given expert testimony regarding boundary resolution, minimum standards and minimum content regarding land surveys. Mr. Bowles is a member of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors and a former member of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.

Ms. Avalos is a nationally renowned leader in providing accessibility-related services and is a sought-after speaker with a knack for using an upbeat approach to help others understand the complexities of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over 40 years of experience, she provides expert witnessing on ADA, 504, Federal Housing Administration, and Air Carrier Access Act legal cases. In 1990 she founded Accessology Too, LLC which is a national leader in providing accessibility consulting services and is one of the largest U.S. firms dedicated solely to accessibility and access issues. Since its founding, Accessology has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board to remain knowledgeable and adept with the constant changes that occur regarding ADA guidelines. Accessology has worked on numerous multi-million dollar projects to impact accessibility compliance during all stages, from schematics to construction and final inspections. Since 2005 Accessology has specialized in the development, execution, and monitoring of the required ADA Transition Plans for Title II entities to help them avoid access-related litigation since so much litigation is tied to not having a Transition Plan on file. Ms. Avalos and her team at Accessology are committed to removing structural and attitudinal barriers that adversely impact people with disabilities.

Mr. Ntuk is a civil engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in the land development industry. He is the managing principal for LAND|Engineering, PLC, a civil engineering design firm focused on site planning, green building consulting, and construction management. Mr. Ntuk received his B.S. degree in Civil Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering from George Mason University. He spends 20 percent of his time as an executive, 30 percent as a designer, 40 percent as a geek, and 30 percent solving complex math problems.

Dr. Dawson recently retired as the Associate Vice President for Administrative Operations at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi where he oversaw facility operations, maintenance, grounds, custodial, and planning and construction as well as Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for the “Island” campus. His experience spans federal, state, county and local municipality projects including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Defense (DoD) including the Naval Construction Battalion’s at Gulfport and Port Hueneme, Seabees, Navy Civil Engineer Corp, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Force Civil Engineers and RED HORSE units, in addition to higher education with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) University of North Texas System (UNTS) and Tarrant County College District (TCCD). Dr. Dawson has more than 38 years’ experience in urban planning, developmental programming, building and infrastructure design, construction and program management for a wide variety of capital investment programs and unique environments. He is a retired Air Force Civil Engineering officer with experience in the design and construction of numerous facilities supporting major weapon systems and the U.S. electronic security and space programs world-wide. Dr. Dawson is a registered architect in the State of Texas and a certified city planner. He is also a U.S. Green Building Institute Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) with experience in numerous sustainable projects. He has specialized mediation and disputes resolution training and experience directly related to the design and construction industry, successfully resolving construction claims based on errors and omissions, defective product or workmanships, scheduling deviations or Acts-of-God. Additional skills include preparation of specifications, bidding and construction plans, cost estimates, and bidding services related to federal and state contract requirements and processes.

Dr. Hongtao Dang is an assistant professor in Construction Management and Construction Engineering. He has a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Construction Engineering and Management from Iowa State University (ISU). He served as graduate program coordinator at Central Washington University (CWU), advised undergraduate and graduate students, and he has published many journal articles and conference proceedings. Dr. Dang is a licensed professional engineer with approximately six years of professional experience working on heavy civil (e.g., bridges), industrial (e.g., powerplants), and commercial (e.g., hotels) projects. He taught various courses in construction programs for many years at ISU and CWU. Dr. Dang served as the Faculty Fellow for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and received the Above and Beyond Award in 2021, the Outstanding Scholar Award in 2021, and the Outstanding Online Peer Mentor Award in 2022 at CWU. He received the 2022 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 7 Teaching Award, recognizing the faculty member’s contribution to construction education, excellence in teaching, service to the ASC, and dedication to the construction profession. Additionally, Dr. Dang coached many student teams in national and international competitions and developed three online courses for the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). He is the director of Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 7 and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Transportation Research Board (TRB), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM), American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE), Construction Research Congress (CRC), and Construction Institute (CI) Digital Project Delivery (DPD) Committee. Dr. Dang serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Management in Engineering, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Journal of Civil Engineering Education, Journal of Architectural Engineering, Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolutions, Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, Journal of Automation in Construction, International Journal of Construction Education and Research, and International Journal of Construction Management. He has been recognized as the outstanding reviewer multiple times in ASCE Journals.

