Chinonye Nnakwe Whitley is a public servant and a scientist.  Chinonye obtained her PhD in Pathology from the University of Chicago with a focus in Cancer Biology and a Bachelor's of Science with Departmental Distinction in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Her professional experience spans management consulting for pharmaceutical companies, diversity, equity, and inclusion administration in academia and federal public service, with a focus on broadening the participation of underrepresented populations in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dennis Whitley has a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Technical Studies from Thomas Edison State University.  He is a 20-year retired veteran of the Navy with a rank of E6.  As a Gas Turbine Mechanic (GSM1) he was an engineering plant technician on multiple ships throughout his years of service.  He also was awarded seven (7) Navy and Marine Corps Gold Star Achievement medals and recognized for professional achievement in the superior performance of duties as a Plank Owner of the ship USS Freedom (LCS 1).  Currently, Dennis works as a systems engineer and contributes his extensive knowledge of naval ships as a contractor for the Navy.