Plenary Speakers

Monday, May 19, 2025, 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (CEC)

John Davis | University of Alberta

John P. Davis is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta. His group specializes in cavity optomechanics and electromechanics at low-temperatures, as well as the study of both superfluid 4He and superfluid 3He in restricted dimensions. He obtained his Master’s and Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 2003 and 2008, respectively, studying superfluid 3He. Before that he graduated summa cum laude in physics from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He was awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship in 2013 and has won a number of awards at the University of Alberta. He is also Co-Founder and CTO of Zero Point Cryogenics, a North American manufacturer of dilution refrigerators and related cryogenic equipment.

Presentation Topic: “Novel Sub-Kelvin Cryogen-free Refrigeration at Zero Point Cryogenics”

Laura Greene | National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University

Laura H Greene is the Chief Scientist of the National MagLab and Marie Krafft Professor of Physics at Florida State University where she investigates electronic properties of correlated quantum materials including unconventional superconductors. Her leadership roles include APS President (theme of science diplomacy and human rights), AAAS Board of Directors, and Vice President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Her honors include being a member of NAS, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a founding member of the Florida Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK), the AAAS, and the APS, the Oersted Medal, the Tallahassee Scientific Society Gold Medal, the APS Five Sigma Physicist Award for Advocacy in Science Policy, Guggenheim Fellowship, E.O. Lawrence Award, Maria Goeppert-Mayer Award, and Bellcore Award of Excellence. Beyond co-authoring over 200 publications and presenting over 700 invited talks, she is recognized for work in science diplomacy, diversity, ethics, human rights, and science policy. She served on President Biden’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) 2022-2026.

Presentation topic: “The National MagLab and Unsolved Mysteries in Superconductors”

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Parag Kshirsagar | RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC)

Dr. Parag Kshirsagar: Senior Member IEEE, Member AIAA, and an Associate Director with RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC), East Hartford, Connecticut since 2006. He is currently leading technology focus area on electrification of aerospace and defense applications with programs related to extreme high power electrified aircraft propulsion, superconducting and cryogenically cooled motors and drives, and high voltage power distribution systems for its business units Collins Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney, and Raytheon. He has led programs on flight critical electromechanical systems for wings, rotors and engine applications as well as high speed magnetic bearing technology development for high power chiller applications.

He received his Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, Virginia in 2015 and Master’s degree from Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee in 2003. He got his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electronics from University of Pune, Pune, India in 2000.

Presentation topic: “Technology Needs for High Power Electric Systems in Aerospace and Defense Applications”

Thomas Abraham-James | Pulsar Helium Inc.

Thomas Abraham-James, a geologist by trade with over a decade of expertise in primary helium exploration and development. He is a co-founder of Pulsar Helium Inc., whose helium portfolio includes the Topaz project in Minnesota, and the Tunu project in Greenland.

Thomas was educated at the Australian National University, and his professional affiliations are a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Competent Person, Geology), the Geological Society of London, and the Society of Economic Geologists.

His contributions to the helium industry are multifaceted, encompassing both corporate leadership and scientific advancement. Thomas’ research and exploration initiatives have significantly expanded the geographical scope of helium exploration, introducing discoveries in Tanzania, Minnesota, and Greenland. His work has not only opened new frontiers for helium discovery but has also contributed to the scientific literature on helium exploration techniques, informed government policy, and enhanced investor understanding of helium as a critical resource.

Presentation topic: “Securing America’s Helium Future: Pulsar’s Topaz Project and the Changing Landscape of US Helium Supply”