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Board of Advisors

Computer Science Board of Advisors

Steven R. Bennett, Chair

Global Technology - Information Security Senior Director, Walmart

Experience: 32 years

Expertise:

  • Extensive senior leadership experience in developing and implementing global security strategies to protect digital assets and manage cyber risk
  • Integrating cybersecurity into core business strategies while balancing risk management with global business objectives
  • Development and oversight of numerous global cybersecurity capabilities to include vulnerability management, application security, product security, secure development, ethical hacking, and enterprise attack surface management


Connect with Steven on LinkedIn or via email at steven.bennett@walmart.com

James Deaton

Vice President of Network Services, Internet2

James E. Deaton is the vice president of Network Services. James leads the strategic direction and ongoing operations of Internet2’s world-class network infrastructure and advanced services in support of research, education, and global collaboration.

James is a seasoned leader in the research and education community with nearly 30 years of experience driving strategic cyberinfrastructure initiatives across state, regional, and national networks.

 

www.internet2.edu

David W. Franke

Retired, Former Technology Executive & Educator
Experience: 45+ years in the computer technology industry

Work History:

  • Large companies: Google, Texas Instruments
  • Research consortium: MCC (Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation)
  • Startups: Trilogy, Vast

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Texas at Austin (AI focus)
  • M.S. in Computer Science, Penn State University
  • B.S. in Mathematics, University of Oklahoma

Teaching Experience:

  • Associate Adjunct Professor, Computer Science, UT Austin
  • Instructor, McCombs School of Business, UT Austin
  • Faculty member, St. Edward’s University (New College & Graduate School of Management and Business)

Affiliations:

  • Past Chair, Board of Advisors, OU School of Computer Science
  • Former Advisory Board Member, UT Austin Computer Science Department

Connect with David on LinkedIn or via email at david.franke@gmail.com

Nicolas Grounds

Software Engineer, MSCI (formerly RiskMetrics)

Experience: 20+ years in the software industry

Education:

  • B.S. in Computer Science, University of Oklahoma (2005)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Oklahoma (2018)

Affiliations: Board Member, OU School of Computer Science Board of Advisors (6 years)

Teaching: Adjunct professor across CS, ACS, and ISE programs

 

J. Boyd Nolan, P.E.

Director, Product Security, Tyler Technologies

Boyd Nolan, based in Norman, OK, US, is currently a Director of Security, ERP and Civic Division at Tyler Technologies. Boyd Nolan brings experience from previous roles at Tyler Technologies and ExecuTime Software. Boyd Nolan holds a 1987 - 1992 University of Oklahoma. With a robust skill set that includes Executive Management, Organizational Leadership, Innovative Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, Engineering and more.

boyd.nolan@outlook.com
www.tylertech.com

Dave Runnels

Chief Engineer, Boeing

da.runnels@gmail.com

 

PHOTO DATE: 02-23-10
LOCATION: BLDG 30 WFCR
SUBJECT: DO4 Flight Planning Branch
WORK ORDER:0640-DO4WFCR-02-23-10
PHOTOGRAPHER:  BILL STAFFORD
Marcos Stocco

Lead Software Engineer, Quest Consultants Inc.

Marcos Stocco is Lead Software Engineer and Consultant at Quest Consultants Inc., where he develops the Canary Software Suite for chemical dispersion modeling and risk analysis. Prior to this, he spent 14 years as a Flight Controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, supporting mission operations and leading software development and certification efforts.

Marcos is a two-time OU graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Philosophy (1998). He has also taught programming at the high school and technical college levels and has served on several nonprofit boards, including SHPE and Triangle Fraternity.

 

Connect with Marcos on LinkedIn

Shelby Vanhooser

Ontologize

Engineer & Instructor 
shelby@ontologize.com

Geoff Wilson

CEO, Go Security Pro LLC.

Geoff Wilson is CEO and Founder of Go Security Pro and is an innovative cybersecurity thought leader with deep experience in defensive cybersecurity strategies. Geoff has a Master’s of Information Security from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s of Computer Science from the University of Oklahoma. He taught a graduate-level Information Security course at the University of Oklahoma for four years. Geoff is a published author, has worked for the National Security Agency, was a federal cybersecurity auditor, and has consulted with the Executive Office of the President.

geoff@gosecuritypro.com

Emily Black

Senior Software Engineer, Microsoft

Experience: 6+ years in software industry

Expertise:

  • Backend development
  • Distributed systems
  • Cloud computing
  • Infrastructure engineering

Affiliations: Board Member, University of Oklahoma School of Computer Science (2 years)

 

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Buck Feng

Sr. VP & Chief Technology Officer, Power Costs, Inc.

Buck Feng has been with PCI since 1998 and is one of the chief architects of the generation asset optimization model known as PCI GenTrader®. He is also responsible for the development of PCI’s Generation Supply Management System (GSMS), which is a platform that integrates asset optimization, trading and risk management, market communication, bid/offer management, P&L analysis, and settlement functions to extract maximum value from an energy company’s asset portfolio.

Prior to joining PCI, Buck held a number of key positions at PG&E Corporation’s energy trading and utility divisions. He earned his bachelor of science and master of science in electrical engineering (with power systems emphasis) at the University of Oklahoma.

buck@powercosts.com
www.powercosts.com

Divya Gopalan

Managing Director, Accenture

Experience: 25+ years in industry

Skills and Areas of Expertise: 25+ years of leadership experience in the semiconductor industry, specializing in leading global technology teams to achieve transformative business outcomes aligned with strategic goals. Her expertise spans operations, engineering, sales enablement, and technical marketing. At Accenture, Divya leads ecosystem partnership enablement globally in the Technology/Infrastructure organization.

Affiliations: Board Member, OU School of Computer Science Board of Advisors (2 years)

 

Connect with Divya on LinkedIn

Andy Morris

Chief Software Architect, Drakewell

Andy Morris has a diverse background in software development, with experience ranging from freelance work to directorial positions. Currently serving as the Director of Engineering at Phase 2, Andy also holds positions as a Board Member at the University of Oklahoma School of Computer Science and Chief Software Architect at Drakewell. With a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's degree in the same field, Andy's expertise is backed by a strong educational foundation.

andym@drakewell.us

Scot Oathout

Director of B-52  & Legacy Tankers

 

oufamilyfarm@gmail.com

Kevin Reheis

Senior Software Engineer, Microsoft

kreheis@sbcglobal.net
www.boeing.com

Lalitha Singh

Engineering Leader, Google

Lalitha Singh is an accomplished engineering leader in Conversational AI at Google since 2006, focusing on product development and market enablement for GCP's Conversational AI and LLMs across various industries. Key achievements include founding the Data Residency program and enhancing the Cloud Policy intelligence offering through data-driven strategies. Prior experience includes roles as a Senior Engineer at Qualcomm and Senior Software Engineer at MVP, along with earlier positions as a Software Engineer at AMCC. Lalitha holds multiple degrees including a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Oklahoma and an education in Artificial Intelligence from Stanford University, complemented by a Product Management program at the University of California, Berkeley.


lalithaks@gmail.com

Christopher M. Utz

Principal Engineer, Data Strategy & Application Development, ISS STOXX

With 15 years of experience in the industry, Christopher specializes in distributed systems, scalable architecture, cloud-native design, and secure, reliable software solutions. He brings deep expertise in agile development and end-to-end product delivery across various business domains. Christopher has served on the OU CS Board of Advisors for 6 years.


Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn