Archives: Speakers

Melissa Shurland is a strategic engineering and research program leader recognized for her ability to bring clarity, stability, and collaboration to complex technical and regulatory environments. With expertise in rail rolling stock, emerging rail propulsion technology, and cross-sector coordination, she excels at uniting diverse stakeholders around shared goals and delivering practical, forward-looking solutions.

Melissa is a 19-year veteran of the Rolling Stock Research Division at the Federal Railroad Administration, an agency within the US Department of Transportation. Melissa is the senior program manager tasked with directing and overseeing three active research program portfolios focused on Passenger Equipment Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Accessibility, and Emerging Rail Propulsion. Melissa’s research focuses on advancing safety, efficiency, and innovation of rail transportation. Melissa joined the FRA in 2007 following a six-year career as a Car Equipment Engineer at MTA New York City Transit Authority. Melissa is currently enrolled in American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program and will earn her Master in Public Administration degree in May 2026. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University Tandon School of Engineering in 2001.

Have spent over 9 years within Fire Safety specialist field at Bombardier, now part of Alstom.  Currently a Fire Safety Sr. Expert, where I provide project Fire Safety support from bid through to and including delivery to the end customer.  Involved in all Fire Safety related items throughout project execution and platform development   acting as design authority for decisions which have a Fire Safety impact.  Supported Fire Safety activities across multiple vehicle types, platforms and multiple Fire Safety Standards (NFPA 130 and EN 45545).  Have supported design, building and testing of large-scale and small-scale mock-ups for fire barrier testing (ASTM E 119) on INNOVIA Monorail, Metro and APM vehicles.  Have been a licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario since June 2015 and hold a degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University at Kingston.  Hobbies include hiking, kayaking and spending time with my wife and daughter.

Adrián is a Mechanical Systems Engineer and has studied for a Master’s Degree in Railway Systems from the ICAI, Madrid. His focus at TALGO includes Friction Brake Systems, Fire Protection Systems, Systems Requirement Definitions & Traceability, and Cost & Schedule Management, and he has worked on key projects including ‘Los Angeles Metro A650 Overhauling Project’, and ‘High Speed Train for RENFE’.

Hospitality leader and APAC Travel speaker with 18 years of experience in Digital Marketing and successful portfolio in Search Engine Optimization, PPC, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing,, E-Commerce and Online Reputation Management. Professor for a Day at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, with Master’s Degree in Advertising.

From luxury hotels to technology startups and government agencies, I have partnered corporate leadership and local teams on high-level narratives and storytelling as they transform their business through brand building and communications.

I am passionate about connecting organisations with their stakeholders through value-driven, impactful stories.

My work so far has seen me leading brand and press/influencer events in the APAC region, revamping social media and content strategies, being the chief editor of corporate publications, driving a multi-market brand refresh as the brand communications lead, and telling Singapore’s economic growth story on a national scale.

Arul Joseph leads the Pharmaceutical Development and Clinical Supply Chain function at Avanir Pharmaceuticals. He has about 15+ years of experience in chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and has held roles of increasing responsibility at Gilead Sciences, Merck, Sanofi and Schering Plough. Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA.  Arul earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business in New York, NY.