Cornell University, Cabrera Lab

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Board Chair

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​Translational scientist and strategist with deep expertise in systems thinking and executive leadership. She leads the execution of STSI’s vision, overseeing the organization’s growth, structure, and engagement across sectors and regions. Co-host of the #1 systems thinking podcast, The Cabrera Lab Podcast.

Cornell University, Cabrera Lab​

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Science Board Member

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Originator of DSRP Theory, the foundation of the Global Systems Thinking Standard and Cornell University professor. Directs the scientific architecture, evidence base, and engineering of the tools that power STSI’s protocols and assessments. Co-host of the #1 systems thinking podcast, The Cabrera Lab Podcast.

Boston University, Cabrera Lab

 


Science Board Member

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Decorated combat-disabled specialized operations veteran and Boston University lecturer, Dave brings deep expertise in strategic systems design. He directs the systems, partnerships, and initiatives that operationalize the STSI standard and scale its reach across institutions, sectors, and regions.

Brown University, USMA
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Science Board Member

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Dr. Rich Morales is a Professor of the Practice in the School of Engineering at Brown University, where he teaches systems thinking, innovation management, and decision-making. A retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Dr. Morales has over three decades of experience in systems engineering, operational leadership, and academic instruction. He served in senior roles under three U.S. Presidents, including as a White House Fellow and as an aide to the Administrator of NASA. He previously chaired the Department of Systems Engineering at West Point and held strategic assignments in peacekeeping missions, national policy, and defense innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Cambridge, an M.B.A. from Yale, and a B.S. from the United States Military Academy. A recipient of the Purple Heart, Dr. Morales brings unmatched insight into the practice and pedagogy of systems thinking, with a focus on organizational design and value creation.

Metropolitan Council​

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Science Board Member

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Leisa Thompson is the General Manager of Environmental Services at the Metropolitan Council, where she leads a team of over 600 professionals in managing wastewater treatment and water sustainability initiatives for the Twin Cities region. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Thompson has been instrumental in achieving consistent 100% compliance with federal clean water standards and advancing regional environmental planning. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and equity, including partnerships with tribal nations to ensure inclusive infrastructure development. Thompson holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Winona State University. She was named Star Tribune Working Woman of the Year in 2001.

University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Science Board Member​

 

Dr. Jennifer Kushner is the Director of CALS Global at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads international research and outreach in agriculture and the life sciences. With over 30 years of experience, she has led and evaluated initiatives in agriculture, health, environment, energy, and community development across the globe. Dr. Kushner specializes in systems approaches to complex issues, with a particular focus on water. She holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences and a master's degree in adult education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as well as a doctorate in adult education from National-Louis University. Dr. Kushner serves on the executive committee of APLU’s International Committee on Organization and Policy (ICOP) and is a member of the Globalizing Extension Innovation Network’s leadership council.

Cyber Cognition®
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Science Board Member

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Cybersecurity expert and systems thinker with over two decades of applied experience in cyber defense, systems design, and risk management. A veteran of the Royal Australian Navy, he brings operational insight from high-stakes, high-complexity environments. Founder of Cyber Cognition® and a leading voice on integrating systems thinking into cybersecurity strategy, Collins advocates for holistic approaches that address not just technical threats but systemic vulnerabilities. His recent research focuses on adaptive defense protocols and cognitive frameworks for risk awareness. He provides practical, systems-based insight to STSI’s standards development and interdisciplinary reach.

 Council for Adult and Experiential Learning ​

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Science Board Member​

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Dr. Scott A. Campbell is a nationally recognized leader in adult learning and workforce development with over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership. He currently serves as Vice President for Higher Education Partnerships at the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), where he leads national initiatives to align educational programs with the needs of adult learners and today’s evolving workforce. Dr. Campbell’s expertise spans prior learning assessment, career-aligned credentialing, and institutional transformation. His career includes deanships and executive leadership roles at Edgewood College and Regis University. A former professional baseball player, Dr. Campbell brings discipline, strategy, and lifelong learning to all he does. His work reflects a deep commitment to equity, access, and systems-level change, making him a vital contributor to the Practice of Systems Thinking (PST) and the STSI Science Board.

University of Arizona

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Science Board Member

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Dr. Michael J. Kwinn, Jr. is a seasoned systems engineer and strategic leader with over 30 years of experience in military, academic, and industry settings. He currently serves as Professor of Practice and Director of Engineering Management at the University of Arizona. Dr. Kwinn's expertise encompasses systems engineering, operations research, and strategic planning, with a focus on applying systems thinking to complex organizational challenges. His extensive background includes service as a U.S. Army officer, academic roles at West Point, and leadership positions at Raytheon Technologies. Dr. Kwinn is a Fellow of the Military Operations Research Society and an active member of INCOSE and ASEM. His contributions to the field are marked by a commitment to integrating empirical research with practical application to advance systems thinking globally.

Boston University, EarthPM

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Science Board Member

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Rich Maltzman is a seasoned project management professional with over 40 years of experience in engineering and leadership roles within the telecommunications industry. As a Master Lecturer at Boston University's Metropolitan College, he specializes in project leadership, decision-making, and sustainability integration. Maltzman co-founded EarthPM, LLC, to promote the incorporation of sustainability principles into project management. He has co-authored several influential books on project management and has contributed to the development of global standards through his work with the Project Management Institute. At STSI, Maltzman brings his extensive experience to the Science Board, supporting the advancement of the Global Systems Thinking Standard (STS®) with a focus on sustainability and long-term value creation.