Dakota Hunter, PWS, currently leads the wetland and botany service with Copperhead Environmental Consulting and manages the company’s satellite office located in Staunton, Virginia. He began his career in 2015 working as a wetland scientist and wildlife biologist, and has since accrued extensive experience leading wetland delineations, conducting surveys for federal and state listed flora and fauna species and providing maintenance and monitoring services for wetland restoration projects. He completed Master’s level research at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA studying correlations between invasive plant prevalence, environmental factors, and native plant assemblages on wetland mitigation banks. He has worked as a wetland and stream mitigation manager and has led field surveys on large-scale energy projects, roadway expansions, commercial real estate, and federal land improvement projects. Mr. Hunter has developed and implemented botanical inventories and related research, invasive species management, and mitigation monitoring plans across Appalachia, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeastern United States. He was certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) in 2023 by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, and as a Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.

Mr. Murray is a senior scientist with AtkinsRealis. He holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences – Geology from Georgia College & State University and is a professional wetland scientist in the United States as well as a qualified hydrologic professional in the State of Tennessee. He has nine years of experience in geomorphic assessments and environmental compliance/permitting. Mr. Murray is responsible for leading wetland delineations, stream classifications, habitat assessments, 404 permitting, buffer variances, and protected species surveys. He has participated in a number of water resources delineations, protected species relocations, bridge surveys, and plant identifications.

Mr. Nortz is one of two founding principals of Otisco Engineering Ltd. with engineering capabilities in environmental, ecological restoration, hydrology, hydrogeology, and water resources. His experience in engineering and construction includes stream, site, and wetland restoration permitting, design and construction, stormwater management, and green infrastructure design. Most of his project experience is in the urban setting, integrating water features into the built environment. With dual degrees and certifications in Geology and Engineering and with experience as a regulator and in industry, Mr. Nortz collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including those comprised of scientists, engineers, field technicians, administrators, owners, local/state officials, and contractors. He is passionate about healthy watersheds and the enjoyment of water features. Mr. Nortz volunteers for boards such as the Rocky River Watershed Council (former board chair) and stays involved in technical/professional organizations such as the Ohio Stormwater Association. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and Minnesota and a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Mr. Nortz earned his B.S. degree in Geological Water Resources from Ohio University (Athens) and his M.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Mr. Ritchie brings over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, with expertise spanning site investigation, remediation, restoration, regulatory compliance, wetland science, ecological assessments, and effective root zone studies. He holds a B.S. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and an M.S. degree in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida. Mr. Ritchie began his career with the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System of Wetlands in coastal Louisiana, developing a strong foundation in field-based environmental work. Over the years, he advanced into project management roles within regional consulting firms, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both field operations and regulatory processes. In 2022, Mr. Ritchie founded Ritchie Ecological and Environmental Solutions (REES), an environmental consulting firm serving clients across the oil and gas, energy transmission, and renewable energy sectors. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in a range of disciplines, including botany, plant ecology, agronomy, soil science, wetlands, and regulatory compliance, and has provided expert testimony in litigation involving these topics. Mr. Ritchie’s restoration work is particularly focused on the rehabilitation of former oil field sites and post construction wetland restoration along pipeline rights-of-way. His approach focuses on restoring native habitat through practical solutions to support sustainable land and resource management.

