Meet the Mentors Shaping the Future of Space Innovation
In the rapidly advancing frontier of space exploration, mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding aspiring innovators. The Space Edge Accelerator is proud to present a group of extraordinary mentors who bring their wealth of expertise and passion to the program. These mentors are not only industry leaders but pioneers in their respective fields, offering invaluable insights to help our cohort tackle the unique challenges of space exploration.
From medicine to engineering, entrepreneurship to advanced power systems, our mentors come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space and beyond. Whether it’s developing life support systems for astronauts, leading cutting-edge biomedical engineering research, or driving advancements in power technologies, these mentors are at the forefront of space-related innovation. Their guidance will undoubtedly help our cohort members turn groundbreaking ideas into reality, furthering the mission of exploring new frontiers.
Meet Eiman Jahangir
Eiman Jahangir has had a passion for space and medicine from a young age. Hepursued a Bachelor of Arts in Religion at the George Washington University,Washington, DC and then a Medical Doctorate from the University of Tennessee,Memphis, TN. He is currently an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and theDirector of the Sections of General Cardiology and Cardio-Oncology. He spends histime caring for patients, educating students, and performing research. Outside ofmedicine, Eiman has pursued his passion for space by training in life supportsystems, space physiology, high-G, crew resource management, spacesuits, high-altitudes, and biometric analysis through the International Institute of AstronauticalSciences. In 2023 Eiman served as the medical officer for the first analog astronautmission at the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars (SAM) at Biosphere2 as part ofthe Inclusion 1 mission. He finally fulfilled his dream of going to space on the BlueOrigin New Shepard-26 flight making him the 704th person in space.
Meet Colleen McLeod Garner
Colleen McLeod Garner comes from a military family, is a Nashville native, and is a proud mother—her son is a robotic engineer. She’s also an avid Jeopardy! fan. Colleen is a serial entrepreneur with an MBA in Global Innovation and an Executive Master’s Degree in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy. With over 20 years of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, she has successfully launched and grown numerous brands but remains a lifelong learner.
As a subject matter expert in commercialization, Colleen is passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in space exploration, she’s authored several books spotlighting STEAM education. When not mentoring or working on entrepreneurial ventures, Colleen can be found speaking at conferences or featured on podcasts, often with a cup of coffee in hand, inspiring others to reach for the stars.
Meet Paul King
Paul King has dedicated over 40 years to teaching at Vanderbilt University, primarily in Biomedical Engineering, and he brings a wealth of experience in medical device design and accident investigations. His research spans diverse fields, including cardiac signals (from Skylab 1 and 2 to mouse EKG analyses), anesthesiology, nuclear medicine, metabolism studies, and orthopedics.
Paul’s main interests lie in medical device and process design, where he has made significant contributions over his long career. A true innovator and educator, Paul continues to inspire and guide the next generation of engineers and scientists with his deep expertise and passion for biomedical advancements.
Meet Jake Matthews
Jacob Matthews was inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, which led him to study mechanical engineering at the United States Military Academy. He served in various leadership roles in the U.S. Army for five years after graduation, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Following his military service, Jacob earned a NASA Space Grant Fellowship and pursued a master’s degree at Vanderbilt University. His research on radioisotope power led to the founding of Zeno Power in 2018, alongside two fellow alumni. While awaiting his astronaut application results, Jacob continues to serve as Chief Technology Officer at Zeno, leading the company's cutting-edge innovations in advanced power systems.
Brig. Gen. (ret) Damon S. Feltman
Damon Feltman is the founder of OXR Consulting, LLC, specializing in defense and commercial space activities, strategic planning and change, and leadership development. He brings more than 32 years of managing multibillion-dollar space, aviation, and defense global operations to his customers.
A retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Brigadier General, Feltman served as the Deputy Chief Strategy and Resources Officer for the U.S. Space Force, where he oversaw its $30B budget development, space systems requirements, strategy creation, and international partnerships for the service’s 16,000 members and global operations. In addition, he served on the senior staff at United States Space Command where he led operations and exercises for the newly-formed organization, served as Vice Commander overseeing 18 nation-wide units, 17,000 personnel, and 150 aircraft, and was a two-time commander in charge of multiple space missions including GPS, weather, and missile warning.
Damon was also an accomplished Federal Civil Servant, and most recently was the Chief, Transport Cell, at the Space Force’s Space Development Agency. Here, he was answerable for the technical strategy, advanced technology maturation, and human capital responsible for the $8B, 450-satellite Transport program. In addition, he was also the Deputy Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements for the Air Force Reserve, creating the $6B annual budget for its 70,000 military members and 37 air, space, cyber, and intelligence missions. He was also responsible for system requirements for multiple space, ground, and data network systems, and advanced concepts for the Air Force.
He currently volunteers as Board Chair for the Association of Commercial Space Professionals, a non-profit that informs, educates, and advocates for regulatory issues affecting commercial space development. He also volunteers as the President of the Huntsville Chapter of the Space Force Association.
Feltman earned a B.B.A. in Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis from Mississippi State University, a M.S. in Space Studies from University of North Dakota, a M.S. in Strategic Studies from the USAF Air War College, and a Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University. He has also completed executive development programs with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, George Washington University, and Harvard University.
Stay tuned to hear more about the Space Edge Program!