Summer Seminar – IT Modernization

Zero Knowledge Proofs in Blockchain

Presenter: Remo Nyffenegger (University of Basel)

A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic technique that enables one party (the prover) to demonstrate to another party (the verifier) that a certain statement is true without revealing any additional information about the statement itself. This concept has diverse applications, particularly in fields like blockchain technology. Within blockchains, zero-knowledge proofs address two critical dimensions: privacy and scalability. They empower confidential transaction verification by shielding sensitive data. Moreover, these proofs enhance scalability through succinct verification, allowing blockchains to process more transactions efficiently without compromising security.

In this presentation by Remo Nyffenegger, we will discover how zero-knowledge proofs possess extensive applicability while providing utility in secure authentication, upholding voting integrity, and validating digital identities.

Transformative Technologies: RPA, Low-Code, AI/ML

Presenters: Ranyah Salous and Shelly Turner (Guidehouse)

As transformative technologies are reshaping the IT landscape, they provide invaluable insights into harnessing their potential to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. Join us for an engaging discussion that will unveil the cutting-edge technologies such Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Low-Code development, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and other related technologies.

In this presentation by Shelly and Ranyah, we will discover how these dynamic tools converge to empower organizations to achieve agility and modernization.

AI-Guided Depression Management

Presenter: Dr. Farrokh Alemi (George Mason University)

Most patients with major depression do not benefit from their first treatment and have to go through repeated trials of medications to find a treatment that works for them. Over the years, there have been multiple attempts to help clinicians provide a more optimal depression treatment. Neither the guidelines nor the decision aids have changed clinical practice by much or improved outcomes for patients. Our proposed generative AI system bridges this gap in service. The system has two components: patient-facing collection of medical history and a non-generative advice system.

In this presentation, Dr. Farrokh Alemi will explain how this novel, goal-based, example-driven, dialogue management system is likely to improve patient engagement; increase shared decision making between patient and their clinicians; and in the process lead to changes in prescription patterns and patient outcomes.

Protecting Supply Chain Integrity and Data Privacy

Presenter: Rodney Snyder (Guidehouse)

As the cyber warfare landscape continues to evolve, IT modernization becomes the cornerstone of mitigating supply chain risks and reducing potential liabilities. The modern digital landscape has brought forth a cyber guerilla warfare that threatens the integrity of supply chains and data privacy across organizations. With ever more and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks increasing the risk, data compromise becomes a more frequent grim reality. Organizations must take proactive steps to implement robust cyber risk-mitigation and liability-reduction strategies within their supply chains.

In this presentation, Rodney Snyder will touch on how IT modernization and supply chain risk management can help organizations navigate complexities and become resilient.

Remo Nyffenegger
Economist @ University of Basel

Remo Nyffenegger is an economist and researcher at the University of Basel in Switzerland. He conducts research on traditional economic topics as well as on blockchains and their underlying technology. In this role, he investigates the utilization of zero-knowledge proofs within the realm of blockchains and other areas. 

Recently, he authored an article on this subject, featured in the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review.

Ranyah Salous
Director @ Guidehouse

Ranyah Salous is a Director at Guidehouse with the Advanced Analytics and Intelligent Automation team and has over 11 years of professional IT experience. In her time leading Advanced Analytics and Intelligent Automation initiatives, she has worked with clients across segments around the globe to establish an enterprise approach to Intelligent Automation, Data Analytics, Data Visualization, AI/ML, and Low-code implementation including the establishment of strategic goals, program governance, change management, and continuing the evolution of automation technology. Ms. Salous has provided value to organizations by leading efforts to automate manual tasks, increase process efficiencies, and free-up resources to work on higher-value initiatives. In addition to automation and application delivery, Ms. Salous has worked with agencies and organizations to lead and establish the mission and vision for low-code solutions across the enterprise by standing up Robotic Process Automation and Data Analytics Centers of Excellence.

Shelly Turner
Director @ Guidehouse

Ms. Turner has 20 years’ experience with managing information technology projects, including information system implementations. She has led projects to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, low code/no code governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions, robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, identity credential and access management (ICAM) solutions, and data warehouse (DW) solutions. She also has experience with independent audits and assessments of information technology (IT) controls in connection with laws, regulations, and policies in both government and commercial sectors. She has led clients through all phases of technology implementations, including solution selection, business requirements capture, gap analysis, redesigning business processes, designing customizations for gap-fit, solution testing, user training, and post go-live support. She is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and has used both Agile and Waterfall implementation methodologies.

Dr. Farrokh Alemi
Professor & Researcher @ George Mason University

Dr. Farrokh Alemi was trained as an operations researcher and industrial engineer and has worked in both academia and health industry. He maintains patents on (1) sentiment analysis, (2) measurement of episodes of illness and (3) personalized medicine. He has more than 125 peer reviewed publications in journals such as Health Services Research, Medical Care, eClinicalMedicine and Palliative Medicine. His research focuses on causal analysis of massive data available in electronic health records. His publications have contributed to predictive medicine, precision medicine, comparative effectiveness of medications, sentiment analysis, natural language processing, as well as other models and trajectories.

Alemi maintains a decision aid for selection of antidepressants at http://MeAgainMeds.com. Alemi is the author of Multi-Morbidity index, used in management of polypharmacy patients. In addition, Alemi was a pioneer in online management of patients and has provided Congressional testimony on role of Internet in health delivery. He is the author of a book on decision analysis and another on policy systems and a third on application of process improvement to personal health. A fourth book, on causal statistical analysis, was published in 2020.

Rodney Snyder
Partner @ Guidehouse

Rodney is a partner at Guidehouse within our Cyber Security Practice and leads our Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), and Cyber Threats work. This includes leveraging the enormous and fast-growing universe of worldwide, publicly available. information, such as cyber, corporate, SCRM, financial, geolocational, and open-source data to which data science and analytic tools can be applied. Before joining Guidehouse, Rodney was a consultant with PwC Public Sector and, prior to that, served a full career in the US government, including as a chief of station in the Middle East, CIA chief of staff under two directors, special assistant to the President at the White House, and assistant commissioner at US Customs and Border Protection. He helped stand up the National Counterterrorism Center and began his career as a presidential management intern and an analyst.