Dr. Wentzell is a wetland ecologist specializing in wetland restoration, phytoremediation, and ecosystem resilience. As dean of the School of STEM and an associate professor of Biology at St. Thomas Aquinas College, she integrates research, education, and conservation to address human impacts on wetlands. Her work focuses on nutrient cycling, plant-based remediation techniques, and habitat restoration, including projects in the Adirondack Mountain wetlands and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. She has led riparian restoration efforts to protect the Sparkill Creek watershed in New York and developed the Wetland Ambassadors Program, an international fellowship supporting students in wetland science. Passionate about applied ecological solutions, Dr. Wentzell continues to advance science-based conservation through research, education, and community engagement.

Dr. Dawson recently retired as the Associate Vice President for Administrative Operations at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi where he oversaw facility operations, maintenance, grounds, custodial, and planning and construction as well as Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for the “Island” campus. His experience spans federal, state, county and local municipality projects including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Defense (DoD) including the Naval Construction Battalion’s at Gulfport and Port Hueneme, Seabees, Navy Civil Engineer Corp, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Force Civil Engineers and RED HORSE units, in addition to higher education with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) University of North Texas System (UNTS) and Tarrant County College District (TCCD). Dr. Dawson has more than 38 years’ experience in urban planning, developmental programming, building and infrastructure design, construction and program management for a wide variety of capital investment programs and unique environments. He is a retired Air Force Civil Engineering officer with experience in the design and construction of numerous facilities supporting major weapon systems and the U.S. electronic security and space programs world-wide. Dr. Dawson is a registered architect in the State of Texas and a certified city planner. He is also a U.S. Green Building Institute Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) with experience in numerous sustainable projects. He has specialized mediation and disputes resolution training and experience directly related to the design and construction industry, successfully resolving construction claims based on errors and omissions, defective product or workmanships, scheduling deviations or Acts-of-God. Additional skills include preparation of specifications, bidding and construction plans, cost estimates, and bidding services related to federal and state contract requirements and processes.

Mr. Adelson practices throughout Florida and consults nationwide on property and property rights law, natural resources (especially water) and environmental law; property title and boundary issues, easements, shoreline property rights and submerged lands; public lands, resource conservation, agriculture, protected species; fisheries resources; boat ramps, docks, marinas, and waterway access; local, state and federal regulatory agency licensing, permitting, compliance, and remediation; firearms ownership and firearms business laws; inheritance estates and trusts; business entity formation and operation; professional ethics; and administrative and judicial trial and appellate litigation. Mr. Adelson is a certified mediator, a member of The Florida Bar, and is admitted in the Florida federal courts. He served in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Natural Resources and has been in private practice since 2001. Mr. Adelson is a retired U.S. Army officer. Mr. Adelson is active in the FSU College of Law Environmental Law Society, Moot Court teams and other college and community related activities. He holds a B.A. degree from Virginia Military Institute; M.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Florida Institute of Technology; and J.D. and LL.M. degrees from Florida State University College of Law. Mr. Adelson’s LL.M. dissertation studied shoreline property rights and associated access/egress easements.

Mr. Gaylord practices in the field of eminent domain and property rights. He has successfully represented property owners statewide in jury trials, bench trials, and administrative and Value Adjustment Board proceedings. Prior to joining Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz, Mr. Gaylord served as an officer in the U.S. Army where he was deployed in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (Kuwait) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). He is also the chairman of the Eminent Domain Committee of The Florida Bar, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized by numerous trade publications for his accomplishments in the field of eminent domain law. Mr. Gaylord earned his J.D. degree from John B. Stetson University College of Law.

Professor Fratta is an associate professor in Geological Engineering and Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds Civil Engineering degrees from three different universities: a diploma from U.N. Corboda (Argentina), an M.A.Sc. degree from U. of Waterloo (Canada), and a Ph.D. degree from Georgia Tech (USA). He has over 20 years of teaching experience through courses in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and applied geophysics, and he is the author of three books. Professor Fratta also supports a research group that pursues studies in near-surface geophysics, wave propagation in soils and groups, and experimental geotechnical engineering.

