The Kashmir World Foundation is a global network of dedicated volunteers—seasoned professionals and driven students alike—united by a shared commitment to creating positive change. We believe in the power of teamwork, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration to shape a better future. Our mission is to bring together individuals from around the world to protect endangered species through cutting-edge applications of autonomous robotic systems and computer science. Working with some of the most passionate and talented minds, we aim to make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and the preservation of our planet. Kyle Saiki - Team Lead, Digital Twin: Kyle Saiki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from San José State University and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a strong interest in computer vision and edge AI, he is focused on developing technology that can support wildlife conservation. At the Kashmir World Foundation, Kyle serves as Team Lead for Team Blackbird, where he leads the development of an internal simulation tool designed to virtually model wildlife cameras for poacher detection. He also develops software to support the testing and analysis of AI models used in KwF’s bioacoustics research. Princess Aliyah Pandolfi - Executive Director: Princess Aliyah Pandolfi is a visionary polymath pioneering the future of wildlife conservation through bold innovation and cross-disciplinary expertise. Drawing on extensive experience leading cutting-edge projects that integrate aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, bioacoustics, and autonomous systems, she creates transformative technologies to protect endangered species and combat poaching globally. Driven by a passion to empower communities and ignite a global movement, Princess Aliyah mentors and inspires the next generation of changemakers, championing intergenerational collaboration as the key to sustaining our planet’s biodiversity. Rooted in her royal heritage from Kashmir—a region facing critical wildlife threats—she transforms this legacy into a powerful call to action, designing solutions today that safeguard Earth’s most vulnerable species for generations yet to come. Dr. Ronald Pandolfi - Chief Technology Officer: Dr. Pandolfi, CTO of KwF, leads the organization in implementing anti-poaching projects with over 40 years of experience in surveillance, communications, robotics, aircraft, and weapons systems. He founded and directs the Technology Assisted Counter-Poaching (TACP) network, equipping rangers and ground forces for 30 years to combat poachers and trafficking of endangered species. To inspire creativity and collaboration, Dr. Pandolfi engineered the multi-copter drone kits for educational and instructional use. During the KwF workshops, Dr. Pandolfi lectures students on open-source hardware, software, mission-focused applications, onboard processing, and self-learning algorithms on single-board computers and sensors integrated into autonomous unmanned aerial systems. Daan Eeltink - Director of AI Operations: Daan Eeltink is the Director of A.I. Operations at Kashmir World Foundation, where he leads the Artificial Intelligence and Software Development Teams with oversight across AI modeling, software systems, hardware integration, and bioacoustics research. Based in The Netherlands, Daan is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics at Leiden University, specializing in artificial intelligence and computer science applied to biology. Since joining KwF in July 2021, Daan has played a pivotal role in advancing conservation technology through the development of wildlife detection models, autonomous drone operations, and real-time acoustic monitoring. His contributions span critical projects protecting endangered species—from sea turtles and snow leopards to sentinel species in the rainforest—transforming innovative AI solutions into field-ready tools for biodiversity protection. Rebeca Quirós - Tropical Biologist & Field Research Director: Head of the Tamandua Biological Station in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, Rebeca Quirós leads diverse research and conservation initiatives. With 20 years of experience as a naturalist guide in Corcovado National Park and its surrounding areas, she has served as the Drake Bay Naturalist Guides Association President for over a decade. A dedicated local manager and community leader, Rebeca has played a pivotal role in various organized local groups. Additionally, she owns Caligo de Osa Apartments, bringing extensive experience in tourism and customer service. Sammy Gray - Team Lead, BioAcoustics NLP Research: Sammy Gray holds a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. With a passion for integrating artificial intelligence into complex biological and environmental systems, Sammy has worked on projects ranging from acoustic signal analysis and parameter estimation in ecology to mathematical modeling of microbial genomes. At KwF, he leads the BioAcoustics NLP Research Team, contributing to the development of the Universal Translator—an AI system designed to decode the language of the jungle for threat identification by interpreting the vocalizations of sentinel species. Qian Fu - Team Lead, ML Engineering: Qian Fu leads the Machine Learning Engineering team at the Kashmir World Foundation, where she designs ML systems that turn rainforest sound recordings into actionable insights for conservation. With a Master’s in Applied Data Science from the University of Michigan, she is passionate about applying rigorous machine learning methods to challenges where the stakes extend far beyond business metrics. Qian has been part of the KwF team for over a year and a half, contributing to the advancement of AI-driven conservation technologies and bioacoustics research initiatives. Her work focuses on developing scalable machine learning pipelines and analytical tools that support ecosystem monitoring, species identification, and threat detection in rainforest environments. Based in Illinois, she spends her free time solving puzzles, cooking, and practicing belly dance. Jordan Triolo - Team Lead, Eagle Ray: Jordan Triolo holds a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from UCLA and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Washington, with a specialization in Control Systems. As the Team Lead for Stability and Control on the Eagle Ray aircraft project, he is dedicated to developing a highly efficient and agile platform. Jordan emphasizes collaboration across a multidisciplinary team, leveraging collective expertise to push the boundaries of unmanned aircraft performance. His passion lies in advancing control technologies that improve the stability, maneuverability, and mission effectiveness of next-generation aerial systems. Mia Rasmussen - Team Lead, Film Production: Mia is a junior at Chapman University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Documentary with minors in Graphic Design and History. She has been creating documentaries since middle school and has received recognition for her work from organizations including National History Day, the Smithsonian, and the Better Angels Society. Her work combines storytelling, research, and visual communication to explore meaningful stories and bring complex subjects to life. Kashmir Rose Pandolfi - Jr. Scientist & Drone Pilot: Kashmir Rose Pandolfi is a 13-year-old multidisciplinary powerhouse: scientist, engineer, artist, physicist, and explorer. She began building drones at age 5 and quickly channeled her curiosity into KwF’s mission—using technology and creativity to protect wildlife and decode the hidden rhythms of nature. From leading the Birds of Osa Research Team deep in the Costa Rican rainforest to collaborating with AI experts to interpret bird language through bioacoustics, Kashmir bridges science, engineering, and storytelling with fearless determination. She’s traveled to over 40 countries studying ecosystems, building connections, and sharing discoveries with a global audience. Kashmir is also a passionate public speaker, engaging crowds at Girls in Technology events and STEAM conferences, where she empowers young minds—especially girls—to dive into science, embrace curiosity, and invent boldly. Beyond the lab and jungle, she expresses herself through mixed media art and ice skating, proving that creativity fuels innovation in every field. Kashmir isn’t just building drones; she’s building the future—and inviting others to fly with her. Clarke Betz - Creative Strategy Lead: Clarke, Director of Creative Strategy at KwF, merges artistic innovation with strategic communication. With a background in animation, audio engineering, and video art from VCUarts’ Kinetic Imaging program, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling and brand development. Clarke provides strategic leadership across all creative outputs, guiding the direction and impact of KwF’s storytelling, branding, and multimedia experiences. Beyond this role, she is the founder of an athleticwear brand Entinge where fashion and femininity meet functionality. Combining skills in content creation, marketing strategy, and visual design, Clarke blends passion for fashion, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness to craft compelling narratives that connect audiences to mission-driven work. She has developed and led numerous successful digital campaigns, enhancing audience engagement and elevating brand presence through visually striking and emotionally resonant content. At KwF, Clarke also contributes to educational initiatives, mentoring students and interns in visual communication, trend forecasting, and brand identity—empowering the next generation to support conservation efforts through creative innovation. Brian Colding - Storytelling & Media Contributor: Brian Colding holds a Master’s degree from Oakland University and is an aspiring journalist with a strong passion for conservation storytelling. At the Kashmir World Foundation, he contributed as both a scriptwriter and voiceover artist for the "Beyond the Noise" documentary, helping to bring critical conservation issues to life through a compelling narrative. In addition, Brian supports marketing and outreach initiatives, leveraging social media and digital engagement strategies to broaden KwF’s impact and inspire action for wildlife conservation. Griffin Burke - BioAcoustics AI/ML Advisor: Griffin is a Computer Science student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a minor in Mathematics. He serves as Team Lead for the BioAcoustics DeepData Project, guiding the development of AI models that extract critical insights from rainforest soundscapes. Involved since the project's inception, Griffin contributed to its early research design and participated in the field expedition to Costa Rica, where he deployed acoustic sensors and collected bioacoustic data from sentinel species. He now leads the team responsible for processing that data, applying machine learning to detect environmental threats and assess ecosystem health. With experience that bridges fieldwork and AI-driven analysis, Griffin plays a key role in advancing data-driven conservation strategies. Lauren Rousell - Creative Development Advisor, CYOA-Game: Lauren Rousell is a Software Engineer and Game Programmer. She is a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in Computer Game Design and Development. Lauren is passionate about designing and developing games of all types with an emphasis on creating impactful experiences. In development, she specializes in mechanics, AI, and user interface design. Outside of game development, Lauren enjoys riding horses, competing in esports, and volunteering in her community. Lauren has been part of the KwF team for over two years, contributing to multiple interactive