Our Leadership Team
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Dr. Jonathan H. Jiang, President & CEO
Dr. Jonathan H. Jiang i s a distinguished scientist with over three decades of experience in satellite remote sensing, space science, astrophysics, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. A leader in his field, he has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers and led groundbreaking research initiatives, including managing Earth-orbiting satellites that advance our understanding of atmospheric processes and climate dynamics.
Dr. Jiang is the visionary behind the “A Beacon in the Galaxy” project and is spearheading efforts to revise the Voyager Golden Records, crafting a new message from humanity to the cosmos. His achievements include numerous prestigious honors, including three NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medals. He is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, president of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Global Environmental Change section, and a member of the National Academies’ Committee on Human Mars
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Penny Li, VP & CFO
Penny brings a dynamic blend of leadership, media, and education expertise to her role. With a background as a TV journalist and executive, she holds dual master’s degrees—a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Sector Management and Leadership and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Executive Management and Entrepreneurship. As a Certified Life Coach, she has guided hundreds of domestic and international students in making critical career and educational decisions.
With over a decade of leadership in U.S. higher education, Penny has managed cross-cultural and cross-border teams, spearheaded student recruitment initiatives, and overseen college admissions and international relations. Her unique combination of strategic vision and operational excellence ensures the seamless execution of key organizational initiatives.
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Dr. Michael Cortrite, Senior Consultant
Michael brings over four decades of leadership and management expertise, blending practical experience with academic insight, making him an integral part of our team. During his 30-year career with the Los Angeles-area police department, Michael progressed through roles as a police officer, supervisor, and manager, gaining extensive experience in team leadership, operations management, and problem-solving. For the past 23 years, he has taught leadership and management at the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) and holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership from UCLA. An active researcher with the Management as a Liberal Art Research Institute (MLARI) and a certified life coach, Michael specializes in leadership development, helping individuals unlock their potential and lead with impact. He is also deeply committed to fostering inclusivity through tolerance education programs at the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.
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Philip E. Rosen, Consultant
Philip E. Rosen is an accomplished independent researcher specializing in technological civilizations, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Since 2021, following a successful 29-year career in the energy industry with Chevron Corporation and affiliated companies, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of human space exploration, technological civilization development, messaging extra-terrestrial intelligence, and climate change. His career as an energy engineer encompassed refining, petrochemicals, energy technology, and technical writing, equipping him with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Rosen holds a M.Sc. and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has co-authored several influential peer-reviewed journal publications, leveraging his background in engineering to offer unique perspectives in his current research. His work is a testament to the synergy of engineering and astrophysics, contributing to both scientific understanding and practical applications.
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Dr. Stuart Tylor, Consultant
Stuart is an astrophysicist affiliated with the SETI Institute. He earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from Brigham Young University, and his research spans a wide range of topics, including exoplanet parameter distributions and their implications for planet formation and evolution. As an expert in observational astrophysics, Stuart conducts extra-solar transit photometry and oversees global telescope setups and operations to expand the database of exoplanet measurements. His work also includes projects on the atmospheric propagation of light, cosmic rays, gamma rays, nuclear physics, muon-catalyzed fusion, low-rate fusion in condensed matter systems, and atomic physics. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges multiple domains of science, advancing knowledge in both fundamental and applied physics.
A passionate advocate for public engagement, Dr. Taylor actively discusses topics such as planets, the possibility of life in the universe, intelligent life on exoplanets, and the profound role of science in shaping humanity’s future. His dedication to both research and outreach highlights his commitment to expanding scientific understanding and inspiring curiosity about the cosmos.
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Prithwis Das, Project Manager
Prithwis Das is an enthusiastic undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science at Sejong University, Seoul. With a strong foundation in programming and a keen interest in software development, Prithwis has excelled in his proficiency in data structures, algorithms, and system design. He has actively participated in several hackathons and coding competitions, where he has showcased his problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively with peers.
Prithwis aspires to specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, aiming to develop innovative solutions that address real-world problems. His commitment to excellence and passion for technology drive him to seek opportunities that challenge him and allow him to contribute meaningfully to the tech community.