Robert Blair is the CEO and Owner of Blair Farms, a 1,500 acre dryland farm in Kendrick, Idaho. Mr. Blair raises crops including winter and spring wheat, malt barley, lentils, garbanzo beans, and peas, and has a small calf and cow operation. He utilizes cutting edge precision agriculture by incorporating Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) and remote sensing while maintaining sound environmental practices. His developments in the use of UAV’s have positioned him as a leader in the field whose expertise is sought after by farmers throughout the country. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Blair has founded two companies. PineCreek Precision focuses on the sales, installation, and training of precision agriculture equipment, and BUZZuav is geared towards the development of new technologies in UAV’s for use in precision agriculture. On his fellowship to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay Mr. Blair will gain a better understanding of the international implementation of precision agriculture and its related environmental issues.

Click here for Mr. Blair's complete biography.

Robert Burns is founder and Senior Vice President of Lux Research Inc., an organization that provides businesses with strategic advice and on-going intelligence for emerging technologies. Mr. Burns has worked to create a global presence for Lux Research, initiating both sales and research operations in Europe and Asia. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he volunteers for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and coaches youth athletic programs. On his fellowship to China and Malaysia, he will gain a better understanding of how emerging economies are evolving towards value added manufacturing.

Brigitte Daniel serves as the Executive Vice President of Wilco Electronics, Inc., the largest privately owned African-American cable provider in the Philadelphia area. Through her position at Wilco, Ms. Daniel works to bridge the digital divide by providing state of the art affordable telecommunication services and broadband access to underserved populations in her market. With a J.D. from Georgetown University, she has worked for the Minority Business Enterprise Council of Philadelphia, the Federal Communications Commission, Black Entertainment Television, and served as a consultant for the Academy of Screen Arts in Ghana, West Africa. On her fellowship to India, she will gain firsthand experience of new technologies and business management practices that will help to better serve the low-income marketplace in Philadelphia.

To follow Brigitte on her fellowship, visit her blog:
http://phillyfellowbrigitte.blogspot.com/

W. Christopher Fang, MD serves as the Worldwide Director of Clinical Research and Medical Affairs for Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Spine. He has been charged with establishing the global clinical organization, research process, and evidence strategy. Dr. Fang is engaged in improving healthcare through innovation in biomedical technology. Representing Johnson & Johnson globally, he works to promote healthcare policies that will impact the approval and payment of innovative medical technologies. While on his fellowship to China, China (Taiwan), and Singapore, Dr. Fang will examine successful leadership attributes and cultivate relationships with industry, government, and academic leaders to advance scientific innovations.

Kelly S. Gast works as the Assistant Controller for Monsanto Company, a global agricultural business with $10.5 billion in revenue. She manages the global financial closing process, consolidations, as well as the global shared services teams of Procurement, Payables, Travel and Expense reporting. In addition to her role with Monsanto, Ms. Gast coaches youth sports and volunteers for local youth focused charities. On her fellowship in Indonesia and the Philippines, she will gain firsthand experience of the impact that biotechnology has on the lives of farmers and their families in developing countries.

Rick Majzun serves as the Vice President for Strategic Operations and Planning at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where he is responsible for directing the development and growth of pediatric services throughout the hospital’s 300 mile service area. In addition to his extensive experience in healthcare, he is a former US Army Officer, and currently works to ensure that low income children have access to medical and dental care through his involvement with Health Care for Kids. On his fellowship to Kenya and Sweden, Mr. Majzun will explore ways in which medical communities around the world are working to reduce the incidence of premature birth.

Read Rick's program report.

Chris Nowinski serves as co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University School of Medicine, a leader in the study of trauma-induced neurodegenerative diseases. A former WWE pro wrestler and Harvard University football player, he founded and directs the non-profit Sports Legacy Institute to educate young athletes, parents, and coaches on the effects of concussions and brain trauma, and is often credited with inspiring the recent change in the understanding of brain trauma in US sports. Mr. Nowinski is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Boston University, and worked as a consultant for Trinity Partners in Boston, a global life sciences strategy consultancy. On his fellowship to Belgium and Germany, he will share his work with leaders in European sports and medicine to expand the network of research, education, and prevention of traumatic brain injuries.

To read more about Chris' fellowship travels, visit his blog:
http://chrisnowinski.blogspot.com/

Rhett Proctor is the owner of Proctors Bel Air Farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. A lifelong farmer, Mr. Proctor received his degree in Agronomy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Until recently, Bel Air Farm was primarily a dairy farm, receiving numerous awards of distinction from the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. Mr. Proctor continues to raise crops, and is pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. He is a very active member of the farming community, serving on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including the Berkshire County Farm Bureau and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. On his fellowship to New Zealand, Mr. Proctor will enhance his knowledge of the prevention and treatment of disease, as well as breeding for the dairy industry.

To follow Rhett on his fellowship, visit his blog:
http://foragingfarmer.blogspot.com/

James Rosen is a partner with Intersouth Partners, a venture capital firm that focuses on seed and early-stage companies. Serving on the life sciences team, Mr. Rosen works with innovative companies that develop and produce novel biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and agricultural biotechnology. He has extensive experience in clinical, research, and financial positions in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, and holds both a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. On his fellowship to Singapore, Malaysia and China, Mr. Rosen will gain a better understanding of the emerging regulatory and commercialization paradigm in Asia as it applies to the development of products in the life sciences.

Melissa Walsh serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center where she is responsible for implementing the state's 10-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative which seeks to advance scientific discovery and promote economic development through investment in the Massachusetts's life sciences sectors. Ms. Walsh has also served two four-year terms as a member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee and was appointed to the Governor's Commission on Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence's Legislative Committee. On her Fellowship to Spain and Ireland, Ms. Walsh would like to develop collaborative relationships within these regions which have committed to internationalize their technology in the life sciences sectors.

Seth Williams was sworn in as the District Attorney of Philadelphia in January, 2010. In this position he serves as the primary voice and advocate for the victims of crime in the City. He also serves as a Major in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Mr. Williams has worked in prestigious law firms throughout Philadelphia, and has served as both the Assistant District Attorney and the Inspector General for the City of Philadelphia. On his fellowship to Australia and South Africa, Mr. Williams will examine the successes of other nations who have taken a holistic approach in addressing crime, including education, economic development and public health issues as they affect law enforcement.