education and conservation technology initiatives. She previously worked as a developer and programmer on the KwF Counter-Poaching Game and later served as Team Lead for the Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) Game initiative. While now working full time professionally, Lauren continues to support KwF in an advisory capacity while actively contributing to gameplay mechanics, development, and creative direction for ongoing projects. Jonah Brainard - Creative Production Advisor: A native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Jonah Brainard is a senior at Ithaca College majoring in Film and Photography. Over the past six years, he has developed a wide-ranging portfolio that includes student films, documentaries, freelance videography, and private client work. An award-winning filmmaker, Jonah brings strong skills in directing, cinematography, editing, and photography. His work spans psychological thrillers, comedies, nature documentaries, and aerial imagery. With his creative versatility and passion for the outdoors, Jonah is contributing to several exciting projects at KwF, where his storytelling talents and visual artistry continue to grow in dynamic and meaningful ways. Dedication. Expertise. Mentorship. The Think Tank Advisory Board at Kashmir World Foundation unites a dynamic collective of visionary thinkers, subject matter experts, and emerging innovators spanning disciplines—from artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering to conservation biology and creative media. This cross-generational board, composed of both seasoned professionals and rising talent, provides strategic insight, mentorship, and bold ideas that shape the future of our global initiatives. Together, they drive forward-thinking solutions to complex environmental challenges, transforming research into real-world impact to protect endangered species and ecosystems worldwide. Mark Page - Senior Advisor, Aerospace Engineering (BWB): Mark Page is a distinguished aerodynamicist and aerospace engineer with over 40 years of experience in UAV and Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft design. Currently the CTO and co-founder of JetZero, Mark played a key role at McDonnell Douglas leading the NASA/McDonnell Douglas BWB program that pioneered modern blended wing configurations. His career spans aerospace and motorsports aerodynamics, including work on racecars and UAVs like the Swift Killer Bee, later acquired by Northrop Grumman. As co-founder and chief scientist of DZYNE Technologies, he designed advanced, fuel-efficient blended wing jets and VTOL UAVs. Since 2014, Mark has served as Senior Advisor for Kashmir World Foundation’s Blended Wing Body and Aerospace Engineering projects, guiding the next generation of innovators in aerospace technology. Alison B. Lowndes - Senior Advisor, AI, Space, and Sustainable Development: Alison has been promoting sustainable development for nearly 20 years, starting with her own kitchen-table volunteering charity, AVIF, based in the UK. Beyond this personal initiative, she has contributed her expertise to prominent space agencies, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth. As a Senior Scientist in Global Artificial Intelligence at NVIDIA, Alison specializes in deploying autonomous systems at the extreme edge — both off Earth and on — advancing innovative solutions that intersect sustainability, space exploration, and cutting-edge AI technology. As a Senior Advisor to the KwF Think Tank, Alison is deeply committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, and conservation, encouraging them to envision and create a more sustainable future. Lucas Gewehr - Senior Advisor, Aerospace Engineering: Lucas Gewehr holds a degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Itajubá in Brazil. He began his journey with Kashmir World Foundation (KwF) as an intern and now serves as a Senior Advisor, contributing his expertise to the foundation’s aerospace initiatives. As the lead engineer during the early design phase of KwF’s Eagle Ray—a 21-foot blended wing body drone—Lucas played a pivotal role in shaping its innovative design. He is also the founder of Ceres Seeding, a drone-based reforestation company in Brazil. With a passion for aircraft design, unmanned systems, and knowledge sharing, Lucas continues to be an invaluable asset to the team and the field of sustainable aerospace innovation. Logan Hollmer - Senior Advisor, Engineering and AI: Logan Hollmer brings over eight years of industry experience and a passion for developing people, optimizing processes, and building innovative AI products. He began his journey as an undergraduate intern at Kashmir World Foundation (KwF) and now serves as a Senior Advisor, guiding the organization’s cutting-edge AI initiatives. Logan has led cross-functional teams delivering complex AI solutions across industries including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and transportation. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, he believes that leveraging the unique strengths of every individual is essential to creating transformative, next-generation technologies. Abhijit Paithankar - Senior Advisor, Technology Strategy & A.I. Innovation: Abhijit Paithankar is a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience in high-performance computing, distributed systems, and AI infrastructure. He now serves as a Senior Advisor for AI Projects and Hardware Integration at Kashmir World Foundation (KwF), where he brings deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to mentorship, education, and responsible AI innovation. Throughout his career, Abhijit has guided engineering teams with a focus on curiosity, resilience, and excellence, making significant contributions to AI model resiliency, large-scale distributed systems, and deep learning frameworks—alongside open-source contributions and multiple patents. Passionate about education and equitable access to technology, he has led initiatives that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact, helping to develop educational tools and integrate emerging technologies into practical solutions. Haad Shaikh - Senior Advisor, Aerospace Engineering: Muhammad Haad Shaikh is an accomplished Aerospace Systems Engineer with over a decade of experience in the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry, specializing in product development and engineering. