Authors

Benjamin Peters (born 1980) is an American media scholar, author, and professor known for his work on the history of communication technologies, information theory, and the social dimensions of digital networks. He serves as the Hazel Rogers Professor of Communication at the University of Tulsa and has held affiliations with several prominent research institutions. Peters is best known for his book How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet (2016), which explores the failed attempts to build a nationwide computer network in the Soviet Union and examines how social and political systems shape technological development. The work received widespread acclaim for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging media studies, history, and science and technology studies. He has also edited Digital Keywords: A Vocabulary of Information Society and Culture (2016), contributing to critical discourse around the language and concepts underpinning the digital age. Peters’s scholarship carries resonance for those interested in the intersection of technology, human potential, and collective aspiration. By investigating how societies envision and fail to realize transformative technological projects, his work illuminates the deeply human—and often ideological—dimensions of networked communication. His research reminds us that the tools we build to connect and elevate humanity are always embedded in moral, political, and even spiritual frameworks. For communities exploring themes of theosis and the cooperative pursuit of transcendence through technology, Peters’s insights into the promises and pitfalls of networked societies offer valuable perspective on how human aspiration and systemic constraints interact in the ongoing project of building a better world.

Bernardo Vicente is an economist and researcher deeply interested in the intersection of economics, technology, and culture. He holds a degree in business administration and accounting from Lisbon Polytechnic Institute, along with a specialization in business analytics. Driven by a desire to leverage technology for societal betterment, he has developed an innovative economic theory known as “Harberger Georgism.” Harberger Georgism builds upon the principles of Georgism and Harberger taxation, exploring how Web3 technologies can sustainably develop the digital era and enhance the physical world. This theory aims to potentiate development in the physical world using economic strategies. Currently, Bernardo volunteers as a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, contributing his expertise to the advancement of blockchain technology. His work explores the teleology and utility of emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse, aiming to ensure their positive impact on society.

Cynthia Bailey is a lecturer in computer science at Stanford University. A dedicated educator, her research focuses on best practices in computer science education, with a particular emphasis on promoting inclusiveness in the tech industry. She is known for her thoughtful and well-researched contributions to discussions surrounding women in technology and the queer community. Beyond her work in computer science, Cynthia Bailey has been actively engaged in exploring the intersection of Mormonism and modern life. For a time she blogged about Mormon life on By Common Consent , providing insights and perspectives on faith in a contemporary context. Her presentation at the Sunstone West 2016 highlighted her interest in bringing together her professional expertise and her engagement with Mormon themes, specifically addressing the underrepresentation of women in technology within the Mormon community and exploring the potential of gospel principles in empowering girls’ coding initiatives. Cynthia resides in Palo Alto. She is esteemed for her quiet dedication to life-altering ideas, community building, and insightful contributions to discussions related to technology, social issues, and faith.

Jake Spurlock is a software engineer with a passion for the intersection of technology and culture. He previously worked at Wired Tech, where he oversaw digital publishing, content management, and web performance. Prior to his role at Wired, Jake led web development at Maker Media, managing the digital presence of Make Magazine and Maker Faire . He is a graduate of Utah Valley University, where he earned a degree in digital media. Originally from Utah, Jake now resides in the Bay Area with his wife and three children. He presented on “Mormons and Tech” at the Sunstone West 2016 conference, exploring the potential impact of emerging technologies—such as augmented reality devices like Microsoft’s HoloLens—on modern living and Mormon culture. Jake was encouraged to speak at the event by Lindsay, who also works with Sunstone. He originally presented at the Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake.

Jessica Finnigan is a scholar and project consultant operating at the intersection of social systems, technological innovation, and organizational health. Originally recognized for her academic work at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, Jessica’s research explored how religious frameworks and technological access impact human progress in the developing world. Today, she translates those high-level insights into high-impact results as a Fractional Project Manager and the founder of Project Startup LLC. Jessica’s research highlights the critical, yet often overlooked, role of technology in alleviating suffering and fostering sustainable development in the developing world. Drawing upon her experience working with international databases focused on women’s issues, she emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and nuanced approaches to technological implementation, advocating for solutions that acknowledge the complexities and tensions inherent in diverse cultural contexts. Jessica bridges the gap between technological innovation and the realities of the developing world, seeking to understand and address the “Great Divide” between technological access and implementation in developed and developing nations. Her work emphasizes the importance of considering sustainable food security and other fundamental needs when introducing technology into communities facing significant challenges.

Laura Shin is a prominent crypto journalist and the host of the popular podcast, Unchained . Her work focuses on the intersection of technology, finance, and decentralized systems, making her a relevant voice for the Mormon Transhumanist Association conference. She brings an understanding of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and their implications for collective action and individual empowerment—a topic relevant to transhumanist ideals of distributed governance and community building. Shin was a senior editor at Forbes, where she distinguished herself as the first mainstream journalist to cover cryptocurrency full-time. She is the author of the book The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze , offering a deep dive into the early days of the crypto world. Her insights into DAOs, blockchain technology, and the future of decentralized systems are well-informed by her work. Laura Shin graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Stanford University and earned a Master of Arts from Columbia University School of Journalism. Her academic background combined with her practical experience in the fast-evolving world of crypto positions her as an insightful commentator on the technological and societal trends shaping the future.

