Keynote Speakers

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Prof. Chaoyang Zhang, Ph.D.

Keynote Title: “From Data to Discovery: AI-Driven Research in Health Informatics”

Abstract

Health informatics lies at the intersection of data, computation, and discovery. With the rapid growth of biomedical big data, traditional analytic approaches are no longer sufficient. This keynote will explore how advances in data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are transforming health informatics into a data-driven science of discovery. I will highlight approaches that combine large-scale data engineering, high-performance computing (HPC), and advanced machine learning algorithms to tackle critical challenges in computational biology, bioinformatics, and health data analytics. The discussion will also emphasize the importance of scalable software infrastructures, reproducible workflows, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in enabling these advances.

The talk will focus on both the technical foundations, including scalable data pipelines, model optimization, and HPC acceleration, and the broader impact of AI-driven health informatics, from improving biomedical data analysis to accelerating scientific discovery. Finally, I will outline the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in bridging the gap between data and discovery through AI-driven research.

Biography:

Dr. Chaoyang Zhang is a professor and graduate program coordinator in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). He served as the school’s director from 2008 to 2014. Dr. Zhang founded the Data Mining Lab at USM in 2003 and has since maintained a sustainable research program in data mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

He served as President of the Midsouth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Society (MCBIOS) from 2014 to 2015 and continues to contribute as a member of its Board of Directors. Several federal funding agencies, including the NSF, DOD, NIH, and NAS have supported his research. Dr. Zhang has supervised and graduated 15 Ph.D. students and authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Research Interests

• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Health Informatics and Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Notable Achievements

• 20+ years of sustainable research program in AI and data mining
• Founded the Data Mining Lab at USM in 2003
• Served as School Director from 2008 to 2014
• President of MCBIOS (2014-2015), continuing Board of Directors member
• Research funding from NSF, DOD, NIH, and NAS
• Supervised and graduated 15 Ph.D. students
• Over 100 peer-reviewed publications

Nat Prakongpan, Vice President of Product at Cyberbit

Keynote Title: Beyond the Buzz: Delivering Real Outcomes in the Age of AI Skepticism

Abstract

As “AI-powered” becomes the most overused phrase in tech marketing, buyers are responding with growing skepticism. The age of novelty is over—executives and practitioners alike are demanding tangible results. In cybersecurity, for example, people are looking for systems that block threats, fix vulnerabilities, or close cases faster. In this keynote, we’ll explore the shift from hype to outcomes, and what it means for builders and vendors. You’ll learn why “… with AI” is no longer enough—and how to break through the noise with differentiated solutions that deliver measurable impact. We’ll highlight key strategies, examples, and principles that separate real AI value from empty slogans, and help prioritize what truly moves the needle.

Biography:

Nat Prakongpan is Vice President of Product at Cyberbit. He has over 10 years of experience building immersive, hands-on cybersecurity simulation platforms for product demonstration, trainings, and most importantly cyber crisis preparedness that span across 9 immersive physical facilities worldwide for large institutions and multiple SaaS platforms focusing on operational readiness. He co-founded the X-Force Cyber Range in IBM Security. He was also a part of the IBM Storage CTO office driving cyber resiliency across IBM Storage portfolio.

Nat builds cyber ranges leveraging 20+ years of cybersecurity experience across Identity, Endpoint, Network, SIEM, Data, OT, and DevSecOps in both products and services. In his previous roles, he built security development teams across Americas, Asia, and EMEA for IBM Security and X-Force Consulting. Nat is a well-regarded senior leader and hands-on subject matter expert in the Cyber Range industry known for driving unprecedented results within competitive, emerging industries. He built the first commercial immersive cyber range in Cambridge, MA and the first cyber range on wheels for the EMEA market.

In addition to his technical contribution, Nat also led workforce development for IBM Security through university relationships, early professional recruiting, and external cybersecurity competitions. 

Professional Experience

• Vice President of Product at Cyberbit
• Co-founder of X-Force Cyber Range at IBM Security
• Part of IBM Storage CTO office
• Built security development teams across the Americas, Asia, and EMEA

Notable Achievements

• 20+ years of cybersecurity experience across multiple domains
• Built 9 immersive physical cyber range facilities worldwide
• Built the first commercial immersive cyber range in Cambridge, MA
• Created the first cyber range on wheels for the EMEA market
• Led workforce development initiatives for IBM Security
• Expert in Identity, Endpoint, Network, SIEM, Data, OT, and DevSecOps