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Cranfield University in the UK, where he continues to advance research and innovation in the field. Certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) with an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CoC), he is a skilled line-of-sight (LOS) FPV pilot for both fixed-wing and multicopter drones. His extensive experience includes conducting both LOS and beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, delivering UAS training programs with a strong focus on safety. Haad leads projects from conceptual design through prototype manufacturing, scaling, and flight testing, and consults on UAS development for scientific and commercial applications. He also serves as a Senior Advisor for Aerospace Engineering with Kashmir World Foundation, contributing his expertise to support global conservation and research missions. Iari Varriale - Senior Advisor, Film & Documentary: Iari Varriale is an Italian Brooklyn-based editor and cinematographer whose work spans the breadth of creative documentary filmmaking. His works have appeared on Netflix, and premiered at DOC NYC and True/False, among others. His commercial clients include the multinational Alibaba.com and the global sporting company Decathlon. Iari was a 2020-2021 Union Docs Fellow, an organization dedicated to fostering the creation, exhibition, and study of documentary films. He is an active member of the Alliance of Documentary Editors - a network of artists with more than a thousand members worldwide - where he serves on the Budget and Finance Committee. He holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Pisa, Italy, and an MA in Documentary Film from Tallinn University, Estonia. Maravilla Frost - Jr. Advisor, UX & Interactive Experience Design: Maravilla Frost is a Health Science and Information Sciences graduate from the University of South Florida, dedicated to leveraging technology and design to drive meaningful social and environmental impact. After serving as Lead UX Designer for the BioAcoustics Team at Kashmir World Foundation—where she shaped intuitive front-end experiences for the DeepData project and spearheaded the development of an innovative “Choose Your Own Adventure” conservation game—Maravilla now contributes as a Junior Advisor with the KwF Think Tank. In this role, she provides guidance on design strategy and interdisciplinary projects, helping bridge technology, creativity, and conservation to inspire action and protect endangered wildlife. Abimalek Mekuriya - Jr. Advisor, Software Development: Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abimalek, has passionately pursued computer science through activities such as FIRST Robotics and open-source software development. Currently a Junior Advisor for the Think Tank Advisory Board at Kashmir World Foundation, he contributes fresh insights and innovative ideas. Previously, as Team Lead for the Orion App Development Internship, Abimalek applied his expertise to tackle real-world challenges and create positive impact. He is now advancing his studies in robotics and machine learning at MIT, continuing to deepen his knowledge and contributions in the field. Rayan Kabaha - Jr. Advisor, BioAcoustics and AI Research: Rayan Kabaha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania. Deeply committed to leveraging technology for meaningful global impact, he led Phase 1 of the BioAcoustics Research Initiative at Kashmir World Foundation (KwF), guiding efforts to develop advanced AI models that analyze animal vocalizations for insights into ecosystem health and conservation. Rayan also participated in the field expedition in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, applying AI innovations directly to real-world challenges. Now building his career in AI, he serves as a Junior Advisor for KwF’s Think Tank, continuing to drive forward-thinking solutions at the intersection of technology and conservation. The Global Applied Conservation & Technology Council is composed of world-class engineers, scientists, technologists, and field experts with specialized knowledge in conservation and technology. This council provides expert advisory guidance to inform the research, design, and implementation of cutting-edge tools and strategies, including unmanned aerial systems and AI-powered solutions, for anti-poaching and conservation efforts. Their focused expertise ensures that KwF’s initiatives are both innovative and grounded in practical applications to effectively protect wildlife and ecosystems globally. Council Members: - General Johan Jooste: Head of Special Projects, South African National Parks (SANParks) - Dr. Nick Pilcher: Executive Director, Marine Research Foundation-Borneo - Dr. Filipe Spina: Senior Conservation Analyst, WWF Brazil - Dr. Ali Nawaz: Conservationist, Wildlife Ecologist, & Associate Professor, Qatar University - Dr. Melania Lopez: Sea Turtle Conservation Program Coordinator, Pronatura Yucatan Peninsula - Dr. Gale Bishop: Sea Turtle Conservationist, Geo Trac - Tim Street: Aerospace Engineer, Wolf Den Associates - Todd Stubblebine: Aerospace Engineer, US Navy Air Command - John Sahr: Retd. Electrical Engineering Professor, University of Washington - William Manczuk: Senior Electrical Engineer, Retd. US Government Official - Jay Gundlach: President, Gundlach Aero - Michael Pillsbury: Director of Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute