2025 Emerging Techniques Forum (Past)

Managing Director, Accenture Federal Services

Dr. Faddis manages technical teams delivering expertise in artificial intelligence, operationalized machine learning, applied data science, software development, and advanced analytic solutions for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers.

Dr. Faddis began her career in government at the Central Intelligence Agency. She served in the Directorate of Science & Technology, where she managed the Office of the Chief Scientist Identity Intelligence Research & Development program; and in the Directorate of Operations, where she led technology development and deployment for the Counter Terrorism Center Surveillance Group. She is a recognized subject matter expert in identity and biometrics within the Intelligence Community.

Dr. Faddis obtained her Ph.D. in Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University. Her work supporting U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) involved designing an experiment to quantify the performance degradation of biometric devices that occurs when transitioning from sterile to tactical environments. Her work culminated in the Tactical Biometric Evaluation, which served as the foundation for USSOCOM evaluation of tactical identity devices and remains a core element of device evaluation today.

Deputy Director for Studies and Analysis (DDSA), Joint Staff J-8

Mr. Tucker D. Hughes is the Deputy Director for Studies and Analysis (DDSA) in the Joint Staff’s Force Structure, Resources and Assessment Directorate (J-8), the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. The DDSA team conducts studies, analysis, and assessments of the capability, capacity and readiness of the Joint Force, today and in the future, to support the J-8’s efforts to evaluate defense strategy, plans and programs for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He also oversees military net assessments for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, routine and ad hoc capability assessments of the Joint Force and Joint requirements, Senior Leader political-military wargames, and tabletop exercises. More broadly, as one of the Department’s senior analysts he leads multiple Department-wide initiatives under the Analytic Working Group umbrella, efforts which focus on enabling better analytic support to senior leader decisions across the entire Department.

Director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Rear Admiral Douglas W. Sasse, III serves as the Director of the Assessment Division (N81) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds advanced degrees in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His early sea tours included service aboard USS Deyo (DD 989) and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20, followed by roles as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer on USS Hue City (CG 66), with multiple deployments across U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

RADM Sasse served as an Associate Fellow with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group, an Air Defense Instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School, and in several key reserve leadership roles across U.S. Forces Korea, Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Sixth Fleet, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, and Fourth Fleet. His command tours span multiple reserve units, including Destroyer Squadron 40, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, Fleet Forces Command, and Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2. He also mobilized as the Joint Operations Center Team Chief for U.S. Central Command Headquarters. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and other campaign and unit awards.

Co-Founder, Chief Technologist, Attritable Machines, LLC

Mr. Schramm is a retired Navy Commander and professional statistician. A long-standing member of the MORS community, Harrison has worked in industry, government and academia. His current interest is in the synthesis of Artificial Intelligence at the edge. Harrison is co-founder and Chief Technologist of Attritable Machines, LLC.

Mr. Schramm has served as Vice President of MORS, President of the Analytics Society of INFORMS, and is currently the Editor of the  Phalanx magazine. His awards include the MORS Barchi Prize, the MORS Thomas Prize, and Aircrew of the Year from the Naval Helicopter Association.