Dr. Shafiee has several years of research and development experience in transportation geotechnics, pavement mechanics and highway construction materials. Since 2012, he has contributed to more than 27 journal publications and conference proceedings, and he has led and collaborated with different teams on major high-impact projects in climate-resilient pavements and sustainable materials. Some of his recent activities have resulted in development of unique and novel tools such as performance-graded asphalt cement under Changing Climate (PGAC3) and Pavement Adaptation Support Tool (PAST). His work is also related to the use of a innovative and sustainable solution towards circular economy and low-carbon pathways across the pavement sector by using waste by-products and recycled materials in hot-mix asphalt manufacturing.

Mr. Hirschhorn is considered one of America’s most prominent criminal defense trial attorneys. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America since its first edition 38 years ago. Mr. Hirschhorn focuses his practice on the defense of white collar, criminal and civil matters. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Law. Mr. Hirschhorn is a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (President 2003), a past president of the Wisconsin Bar Non-Resident Lawyer Division, a life fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation, served as a board member on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and for three years on The State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors. He is also a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Litigation Counsel of America. Mr. Hirschhorn is a member of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association, the First Amendment Lawyers Association (a founder and past president) and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is admitted to The Florida Bar, The State Bar of Wisconsin, U.S. Supreme Court, and all Federal Courts of Appeal except the District of Columbia. Mr. Hirschhorn has been admitted pro hac vice to 39 U.S District Courts in addition to practicing in all Federal Courts in Wisconsin and Florida. He has also handled matters in 34 different States’ Courts. Mr. Hirschhorn has also provided advice and counsel to US and non-US citizens and lawyers in many foreign countries throughout his career.

The mission of Lee law Firm LLC is “to speak up for and ensure justice for the individual.” Born in an abandoned barn in a third-world country as her parents fled from war and genocide, Ms. Lee’s family’s story of survival is living proof that there is justice in this world. Decades later, she would choose to use the trials of her past to be a voice of empowerment for the people she speaks up for. Ms. Lee is an educator at heart. She began her professional career as a teacher, then later working in higher education. She eventually pursued law to voice education in the arena of the legal justice system. She began law school while being a mother of five children! Attorney Lee shares this as encouragement that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Ms. Lee began her legal career as an assistant district attorney at the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. She has handled thousands of criminal cases as well as divorce, child support, and custody matters. Ms. Lee has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, a professional organization composed of top trial lawyers. Membership is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to trial lawyers. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense. She also has earned the 2020 Avvo Client’s Choice Award. Ms. Lee earned her J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Mr. Martinez founded Martinez & Ruby, LLP, with Attorney Cole Ruby in 2008. He practices criminal defense exclusively, and specializes in defending individuals facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, domestic abuse and sex-based crimes involving adults or children. Mr. Martinez is an accomplished trial lawyer, having tried cases throughout Wisconsin on charges at all severity levels. He also has an extensive history of negotiating dismissals short of trial, which has saved many of his clients the anxiety, risk and expense associated with trial. Together with Cole Ruby, he is a two-time recipient of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Hanson Award. Each of these awards were issued for winning a not-guilty verdict in a jury trial involving a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, the most serious crime under Wisconsin law. An Arizona native, he graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2004 with a B.A. degree in Philosophy. After college, he attended law school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a senior managing editor of the Wisconsin Law Review. Mr. Martinez earned his J.D. degree from the UW in 2007. Mr. Martinez is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) and has served as a speaker to educate the law community at numerous WACDL seminars. He is a native Spanish speaker and has represented Spanish-speaking clients throughout his career.

