Dr Brian Pierce is a master innovator and strategist in cutting-edge technologies. He is a Visiting Research Scientist working on cognitive security at the University of Maryland Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, and serves on the advisory board for sparks & honey.  He is a former Director and Deputy Director of the Information Innovation Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 2014 to 2019. During this time, he developed and implemented the strategy of I2O, and drove advances in AI, data analytics and cyber in over 75 DARPA programs. The thrust of his work in AI was framed within the context of human-machine symbiosis, where machines partner with humans rather than serve merely as tools. The second thrust focused on analytical technologies rapidly transforming data and information into effective courses of action for conflict resolution, stabilization, and other complex challenges. The cyber thrust concentrated on technologies to help enable the deterrence of cyber threats to national security.