An innovator in the cognitive sciences, Tami Ellison is the CEO of conflu3nce, a health technology company targeting early disease detection. Her six image-based patents synergize computer vision and human perception to enhance visual attention in both humans and machines. The company is leveraging her discovery of a novel multiplexed visual stimulus, which is integrated into the design of the PICSSi COGnomics platform to individualize cognitive health markers for personalized cognitive health profiling.
A C-suite consultant, she has worked with public and private biotechnology, hi-tech, and edutainment concerns for over two decades, supporting, training, and leading teams in product design, marketing communications, change management, and workforce development. A passionate health technology and science educator, she has delivered thousands of hours of professional development workshops, trainings, and classroom instruction to allied health professionals and early childhood educators to address the science and technology literacy gap. A graduate of the Laboratory for Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ellison conducted seminal research on the T3-skin differentiation axis and systems-level view of keratin gene-protein expression in skin health and disease. Ellison's career is driven by a singular mission: uncovering paradigm-shifting patterns at the nexus of biology, cognition, and technology to redefine how we detect, understand, and optimize human health.
Advisory Board (alphabetical)
Shelia Guberman, PhD
Dr. Guberman studied at the Institute of Electrical Communications, Odessa, USSR, graduating with a degree in Radio Engineering. After working as a Field Geophysicist in the Soviet oil industry from 1952 to 1958, he pursued a PhD in Nuclear Physics in 1962, followed by a second PhD in Applied Mathematics in 1971 and an appointment as a Full Professor in Computer Science in 1971. Guberman specializes in Artificial Intelligence and implementing principles of Gestalt perception in computer programs for geological data analysis, earthquake prediction, oil and gas exploration, handwriting recognition technology, speech compression, and medical imaging. He held the Chair Professorship at Moscow Open University (Department of Geography) from 1989 to 1992 before moving to the USA. He invented the handwriting recognition technology used in Microsoft's Windows CE and is the author of core technologies for five major US companies. For Pixlogic, established in 2004, he developed the first technology which succeeded at mimicking human sight aimed at understanding images using AI, and applied for visual search and analysis of both image and video content.
Lev Lawrence, M.S.
Lev joined the conflu3nce team in 2022. A seasoned technology entrepreneur and cognitive scientist, he brings a dynamic combination of skills and insights into the company. As CEO and Founder of Fresh Ideas, Inc., a computer consulting practice, he's worked with C-level executives in various capacities, including as a UEX expert; Web Developer and Programmer; acting CTO/CIO; Senior business strategy advisor; Graphic Designer; and digital marketing expert. In addition to developing projects for such clients as MediaOne Group, Zing Systems, and US West, he stewarded the acquisition of Fresh Ideas' synonym.com website. He received a Master Science degree in Computer Science, specializing in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) from CU Boulder, and, completed a graduate-level Certification Program in Cognitive Science. He holds a BS degree in Cognitive Psychology, studying user-centered design and human factors with field pioneer Donald Norman at the University of California at San Diego. He also completed a Graduate Business Certificate: Management and Leadership, Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.
Arno Neumann
Arno lives at the intersection of technology, science, biology and finance. A Principal at Aubonne Partners, a boutique management consulting firm headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada with offices in Michigan, USA and Switzerland. Arno works with a highly diversified client base spanning such target sectors as Automotive, Industrial/Processing Equipment, Aerospace & Defense, Factory Automation, Healthcare, AgriTech/MedTech, among others. He is the President of BET Bioscience Technologies, British Columbia based R&D company working on the extraction of natural bioactives from plant, animal, algae and microbiological sources. Arno brings vast experience and MENA venture capital connections to supporting conflu3nce's R&D efforts.
Professor Neil Pliskin, PhD, ABPP-CN
Dr. Neil Pliskin is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Illinois, College of Medicine. He has worked as a clinical neuropsychologist and directed Clinical Neuropsychology training programs for over 28 years. Pliskin has dedicated his career to clinical education, training graduate students, interns and fellows, and has served as the Director of Continuing Education for the International Neuropsychological Society. He has volunteered his time to APA Division 40 (Education and Practice Advisory Committees, Federal Advocacy Coordinator), National Academy of Neuropsychology (Policy and Planning Committee) and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (Foundation Board). Dr. Pliskin has strong scientific interests in the neuropsychological sequelae of medical illness (MS, dementia, renal disease) and brain trauma (electrical shock injuries). He is a Fellow of NAN and was recipient of NAN's Distinguished Service Award in 2008. He is a Fellow of the APA's Division of Clinical Neuropsychology and in 2024 was awarded the Excellency in Advocacy Award by the National Academy of Neuropsychology; and a Presidential Citation by the American Psychological Association in 2010 for dedicated service to the profession - as an advocate, scientist, educator and practitioner of Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr. Pliskin served as President of APA Division 40 (Society for Clinical Neuropsychology) in 2015. He continues to work for the profession as an advisor, representing the APA on the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Panel.
Ivan Wolfson, PsyD
Dr. Wolfson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with an extensive clinical practice, specializing in the treatment of geriatric and disabled patients, as well as children with ADHD. In addition to his practice which serves over thirty-five Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care facilities, he operates Wolfson Psychological Services which provides psychotherapuetic and psychodiagnostic services to individuals, families and groups in both private and residential settings. A prominent speaker at conferences and workshops, he delivers training support and solutions to caregivers and families on stress management, self-esteem challenges for young patients with ADHD, and how-to take an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment in children and adults. Dr. Wolfson holds an M.A. and PsyD from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology.
