Chris Mattmann Keynote Speaker

Dr. Chris Mattmann, Ph.D., is a distinguished technologist and a prominent figure in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. Dr. Mattman talks on the complexities of big data and the innovations driving AI forward, offering invaluable insights into the technological landscapes of both today and tomorrow.

Currently, Dr. Mattmann holds pivotal roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as the Division Manager of the Artificial Intelligence, Analytics, and Innovative Development Organization in the Information Technology and Solutions Directorate. As JPL’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, his responsibilities extend to overseeing advanced IT research, as well as the infusion and evaluation of cutting-edge open-source technologies.

In a trailblazing move, Dr. Mattmann was appointed JPL’s first Principal Scientist for Data Science, a role that celebrates his exceptional contributions to scientific and technical knowledge. His 23-year tenure at JPL boasts a legacy of designing and implementing revolutionary data processing systems for pivotal Earth science missions, including those for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, NPP Sounder PEATE, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) projects.

Dr. Mattmann’s expertise is not just limited to his work at NASA. His research has attracted support from notable agencies such as DARPA, DHS, NSF, NIH, and NLM, and he has engaged in profitable ventures with the private sector. His pioneering spirit was evident as the first VP of Apache OODT, leading its successful integration into the Apache Software Foundation (ASF), a testament to his leadership and vision.

His commitment to open source is unwavering, as evidenced by his tenure on the Board of Directors at the ASF from 2013 to 2018. Dr. Mattmann has significantly contributed to Apache Nutch and the inception of Apache Hadoop. His brainchild, the Apache Tika framework, stands as a testament to his innovative foresight, revolutionizing content analysis and data analytics.

An esteemed author, Dr. Mattmann’s latest contribution to literature is a well-received book on “Machine Learning for TensorFlow, 2nd edition,” published by Manning Publications, solidifying his status as an authority in artificial intelligence.

At the University of Southern California (USC), Dr. Mattmann holds the role of Director for the Information Retrieval & Data Science (IRDS) group, simultaneously serving as an Adjunct Research Professor. His research has notably advanced the understanding of the Deep Web and Dark Web, culminating in the DARPA MEMEX project’s critical role in the investigative journalism that led to the Panama Papers revelation, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism in 2017.