Speakers
Adam Cohen is a leading expert in emerging transportation technologies with over 20 years of research experience at UC Berkeley’s Transportation Sustainability Research Center and the Mineta Transportation Institute. He has led 50+ studies on advanced air mobility (AAM), urban air mobility (UAM), mobility on demand, and automated vehicles.
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He co-authored NASA’s AAM market study and led early research on AAM’s social acceptance. As a board member of the Community Air Mobility Initiative (CAMI), he promotes responsible UAM integration and co-instructs the Urban Air Policy Collaborative, guiding transportation planners on AAM topics like equity and multimodal integration.
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Adam chairs TRB’s AP020 committee on public transportation innovation and serves as Vice Chairman of SAE’s Shared and Digital Mobility Committee. He also contributes to NASA’s AAM groups and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Previously, he worked for the Department of Homeland Security and Georgia Tech Research Institute.
Dr. Shahneh is an expert in Aircraft Systems Design with over 20 years of experience in computational, experimental, and theoretical methodologies. He holds degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from QMU London.
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Since 2009, he has been a faculty member at Cranfield University’s Centre of Aeronautics, conducting research and lecturing on airframe systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight control actuation, and aerodynamics. He has supervised numerous PhD and MSc projects.
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By 2025, he will have overseen 200+ aircraft systems projects. He also serves as a project examiner, independent academic representative, and external examiner for Hertfordshire University. A member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, he has published 50 papers and is the Premaster course director.
Clint Harper is an aviation expert with 26 years of experience in both military and civilian sectors. As an Air Force veteran, he specialized in aircraft dispatch, airport operations, planning, heliport design, and unmanned aerial systems, gaining deep insight into aviation logistics and infrastructure.
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After his military career, Clint pursued his passion for urban development, earning a Master’s in City and Metropolitan Planning and a graduate certificate in Urban Design. His work explores how aviation infrastructure shapes cities and how emerging technologies can be integrated into transportation networks.
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Now, he focuses on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), ensuring it complements existing systems rather than replacing them. Through strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, Clint is dedicated to making AAM a seamless part of modern cities, improving mobility and accessibility for all.
Kolin Schunck is a business and law graduate with experience in innovation, aerospace and strategy consulting. He currently works as a Senior Manager for Strategic Innovation & Intelligence at Lufthansa Innovation Hub, where he is responsible for the area of sustainable aviation.
This includes sustainable aviation fuels, electric and hydrogen aviation, and advanced air mobility. Kolin is passionate about the disruptive forces shaking up the aerospace and aviation industry and is dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry by connecting with the ecosystem, providing knowledge, and sharing insights with both external and internal Lufthansa Group stakeholders.
He is a true aviation enthusiast and brings his passion to his work in a positive and impactful way.
With over 20 years in electric mobility and a decade in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Nicolas Zart is a recognized industry leader, consultant, and advocate for sustainable aviation. As the founder of Electric Air Mobility, LLC, he works at the forefront of emerging air transportation, specializing in vertiport infrastructure, energy systems, and urban mobility integration.
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Collaborating with OEMs, AAM startups, and policymakers, Nicolas develops scalable, sustainable vertiport ecosystems that align with urban airspace management. His expertise bridges technology, strategy, and regulation, helping cities, airports, and heliports adapt to the evolving landscape of next-generation aviation.
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A sought-after speaker and writer, Nicolas has contributed to publications like Vertiflite and CleanTechnica, sharing insights on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure challenges, and technological advancements shaping the industry. His multicultural perspective and hands-on experience allow him to navigate the complexities of global markets, fostering forward-thinking solutions that drive the future of flight.
Founder and Partner at SMG Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm specializing in international business development, strategy, product marketing, and program management. The firm provides communications, competitive analysis, and Danaher Business System (DBS) expertise to a diverse portfolio of clients, ranging from mid-size companies to Fortune 100 corporations in the Aerospace, Defense, and AutoTech industries.
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With a focus on delivering tailored solutions, SMG Consulting helps organizations navigate complex markets, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. The firm leverages deep industry knowledge and strategic insights to support clients in achieving their business objectives.
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Through a combination of innovative approaches and hands-on experience, SMG Consulting has built a strong reputation for guiding companies through challenges and opportunities in highly competitive industries.