Mr. Rhodes is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has exclusively represented people accused of crimes since graduating from Marquette University Law School in 2013, where he graduated with specialty certificates in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. He has represented thousands of clients in cases stemming from simple traffic infractions to First Degree Intentional Homicide and regularly tries cases to judges and juries. Mr. Rhodes spent the first eleven years of his career as a trial attorney in the Sparta and La Crosse offices of the Wisconsin State Public Defender, where he developed a reputation as a skilled and compassionate advocate. He was a longtime representative of the La Crosse County Treatment Courts, and an expert on the treatment court model and how it benefits clients seeking to avoid jail or prison sentences. Mr. Rhodes is a graduate of the prestigious National Criminal Defense College Trial Advocacy program, a multi-week invitation-only course designed to train leaders in trial advocacy. He continues to specialize in protecting clients who are facing serious and complex prosecutions throughout Western Wisconsin including homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, probation and extended supervision revocations, and felony domestic violence allegations.

After 20 years in photography creating art, and selling and installing professional photography equipment, Mr. Williams decided to change careers and make the world a better place by becoming a LEED accredited professional through the US Green Building Council in 2006. LEED introduced him to water issues. Then there was drought. With a love of rivers and appreciation of water, he decided to focus on rainwater harvesting and water efficiency as Georgia entered its worst drought in its history from 2006 – 2009. In 2007, Mr. Williams started designing and installing rain harvesting systems. In 2008, he became an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association accredited professional, ARCSA AP, and is currently a regional representative. In 2012, Mr. Williams began auditing commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings’ water use and providing solutions to reduce water use primarily through fixture upgrades. He spent the next several years auditing commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings as part of his job in sales and account management working for several different companies. In 2013, he landed the contract for fixture upgrades for the Bank of America Plaza’s LEED Silver Certification, reducing water by 57 percent, receiving all seven points and saving 2,669,360 gallons per year. The project won the USGBC’s Ebie award for water efficiency, the Atlanta Metro Chamber’s E3 award for water, the USGBC – GA Chrysalis award as well as the Atlanta Better Building Challenge award. In 2019, Mr. Williams started representing Sustainable Water’s WaterHub water recycling system that uses eco-engineering processes to clean wastewater for non-potable needs. Sustainable Water brought the WaterHub to Emory University, recycling more than 400,000 gallons daily. Currently, he is designing and installing rainwater systems in Georgia and helping others use water more efficiently through water audits, billing assessments and fixture recommendations. Mr. Williams is chair of the Ocmulgee Basin Advisory Committee of the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District and has been active since 2007. He still creates art though his photography.

Mr. Thomas is a co-founder and member of Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he focuses his practice on handling matters involving the construction process, including up-front contract reviews, commercial litigation, professional liability defense and trial work. He has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects in all phases of construction claims. He also handles product liability claims, other general commercial disputes, and general liability claims. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois, the Federal Court of Claims, and several Federal Courts. He is a past president of the Lawyers Association of St. Louis, the local trial bar. Mr. Thomas is involved in many professional organizations, including the IADC and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and its Construction Law Committee, Product Liability Committee, and Building Products – Substantive Litigation Group, and Professional Liability Committee, where he served on the Steering Committee, and Design Professional Subcommittee. Mr. Thomas is an associate member of the ASCE and the AIA and is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He is recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers as a Best Lawyer in Construction Law and was honored as Lawyer of the Year in Construction-Litigation for 2022.

Ms. Manzo is an HVACR business owner, designer and national trainer from Maine. She is dedicated to making training accessible to all HVACR technicians.

Mr. D’Aloisio is a principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, a structural engineering, landscape architecture, and building envelope services firm in East Syracuse, New York. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a registered professional engineer in New York and Massachusetts. He is a member and past president (1997 – 1998) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Syracuse Section, and a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the Structural Engineers Association of New York State (SEAoNY). Mr. D’Aloisio is a member of ASCE/SEI’s Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Committee, the Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings Committee, and the Sustainability Committee. Mr. D’Aloisio received the Order of the Engineer at Syracuse University in 1997. His 30-plus years’ experience as a consulting structural engineer has primarily involved the design of new building structures, additions, and modifications, and analyses, assessments, and investigations of structures and facades. Mr. D’Aloisio has performed structural condition reviews of over 15 million square feet of buildings and he has performed over 150 structural forensic investigations. He has presented over 300 times.