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GeoThinkTank

Our Team

Meet the incredible humans that make this possible.

Francis Padula

Founder & CEO

Francis Padula has extensive experience spanning the entire image chain of EO/IR remote sensing systems, specializing in the development of innovative methods that advance their performance and applications. He provided technical and project management support to multiple environmental satellite programs including being named the project manager of the GOES-R field campaign. In addition to his professional passion for science and technology he also finds the time to enjoy culinary adventures, exploring the outdoors and activities on the water.

Francis Padula Geo Think Tank

Dr. Aaron Pearlman

Chief Scientist

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Dr. Aaron Pearlman is an experienced physical scientist with inter-disciplinary skills in developing and testing remote sensing systems across multiple NASA/NOAA environmental satellite programs. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Tufts University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from University of Rochester. His recent work focuses on developing next-generation satellite sensors and applying novel methods for validating on-orbit satellite sensor performance. Outside of work, he enjoys running while listening to history podcasts and playing tennis. 

Boryana Efremova Geo Think Tank

Dr. Boryana Efremova

System Engineer

Dr. Boryana Efremova has extensive experience in the calibration of remote sensing systems. 

Dr. Monica Cook

System Engineer

Dr. Monica Cook is an imaging scientist interested in all topics spanning the image chain of EO/IR remote sensing systems, with a focus on calibration and validation of environmental satellite systems.  She earned her BS and PhD in Imaging Science from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2010 and 2014 respectively.  Recently, she has supported work developing next-generation satellite sensors and physical modeling approaches for sensor performance analysis.  In addition to her passion for science and technology, Monica is an assistant soccer coach at the collegiate level and enjoys running and reading.

Monica Cook
Emery Bacon

Emery Bacon

Software Engineer

Emery Bacon is a computer scientist with experience in backend systems, image processing, and scientific programming, as well as a deep interest in inter-disciplinary research. He earned his B.S. in Computer Science with a Minor in Astronomy from the University of Maryland in 2021. Outside of work, Emery enjoys hiking, reading (and adding to his reading list), and spending time with his dogs.

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