Brian Plourde is the CEO and founder of LEMA, a Minnesota-based company with the mission of using technology for solving critical human needs. LEMA’s work spans technology development, manufacturing, and technology integration. Some of the work includes research and development with the USA Department of Defense, implementation of technology with indigenous communities, and development work across the developing world. Mr. Plourde is a research fellow and senior faculty member at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering where he is a numerical simulation expert with experience in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics. Mr. Plourde has over 100 publications, books, book chapters, conference presentations, and patents in areas including astronomical modeling, biological heat transfer, fluid mechanics, biomedical device design, energy, burn injuries, climate change, fundamental heat transfer, and manufacturing processes. Mr. Plourde is excited to be part of the Minnesota National Security Ecosystem to help advance the mission of providing the USA Department of Defense with leading edge solutions coming out of Minnesota.