Meet Our Judges
DEREK PETERSON
CEO/Founder of Soter Technologies
Derek Peterson is the Founder and CEO of Soter Technologies. Mr. Peterson leads a growing team technology experts who devoted to the practical application of technology to improve and save lives. Using advanced sensor and software technology the company develops and delivers innovative solutions for environmental intelligence – to make the world a safe place. Mr. Peterson’s software and innovations have received numerous awards as well as national media attention. Soter’s Fly Sense vaping detection and anti-bullying sensor has attracted national attention and was featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox 5 New York and many other media outlets across the United States. Mr. Peterson is regularly interviews by the media about entrepreneurship, technology and how it is being used to reduce vaping and prevent bullying at schools.
MANUEL LONDON
Distinguished Professor of Management, College of Business.
Manuel London, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Management at the State University of New York at Stony Brook on Long Island, where he has taught and been an administrator for the past 35 years. He served as Dean of the College of Business from 2010 to 2023 and Director of the Undergraduate College of Leadership and Service from 2006-2014. He received his PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from The Ohio State University. He currently teaches courses in social and sustainable entrepreneurship in the College of Business.
Danielle Tedesco
Director of Strategy and Innovation, HealthPlan Services
Dani Tedesco is a digital product leader with over 12 years of experience in healthcare technology, currently serving as the Director of Strategy and Innovation at HealthPlan Services. She specializes in building SaaS solutions for B2B, B2C, and government clients in the insurtech space, transforming complex business challenges into scalable solutions. In addition to her role, Dani volunteers on the Stony Brook University Alumni Association Board of Directors and mentors students in career development, as well as coaching Wolfietank participants since its inception.
