Mario Harper ASPIRE Foundation Director of AI and Data Systems https://profile.usu.edu/images/utah-energy-conference/speakers/mario-harper.png Dr. Mario Harper is Director of AI and Data Systems at the ASPIRE Foundation, where he leads efforts to apply artificial intelligence and advanced analytics across energy and transportation systems. His team develops data-driven approaches that support technology validation, product development, and operational decision-making, helping move innovations from testbeds to real-world deployment. He is also a professor at Utah State University and director of the DIRECT Robotics and Automation Lab.