Chris Mattmann Keynote Speaker

Inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at UCLA
Former Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Distinguished technologist and prominent leader in data science and artificial intelligence

Chris Mattmann's Biography

Dr. Chris Mattmann, Ph.D., is a distinguished technologist and a prominent leader in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. He speaks on the complexities of big data and the innovations driving AI forward, offering invaluable insight into the technological landscapes of both today and tomorrow.

Dr. Mattmann is currently the inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at UCLA, a first-of-its-kind role in the UC system, where he helps shape the university’s strategy for advancing responsible, impactful AI and data innovation.

Previously, Dr. Mattmann held pivotal roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), serving as Division Manager of the Artificial Intelligence, Analytics, and Innovative Development Organization within the Information Technology and Solutions Directorate, as well as JPL’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. In these roles, he oversaw advanced IT research and the evaluation and infusion of cutting-edge open-source technologies.

In a trailblazing move, Dr. Mattmann was appointed JPL’s first Principal Scientist for Data Science, recognizing his exceptional contributions to scientific and technical knowledge. Across a 24-year career at JPL, he designed and implemented next-generation reusable science data processing systems for major Earth science missions, including NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, NPP Sounder PEATE, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) projects.

Dr. Mattmann’s expertise extends beyond NASA. His research has been funded by agencies such as DARPA, DHS, NSF, NIH, and NLM, alongside private industry partnerships. A committed open-source leader, he served on the Board of Directors of the Apache Software Foundation (2013–2018), contributed to early Apache Nutch, and helped shape foundational work that influenced Apache Hadoop. He is also the creator of the Apache Tika framework, a widely adopted content analysis and data analytics platform.

An accomplished author, Dr. Mattmann recently published Machine Learning for TensorFlow, 2nd Edition with Manning Publications, further solidifying his status as a recognized authority in AI and machine learning.

At the University of Southern California (USC), Dr. Mattmann served as Director of the Information Retrieval & Data Science (IRDS) group and as an Adjunct Research Professor, leading research advancing understanding of the Deep Web and Dark Web through the DARPA MEMEX program. This work contributed to investigative journalism efforts connected to the Panama Papers revelations, awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism in 2017.

AI Unlocked: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Tomorrow

Step into the world of AI with Dr. Chris Mattmann, as he unveils its evolution, current landscape, and the unprecedented opportunities it presents, especially in the legal domain. From the historical milestones to the ethics and governance of AI, attendees will grasp the profound impact of 'Data as the new Oil' and open-source computing. Delve into the sensory and perception capabilities of AI and its direct influence on legal practices. This presentation will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the legal challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven future.

AI Unveiled: Shaping the Next Era of Entertainment

Discover the future of entertainment with AI insights from the frontlines of innovation. In this eye-opening session, Dr. Chris Mattmann, a renowned AI expert, decodes how artificial intelligence is not just changing the game but becoming the game in entertainment. Learn about the symbiosis of AI with creative industries, its impact on production and consumption patterns, and why understanding its capabilities and limitations is crucial. Attendees will walk away with a clear vision of AI's role in the next era of entertainment, armed with knowledge to harness its power for creative and business success.

AI's Double-Edge: Combatting Disinformation in the 2024 Elections

Join Dr. Chris Mattmann, AI luminary and author of 'Machine Learning with TensorFlow', as he explores the battleground of AI and disinformation in the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections. In this pivotal talk, attendees will dissect how AI algorithms can both generate and detect falsities, learning to discern truth in an era of digital deceit. Dr. Mattmann will share strategies to leverage machine learning for safeguarding information integrity, ensuring a well-informed electorate. Participants will leave empowered with AI tools and ethical frameworks essential for defending democracy and shaping a truthful narrative in our interconnected world.

He has led at the frontier of institutional AI adoption as UCLA’s inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, helping leaders turn responsible AI ambitions into strategy, governance and real-world impact.
He brings mission-critical credibility from 24 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, translating cutting-edge AI and big data innovation into practical lessons for organisations operating at scale and under pressure.
He was JPL’s first Principal Scientist for Data Science and a senior technology executive, equipping audiences with a rare view of how world-class teams design reusable data systems that power high-stakes scientific discovery.
He is a foundational open-source leader and creator of Apache Tika, showing organisations how open ecosystems, standards and community-driven tools accelerate innovation and reduce technical debt.
He connects deep technical expertise to national security and investigative applications, drawing on DARPA-funded work on the deep and dark web and research that supported the investigative breakthroughs behind the Panama Papers.