Convergent Intelligence
Meet The Team
Nicholas Marko, MD
President & Chief Intelligence Officer
Dr. Nicholas Marko is a unique, multidisciplinary expert in clinical medicine, biotechnology, biodefense, and data science. Forward-thinking, practical, and focused on action rather than just academic analysis, Nick's unique background allows him to spot connection across disciplines,to craft solutions to complex problems from multiple perspectives, and to communicate at an expert level with stakeholders in all facets of the most challenging issues at the confluence of biodefense and technology.
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Nick's uncommon expertise is built on high-level training and experience across four domains:
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Clinical Medicine: Dr. Marko completed residency training in Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic and fellowship training in Neurosurgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has been a practicing neurosurgeon for 12 years and currently directs a clinical neurosurgery department in Southern Virginia.
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Biodefense: Nick holds a Master's Degree in Biodefense from the George Mason Schar School of Policy and Government. His specific interest in the practical aspects of proliferation are reflected in a Graduate Certificate in Transnational Crime and Illicit Trade Analysis from the same institution.
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Biotechnology: Dr. Marko has a long history of conducting laboratory-based research, with a specific emphasis on transcriptomics, molecular profiling, and analysis of large-scale biological data. He also has a background in translational and clinical research, and he has authored over 80 peer-reviewed, scientific publications.
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Data Science: Nick completed a fellowship at Cambridge University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and with Cancer Research UK in predictive analytics and personalized risk modeling using large-scale molecuar and clinical data sets. He went on to found the Data Science Department at Geisinger Health System, where he also served as the institution's first Chief Data Officer and as a founding member of the Internation Society of Chief Data Officers. His expertise includes data modeling, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence.
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Amanda Marko
Chief Connection Officer
Amanda is the force that drives alignment: amplifying the benefits, guiding the change, empowering the leaders, and engaging the stakeholders. Her diverse skill set focuses on building connections, ensuring effective communications, and navigating and managing rapidly-changing environments in high-stakes situations.
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Amanda's expertise comes both from her military service and from experience in communications, government affairs, national defense, and change management:​​
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Communications: Amanda has a Bachelor's Degree from the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Her start in both government and communications came courtesy of her role as press secreatary for the Senior United States Senator for Ohio.
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Military: Amanda served as a Public Affairs Officer for the United States Navy. Highlights from her tenure include public affairs work with Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) and for the comissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
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National Defense: Amanda earned a Master's Degree in National Defense from the US Naval War College.
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Government Affairs​: In addition to her work as a US Senate Press Secretary and her education in National Defense, Amanda has worked as an independent consultant on government affairs issues for numerous private clients.
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Change Communications: Amanda founded the Connected Strategy Grouop, a consultancy focused on change management communications. In her capacity as Principal, she provided change management consulting services to organizations undergoing institutional transformation.