From Fighter Jets to Quantum Code: The Journey of Pete “Shadow” Ford
From flying F-15s and dodging shadows over Egypt to pioneering post-quantum encryption, Pete “Shadow” Ford’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, critical thinking, and the power of asking the right questions. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Ford to explore the intersections of high-performance aviation, national defense, and cutting-edge […]
From the Marines to Microelectronics: A Journey in Defense Innovation with Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith joins host Daniel Marrujo on Micro Journeys to discuss his journey and remarkable career from military service to microelectronics and defense consulting. Brandon reflects on his time in the Marines, where he specialized in electronics and radar repair, gaining hands-on experience with high-stakes technology in combat environments. His military service instilled a deep […]
Micro Journeys: Trailer
Welcome to Micro Journeys: The pulse of what’s next and the stories of the people who got us here. podcast that puts you on the front lines of U.S. defense innovation—one remarkable story at a time. Hosted by Daniel Marrujo of Trusted Strategic Solutions, this weekly series delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the trailblazers who’ve […]
Lieutenant General Carl Schaefer, USAF (Ret.)
Carl Schaefer is a Strategic Advisor for Trusted Strategic Solutions. Carl retired as an Air Force Lieutenant General, after 33-years of active duty. Carl served as the Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio in his final Air Force assignment. The command employs some 89,000 people and manages $60 billion […]
Taylor Haneman
Taylor Haneman is a second-year student at Cal Poly SLO, majoring in manufacturing engineering. She is passionate about hands-on learning, as well as material properties and processes. Currently, Taylor works as a lab technician for material removal at Cal Poly, where she applies her academic knowledge in a professional setting. She is excited to contribute […]
Victoria Wells
Victoria Wells is a third-year student at UC Santa Barbara, where she is pursuing a degree in economics and accounting. Originally from Granite Bay, California, she has a passion for maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys weightlifting and swimming. Victoria is thrilled to join the team and is eager to apply her analytical skills and […]
Justin Doney
Justin Doney is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona, pursuing a degreein Global Security and Intelligence. He is passionate about analyzing global security challengesand developing strategies to address them.
Kate Oelkers
Katherine (Kate) Oelkers is a third-year student at UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Statistics andData Science. She’s passionate about mathematics and data analytics and aspires to work indata science in the future. She’s a member of the UCSB Data Science Club and helps supportdiverse STEM students as a peer mentor.
Dr. Sandra Biedron
Sandra Biedron brings 30 years of technical expertise in particle accelerator and laser systems, including machine design to requirements, integration and test, operation, and upgrades. She also brings systems engineering as well as management and leadership experience. She has worked in and with government and government laboratories, in and with industry, and in the education of Master’s […]
Dan Pfadt
Daniel Pfadt is a subject matter expert in the sourcing, supply and sustainment of microelectronics, having worked in the U.S. Government and private industry across three decades. His experience includes roles as the Deputy Director of the CHIPS Coordination Cell (C3) in OUSD(A&S/IBP) and as a core member of the DEDPSECDEF chartered OUSD(A&S) and OUSD(R&E) […]