Dr. Matthew Memmott is a director and senior technical advisor for Alpha Tech Research, a technology startup focused on developing an advanced micro molten salt reactor. This innovative reactor design aims to provide twelve megawatts of inherently safe nuclear energy, while also producing valuable medical isotopes as a byproduct. His work positions him at the forefront of next-generation energy solutions. In addition to his role at Alpha Tech Research, Dr. Memmott is a professor in the chemical engineering department at Brigham Young University (BYU). He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from BYU in 2005, and subsequently pursued advanced studies at MIT, where he obtained a master’s and PhD in nuclear science and engineering. His academic research centers on advanced nuclear reactor design, nuclear safety, and system modeling—all fields crucial for ensuring a sustainable and secure energy future. Dr. Memmott’s work aligns with transhumanist values by exploring how advanced technology can be leveraged to improve human well-being and sustainability. His exploration of nuclear energy, particularly inherently safe designs, reflects a desire to overcome challenges and create abundance. He is particularly interested in the distributed systems and blockchain applications in the energy realm.

Rachel Stone is a civic technologist and data strategist who has been instrumental in modernizing governmental institutions through human-centered design and data-sharing initiatives. She earned her degree in Political Science with a minor in Computer Science from Brigham Young University, driven by a deep interest in the intersection of technology, government, and human progress. During her undergraduate studies, she gained early hands-on experience helping her local city council improve IT and e-service delivery. Stone’s work is heavily influenced by a passion for e-governance, crowdsourcing, and direct democracy. Drawing inspiration from democracy activists like Pia Mancini and technologists like Beth Novick, she has consistently advocated for a top-down redesign of governmental processes to better meet the demands of the twenty-first century. In 2018, Stone was selected as a Product Fellow for Coding it Forward, a prestigious civic tech program, where she was placed at the U.S. Department of State. There, she collaborated on interdisciplinary teams to redesign web platforms and build impact maps—an experience that cemented her belief in the necessity of bringing dedicated product managers, designers, and user experience researchers into public service. Her technical acumen and proactive initiative soon brought her to the State of Utah’s Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Tasked with launching a massive data-sharing project, Stone recognized a critical gap in state leadership and successfully advocated to become Utah’s first Chief Data Officer. In this role, she championed the state’s Social Service Blueprint Solution, a pioneering effort that broke down institutional silos to improve the effectiveness of key social service programs. Later, Stone transitioned to a role as a Product Manager for Utah’s Department of Government Operations Division of Technology Services, where she continued to spearhead user research and optimize digital service delivery. Within the transhumanist and techno-progressive communities, Stone is recognized for her forward-looking approach to civic architecture. At the MTAConf 2015, she presented Ask Siri: A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Technological Government . In her presentation, Stone articulated a bold vision for integrating technological advancement into traditional governmental institutions, emphasizing transparency, e-participation, and the unique potential of technology to elevate the human condition through intelligent, responsive governance.

Robert A. Rees is a dynamic speaker who has previously presented at the Sunstone West 2016 Conference. He possesses experience as an educator, evidenced by his teaching in the former Soviet Union, where he developed techniques to encourage student participation and expression. His presentation at the conference explored the dual nature of technology, examining its potential for both progress and peril, drawing parallels to historical examples like Cain’s use of tools and contemporary issues like military weaponry and the accessibility of both beneficial and harmful content through modern technology. Rees’s presentation drew on his understanding of literature and history. He referenced Richard Eberhardt’s poem, “The Fury of Aerial Bombardment,” to illustrate humanity’s slow moral development, lagging behind technological advancements. He also connected the potential for good and evil inherent in technology to the wide dissemination of General Conference alongside the spread of harmful content such as pornography and the use of computer systems for genealogy and criminal schemes. This demonstrates his insightful perspective on how technological advancements intersect with moral and societal issues.

Sarah Wiley is the VP of Product Development at GenesisBlock, a Utah-based startup focused on building a consumer bank powered by Web3 technologies. With over 20 years of experience as a software engineer, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to the burgeoning field of decentralized finance. Prior to joining GenesisBlock, Sarah spent a significant portion of her career at Intuit. Three years ago, she discovered blockchain, decentralized development, and cryptocurrency, quickly becoming fascinated by their potential to revolutionize the financial landscape. She believes in the promise of DeFi to create censorship-resistant, permissionless, and peer-to-peer systems. At GenesisBlock, Sarah is dedicated to making DeFi accessible to everyone, addressing the current complexities and risks associated with navigating the decentralized finance world. She and the GenesisBlock team actively advise and influence legislation and regulation, build public awareness, and support projects that align with their values of democratic governance, transparency, and trustless transactions. She also enjoys mountain biking and hiking in the Wasatch Mountains. As a participant at the MTA (Mormon Transhumanist Association) conference, Sarah brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, faith, and the future of finance. She is particularly interested in how decentralized technologies can create systems that reflect shared values and enable a more equitable and efficient alignment of resources.