A leadership team where quantum science becomes real-world capability.

Alex Dely

Co-Founder · CTO · Principal Investigator

A physicist and engineer whose career sits where quantum science becomes real-world capability. Trained in Advanced Quantum Materials at the University of Arizona's doctoral physics program, he holds foundational intellectual property in quantum anisotropic materials — the bedrock science behind a new generation of sensors set to redefine navigation, defense, energy, and autonomous systems. In the missile-and-defense sector, Alex led advanced contracts in directed energy, advanced materials, and integrated kill-chain programs — shaping more than $30 billion in proposals for the DoD, DoE National Laboratories, DHS, NASA, and the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. He hasn't built sensors in theory; he's built them for the most demanding customers on the planet.

Janet Roveda

Scientific Advisor · Sensor Systems & Integration

A PhD from UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences program, Roveda brings VLSI circuit architecture, biomedical instrumentation, low-power system design, and quantum-level sensor integration — all proven in environments where failure is not an option. As director of the NSF Center to Stream Healthcare In Place (C2SHIP), she runs a nationally funded research engine building the next generation of wearable and remote sensors that read the human body in real time, from anywhere on earth. Recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and the NSF CAREER Award, and elected to the 2024 AIMBE College of Fellows — the top 2% of health-related engineers in the nation.

Bill Hayes

Chief Operating Officer

An engineer, manager, and technologist across cybersecurity, enterprise software, healthcare informatics, and electronic warfare. As Manager of Engineering at Sysmex America, he led teams designing and deploying clinical laboratory automation and diagnostic systems worldwide — with deep, hands-on work in middleware and systems integration: HL7, ASTM, and proprietary interfaces across analyzers, dispensing systems, and LIS/HIS environments. His defense background runs deep — an Electronic Warfare Instructor and Technician with the U.S. Navy and a technical advisor for EW systems contracted to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, specializing in electronic warfare and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Today he also teaches Cybersecurity Engineering and Management Information Systems at the University of Arizona, where he was named Eller College Associate of the Year for 2024–2025.

Sal Dely

Co-Founder · Operations and Systems Lead

A senior U.S. Marine Corps non-commissioned officer who retired in 2025, Sal brings more than seventeen years of military leadership to NIKET. Across his career he managed logistics, procurement, and program operations for large-scale Department of Defense supply chains, leading and mentoring teams of 140-plus Marines through more than 320 operations across a dozen countries. As Co-Founder of NIKET, Sal runs the company's internal operations and systems — the infrastructure, program data, and document workflows that keep the team's research and delivery moving. He pairs a program manager's discipline with a Marine's standard for execution, turning hard-won operational rigor into the day-to-day machinery that lets everyone else focus on the mission.