"Our team is united by a shared commitment to empowering indigenous farming communities in Central Africa through innovative AI solutions. We are driven by a passion for merging modern technology with traditional knowledge to foster climate resilience, protect cultural heritage, and ensure sustainable food security for future generations"
Dr. Domenico Vito
Dr. Domenico Vito
Dr. Domenico Vito, a bioengineer with a PhD from Politecnico di Milano, is a key figure in global climate initiatives. He has been involved with the Conferences of the Parties (COP) since 2015 and serves as a thematic coordinator for UNEP's Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) Microplastics and Marine Litter Working Group. His background in climate sciences, sustainable agriculture, and community-focused projects positions him as a crucial contributor to the project’s AI-driven solutions. Dr. Vito's vast experience in international climate forums will also help bridge the gap between global climate science and local adaptation efforts, ensuring that AI-ɛ is designed with a strong focus on both scientific rigor and practical applicability for Central African farmers.
Dr. Gabriela Fernandez
Dr. Fernandez is a global leader in urban planning and climate adaptation. She serves as the Director of the Metabolism of Cities Living Lab at San Diego State University and holds extensive experience in the intersection of climate change, urban policy, and public health. Her background, which includes a PhD in Urban Planning, Design, and Policy from Politecnico di Milano, allows her to contribute to the cultural and policy-related aspects of the project. As an expert in sustainable development goals (SDGs) and a member of the UN Environmental Program, Dr. Fernandez will help ensure that AI-ɛ not only enhances agricultural resilience but also aligns with broader global efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation. Her leadership in community-based projects will facilitate meaningful engagement with local farmers and policymakers in Central Africa.
Culture: Our team culture values collaboration, inclusivity, and respect for indigenous knowledge, fostering a deep sense of community and purpose.
Lokesh Kank
Lokesh Kank: Lokesh brings over three years of experience in software engineering and data science, with a focus on AI and machine learning applications. His Master’s degree in Big Data Analytics from San Diego State University, coupled with his experience in building scalable data-driven platforms, will ensure the successful development of the AI-ɛ tool. Lokesh’s expertise in integrating complex datasets and deploying AI-driven solutions will play a crucial role in creating the platform's predictive capabilities, which will assist farmers in making informed decisions on planting and harvesting times.
Sharad Parmar
Sharad Parmar Sharad is currently pursuing a Master’s in Big Data Analytics at San Diego State University and has over two years of professional experience in data engineering and analysis. His hands-on experience with tools like Python, SQL, and Azure Cloud Services will be instrumental in the design, development, and deployment of the AI infrastructure. Sharad’s technical skills, gained through internships and work in data engineering, will support the project in effectively utilizing satellite imagery, climatic data, and real-time AI processing.
Vladislav Malashevskyy
Vladislav Malashevskyy is a mathematics student at the University of Milan, who has been working on climate in recent years.
His experience began with FFF Milan and numerous informal courses, and culminated with participation in COY15 and COP25 in Madrid as an observer member of the SISC (Italian Society for Climate Sciences), COP26 Glasgow as a member of YOUNGO (Youth & Children Constituency at UNFCCC).
During these events he came into contact with YOUNGO and started collaborating with WG Adaptation and Finance.