OASIS Speakers
The OASIS program is delighted to welcome a distinguished lineup of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in their respective areas.
Angel McCoy is a Senior Regulatory Specialist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where she leads work supporting the development of ocean-based energy and mineral resources. Prior to joining NREL, she spent much of her career at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management within the U.S. Department of the Interior, serving as a meteorologist and supporting the environmental and technical review of offshore renewable energy projects. Earlier in her career, she supported the U.S. Agency for International Development's Famine Early Warning Systems Network project, providing weather and climate analysis to support global food security efforts. McCoy is also the founder of Discover Earth Camp, a youth earth science education program, and holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and American Public University.
Ms. McCoy will present “Oceans of Power: The Past, Present, and Future of Energy Development” on June 1.
Paul Hylenski is a Marine Corps veteran, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of multiple AI-driven companies. He specializes in helping professionals and organizations understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership, careers, and business strategy. Paul has written five books, delivered four TEDx Talks, and works with leaders across industries to make emerging technology practical, accessible, and actionable. His sessions combine real-world experience, clear explanations, and interactive discussion to help audiences confidently navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI.
Mr. Hylenski will present “The Age of AI: What Everyone Needs to Know Now” on June 2.
Linda Yuriko Kato is a third-generation American of Japanese ancestry who currently resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With a Ph.D. from MIT in political science, Linda worked in corporate research firms designing and evaluating workforce development programs for low-income communities. Now in her “older adult” years, Linda seeks to make accessible, through public presentations and lifelong learning courses, the wealth of recent research on the HERstories of Asian civilizations through the perspectives and contributions of their women. A doll artist, Linda also utilizes her HERstorical portrait dolls to “bring to life” the women and cultures she describes.
Dr. Kato will present “Religious Pluralism in Ancient thru Modern China” on June 3.
Bill Scanlan Murphy was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1954 and holds an MA degree in Music from the University of Oxford. A professionally complex life has included hosting radio shows (rock, classical, and documentary) for the BBC, writing music for television dramas, and working with diverse performers ranging from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to the Beach Boys and Charles Manson. “Cease To Exist,” a radio documentary on the musical life of Manson, remains the most-listened-to documentary in the history of the BBC Radio One network. A parallel career as a naval historian has resulted in a book on early submarines and numerous articles and radio features, including one on how many composers have been naval officers. Apart from teaching at Howard Community College, Murphy also teaches at Harford Community College and is Director of Music at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Baltimore.
Mr. Murphy will present “Arts and the Man-from Let Us Sleep Now to Hell No, We Won’t Go!" on June 4.