Big Texas Energy

Konavis Smith (Moderator)

Konavis Smith is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Programs for Texas Engineering Executive Education (TxEEE). In this role, Smith is responsible for generating and maintaining partnerships with companies, state institutions, government entities and the international community interested in the TxEEE portfolio of courses. His team provides professional master’s degrees and training to working professionals worldwide. Smith has worked for TxEEE since 2016. Additionally, he currently runs TxEEE’s External Advisory Committee, comprised of industry executives who guide relevant industry training gaps and workforce development needs. He is also responsible for developing and creating new courses based on industry trends and UT research that align with TxEEE and Cockrell School of Engineering strategic plans and initiatives.

Metasebya Solomon

Metasebya Solomon is an accomplished research scientist with demonstrated success in biomedical research and design and master’s-level teaching. She worked in various medical device industries, leading imaging, urology, oncology and health equity-related studies and product development. She earned her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and her B.S. in biomedical engineering with a digital applications focus from the University of Texas at Austin. Solomon is the co-founder and chief scientific officer of D-10 Therapeutics Inc., bridging her deep understanding of academic research with the healthcare research industry. She leads strategic engagement with academic and industry research collaborators for meaningful outcomes in sickle cell disease and chronic disease research. Her aim is to achieve this by bringing the influences of real-world evidence in design solutions to improve treatment effects and outcomes.

Glenn Wright

Glenn Wright is senior vice president of Shell Energy Americas. He brings 30 years of experience in industrial and commodity markets to his current role. His background includes technology, mergers and acquisitions, trading, risk management and business development. Glenn holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. He started his career in 1992 as a research engineer for Royal Dutch Shell, with a move following that to become strategy manager for a Shell polymers business focused on fibers and engineering plastics. In 2016, he became vice president of Shell Energy Americas and president and CEO of Shell Energy North America. In 2020, Glenn began leading the Americas' power business, his current role.