Marshall Brain, How Stuff Works

Marshall Brain lives right here in Raleigh, and is basically an expert on everything. His website, HowStuffWorks.com, is used internationally to find out, well, how stuff works. He has received awards and recognition from the likes of Scientific American, Time Magazine and PC Magazine. He was also named one of the Carolinas' top entrepreneurs by Ernst & Young. He is an author, teacher, entrepreneur, robotics expert and more, and easily crosses over into many of the 4 areas SPARK CON is focusing on.

John A. McLachlan

John A. McLachlan, Ph.D., is the Celia Scott and Albert J. Weatherhead, III Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies at Tulane University and Director of the Center for Bioenvironmental Research. John's wide range of research interests is reflected in his community service and awards. He has worked to facilitate environmental literacy among New Orleans school children. He is a board member of the Children's Environmental Health Network. He was presented a lifetime achievement award by the consumers' organization, DES Action, on behalf of the approximately 4 million women exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. In May 2000, he received the "Hero of the Year" award from the Breast Cancer Fund. In recognition for his vision and skills, Dr. McLachlan was awarded the prestigious NIH Directors Award just before coming to New Orleans and, in April 1997, he, along with Tiger Woods and George W. Bush, was selected by Newsweek magazine for the "Century Club: One of the 100 People to Watch as America Moves into the Next Millennium." Although currently based in New Orleans, John and his family maintain strong ties to the Triangle and return to their home in Raleigh monthly.
For more information see: www.cbr.tulane.edu   www.kerrn.org   www.riversphere.org

Introducing Marshall Brian and John A. McLachlan is Reid Conrad
Reid Conrad, chair of North Carolina's Council for Entrepreneurial Development, has over 18 years of experience in the software industry. Prior to co-founding Near-Time, Reid co-founded Commerciality, a strategic consulting firm for middle stage software companies. Previously, Reid co-founded Extensibility, a leading provider of XML solutions, and served as its President and CEO which was acquired by TIBCO Software, Inc. in September 2000. Extensibility was named one of the top 100 emerging companies by Computerworld in 2000. Prior to Extensibility, he founded the Enterprise Solutions division at Tiger Direct, acquired by Global Direct in 1995. Reid served as the Executive Vice President of Qualitas, growing the memory management vendor's customer base 7 fold over a 3 year period. Reid serves on several boards and is the Chairman of The Council for Entrepreneurial Development, the largest independent entrepreneurial development organization in the US. Reid holds a BA from the University of the South and an MBA from the American University.