Dominik A. Karbowski

Dominik Karbowski, Manager, Low-carbon Aviation group Eco-Mobility, Argonne National Laboratory

Dominik Karbowski leads Argonne’s research on electrified aviation and aircraft energy efficiency using advanced systems simulation methods. Dominik has extensive experience in transportation electrification and optimization for energy-efficiency. Dominik holds a Master of Science from Mines-Paris (France).

Professor R. Eric Jones

Prof. R. Eric Jones is a veteran of the United States Navy where he trained and worked as an aviation structural technician.  He repaired LC-130 cargo aircraft which supported the National Science Foundation on the continent of Antarctica.  These planes went on to fly search and rescue and to support scientific experiments in Antarctica.  Prof. Jones earned numerous citations for his service.

Prof. Jones graduated from Emery Aviation College in Colorado Springs with multiple FAA licenses, including his Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument (CFII) and Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT).  He holds an Advanced Ground Instructor/Instrument license with endorsements for tailwheel, fire-bombing, and mountain flight.  He earned a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management from Lewis University and holds an MS in History from Illinois State University.

A twenty five plus year career in aviation technical operations, Prof. Jones worked for Horizon, Midwest Express, United and Southwest Airlines.  He has been a Lead, Overhaul, Line and Field Service Technician, and is qualified on a host of commercial aircraft including the Boeing 737, 777, 747, and Airbus A-320/319 aircraft.  He holds taxi and high power run certifications, is airworthiness release qualified, and holds ETOPS and Category III Navigation Certification.

In 2019, Prof. Jones became the Chair of the Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Florida.  This is the second largest department in the College with 250 students, 25 faculty, and 4 staff.  As Chair, he oversaw the Emil Buehler Aviation Sciences Facility with full fiduciary and safety oversight.  Prof Jones was also signatory of the FAA part 147 Aviation Training Curriculum and FAA Part 145 Engine Repair Station.  In under three years Prof. Jones increased the diversity within the AMS department by 25%, enhanced faculty representation in governance, and guided the department through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Over his career in, Prof. Jones has consulted on multiple aviation issues for business, government, and civil litigation.  He has also participated in active research and spearheaded a $990 Million IDIQ with the USAF for ERAU.  He is a frequent contributor to media outlets concerning aviation and aerospace topics.  His comments have appeared in the New York Times, Business Insider, Aviation Week, and Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine along with multiple television and radio outlets.

Prof. Jones is now a tenured Professor and Associate Dean for the College of Aviation, Science, and Technology at Lewis University.  He is a passionate advocate for Autism and inclusion for all members of the special needs community.  Prof Jones sits on the Board of Trustees for “Little Friends,” a non-profit social services organization in Naperville, Il.

JOSEPH P. SCHWIETERMAN, Ph.D.

Joseph Schwieterman is a Professor in the School of Public Service at DePaul University and is the director of the university’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. He is editor in chief of the journal Issues in Aviation Law & Policy. One of his more recent books, entitled Terminal Town, available through Northwestern University Press, explores the role of the city’s airports, train & bus stations in the post-World War II Era. Earlier in his career, Schwieterman spent seven years at United Airlines.

Pedro J. Ortiz-Toral

Dr. Pedro Ortiz-Toral leads the Bioenergy Program at GTI Energy, in the United States, where he works to advance breakthrough conversion technologies that contribute to the global energy transition. Over the last decade he has focused on renewable process development for bioenergy and renewable products, making significant contributions in this field. He is currently leading bioenergy project and program development, acting as liaison between industry and research, technical due diligence, and program strategy. His technology portfolio includes notable advancements such as IH2®, Cool GTL, Cool Reforming, and Cool LPG. His contributions have been acknowledged through the acquisition of six US patents, all related to the conversion of gasses and waste materials into valuable fuels and products. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University in 2011. He was recently named one of Bioeconomy’s 500 by Biofuels Digest in 2023 and 2024 for his leadership in the bioeconomy’s development and deployment.