Dr. Gokhan Mergen
Senior AI/ML Lead at Google
Dr. Gokhan Mergen is a passionate technologist and seasoned leader with over two decades of experience. He currently leads ML/AI teams at Google responsible for developing innovative search ads and recommendation products. Previously holding key roles at Apple, a startup hedge fund, RGM Advisors, and Qualcomm, his work has focused on the cutting edge of machine learning, finance, digital signal processing, and large language models. Dr. Mergen has published 21 research papers, holds 12 patents, and brings expertise in areas like NLP, retrieval, prediction, and personalization.
Dr. Chinedu Ekuma
Associate Professor, Lehigh University
Dr. Chinedu Ekuma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Lehigh University and a leading expert in materials informatics, machine learning, and ab initio density functional theory. With a Ph.D. in Computational Condensed Matter Physics from Louisiana State University, Dr. Ekuma has made groundbreaking contributions to the design and study of advanced materials.
His recent research has focused on developing novel materials to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency. In a landmark study published in Science Advances, Dr. Ekuma and his team created a revolutionary solar cell material exhibiting an unprecedented 190% external quantum efficiency. This material, with its distinctive “intermediate band states,” demonstrates exceptional performance in absorbing sunlight and generating charge carriers, far exceeding theoretical efficiency limits for conventional silicon-based solar cells.
Dr. Ekuma’s innovative work represents a significant leap forward in sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the potential of quantum materials to redefine solar energy efficiency and accessibility. With extensive experience at prestigious institutions like the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Dr. Ekuma brings invaluable expertise to our advisory board as we strive to advance renewable energy technologies.