2025 Speakers

As an educator she has taught at both the postgraduate and undergraduate levels in archaeology, heritage, art history and research methodology. Dr. Atkinson Swaby has written and edited several publications on Caribbean archaeology and rock art. This includes: The Earliest Inhabitants: The Dynamics of the Jamaican Taíno (2006), and the co-editor of Rock Art of the Caribbean with Michele H. Hayward and Michael A. Cinquino (2009). She has also published her first children’s book Boianani: A Taíno Girl’s First Adventure (2019). Her most recent publication is a special edited volume – “Yamaye: Jamaican Prehistory and Contact Period - Current Research and Challenges” Journal of Caribbean Archaeology, Volume 22 (2022).

Dr. Lesley-Gail Atkinson Swaby is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (Jamaica), the University of Glasgow (Scotland), and the University of Florida (USA) where she obtained a BA in History & Archaeology, M.Phil. in Archaeological Studies, and PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology) respectively.

Evelyn Thompson

Evelyn Thompson is the leading authority in Conservation in Jamaica and has represented the Government of Jamaica overseas on various occasions as a conservator.  She was the head of Conservation Department at the Jamaica National Heritage Trust for over 30 years.  She served as adjunct professor at the Mico University College where she wrote and taught various courses, including Artifact Preservation and Conservation of Material Culture.  Ms. Thompson served on the Board of the Archaeological Society of Jamaica including 5 years as its President.

Ms. Thompson is the Jamaican representative to the International National Heritage Trust Organisation (INTO) and a facilitator in their Heritage Leaders’ course.  Ms. Thompson also serves as a management consultant for small and medium sized companies, with a focus on strategic planning and change management.

Ms. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics and Chemistry, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Banking, Finance, and International Business as well as a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Educational Leadership, Management and Emerging Technologies.  She also holds a Diploma in Spanish (Conversational) and is trained in Conservation and Cultural Resource Management at the graduate level.

Archeological Field Trip to Seville Heritage Park

Alexander Lowe

Alexander Lowe is currently an 11th grade student at Saunders Trades & Technical High School in Yonkers, NY, majoring in Electronics & Computer Circuitry. At Saunders, Alexander has received Superintendent Award, Principals List Award, and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Alexander is an alumnus of “The Bronx EFKs” FIRST LEGO League Robotics team, where he was a member for 5 years. During that time the team won multiple “Best Innovation Project Awards” and “2022 Champions Award -3rd Place, NYC Region.”

Alexander is starting his third season on his high school’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team, “The Saunders Droid Factory” which has placed in the top 5 in NYC Regional Competitions for the past two years. Alexander just concluded a three-month Independent Research Project entitled “Vision-Guided Autonomous Navigation for Robots Using AprilTags and PhotonVision” under the supervision of a MIT Computer Science PhD student.

FRC robot used for Independent Research Project “Vision-Guided Autonomous Navigation for robots Using AprilTags and PhotonVision”

Alexander participated in the inaugural 2025 BCT - Boston area College Tour - a new STEM talent pipeline initiative for high school students that provides curated tours of MIT, Harvard, Northeastern University, and other colleges. Talented students receive in-person exposure to determine fit with the universities and decide whether to apply for admission.

Alexander is also a competitive swimmer for more than nine years, representing the Condors Swim Club and his high school Boy’s Swim Team. He has won Coaches’ Award, Conference Champion, and still holds an Age Group Record in 50 Yards Breaststroke in the Westchester Fairfield League Swimming Championship set back in 2020.

Tony Reid is an educator, entrepreneur, and drone / STEM innovator dedicated to equipping young people with skills for the future. As the founder and driving force behind Drone Cadets LLC in New York City, Tony has built a movement that blends hands-on drone manufacturing, coding, and workforce development pathways in K-12 and beyond. Tony will deliver a video presentation on “Eyes in the Sky: How Drone Technology is Revolutionizing Archaeological Discovery.”

Tony’s leadership at Drone Cadets has expanded drone education far beyond flight training. He is currently establishing a school manufacturing hub where students learn to design, build, and sell drones — gaining both technical and entrepreneurial skills.

He collaborates with schools such as Thomas A. Edison Technical High School in Queens to integrate these efforts directly into academic programs. Tony is developing curricula across multiple levels — from Pre-Part 107 preparation for high-schoolers to AI Drone Racing and Machine Learning for Drones modules that introduce students to real-world drone applications. He has positioned Drone Cadets as a key link between education and workforce readiness, submitting proposals such as the NYPA Clean Energy Workforce Training RFP to deliver drone-based technical training. Tony also pioneers innovative drone technologies, including autonomous trash-collection drones over water (CleanSkim Drones) and airborne emergency defibrillator drones (PulseWing) — showcasing how drones can solve real-world problems.

Tony’s approach is rooted in experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and equity of access in STEM. His programs emphasize not just drone operation but design, repair, coding, and business skills, preparing students for future careers in UAS operations, engineering, and clean-tech industries. He believes that by giving students authentic experiences — such as soldering drone circuits, coding light shows, or flying missions — they can see themselves as innovators and problem solvers.

Tony views drones as gateways to opportunity, bridging education, technology, and industry. His programs connect students to industry-recognized certifications like the FAA Part 107, and his teaching philosophy prioritizes hands-on learning and community impact. From hosting “Drone Days” in New York City schools to developing national partnerships, Tony’s mission is to Elevate, Empower, and Excel — ensuring young people from all backgrounds can access the future of aviation and robotics.

Tony Reid is a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable in the classroom and the boardroom — helping students solder their first drone, meeting with principals and engineers, or pitching new workforce programs to industry partners. His work through Drone Cadets continues to redefine how STEM, creativity, and purpose intersect in education.