The SIREUS Team


In this following section, we will introduce the team behind the project. 

Program Director

Christer Bergman 

Over the past three and a half decades, Christer Bergman has distinguished himself through a series of esteemed executive roles within the high-tech sectors of both the United States and Europe. His academic pursuits led him to attain a Master of Science Degree from the prestigious Lund Institute of Technology in Sweden, and subsequently from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, Mr. Bergman holds an officer degree from the Royal Swedish Naval Academy. Presently, he resides in Florida.

As the founder of Novexus, LLC, a prominent business development consultancy headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Mr. Bergman has significantly contributed to the Security and Biometrics industry since the year 2000. His leadership has been recognized through active participation in speaking engagements before industry groups and Congressional sessions. A focal point of Mr. Bergman's expertise lies in navigating the delicate equilibrium between privacy and security, an area of heightened significance in his advisory capacity to companies and organizations within the Biometrics and Security sector.

Mr. Bergman's extensive involvement in professional organizations includes serving as a board member of the International Biometrics and Identification Association (IBIA) for an extended period. Simultaneously, he demonstrated his commitment to fostering Swedish-American business relations by being an engaged board member of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. (SACC-DC). His leadership within SACC-DC culminated in a Chairmanship role from 2016 to 2020, and his continued active involvement underscores his ongoing dedication to the organization.

Furthermore, Mr. Bergman played a pivotal role as the Chairman of SACC-USA from 2018 to 2020, showcasing his capacity for effective leadership at the national level. Presently, he lends his expertise to the Advisory Board for SACC-USA and assumes the roles of founder and Program Director for the SIREUS project, a SACC-USA initiative. Through these various capacities, Christer Bergman continues to shape and contribute to the broader Swedish-American business community.

Marketing & Communications Intern

Sarah Pålsson

In January, Sarah Pålsson joined the SIREUS team as the Marketing and Communications Intern. Currently a student at Lund University, Sweden’s highest-ranking business school, she is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Administration with a major in Marketing. Her commitment to broadening her horizons also led her to study Political Science at Lund University and undertake an enriching exchange program at the University of Birmingham, where she explored the intricacies of International Relations and Marketing.

Sarah's expertise extends beyond academics; at 18, she successfully crafted a website for a fire engineering company, showcasing her versatility and technical acumen. She also demonstrates impressive leadership and debating skills, honed through participation in and organization of multiple Model United Nations events in both Sweden and the U.S.

Beyond academic and professional achievements, Sarah excels in the digital landscape, particularly in social media. Her involvement in Instagram takeovers and personal branding efforts highlights her profound understanding of online engagement.

With this diverse background, Sarah is an ideal fit for the Marketing and Communications Intern role at SIREUS. Her impressive resume, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the SIREUS team, and we are delighted to have her on board!

Get in touch with Sarah: [email protected] 

Project Management Intern

Aida Aboutalebi

​​​During the spring 2024 season, Aida Aboutalebi joined the SIREUS team as the new Project Management Intern. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations at the prestigious Stockholm University and a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden.

Her professional background includes valuable experience in procurement at Alstom, where she played a role in establishing global supplier relationships and ensuring effective communication. Aida has also been deeply involved in figure skating since her early years. Her passion for the sport has manifested not only in her role as a figure skater but also as a coach and judge. Aida's extensive experience in coaching has contributed significantly to her development as a responsible leader. Meanwhile, her role as a judge has honed her analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.

As a Project Management Intern at SIREUS, she leverages her coaching expertise and technological acumen. Aida's adaptability across diverse fields, from international relations to engineering and figure skating, reflects her commitment to excellence. In conclusion, Aida's journey underscores her dedication, positioning her as a dynamic and capable individual ready to contribute meaningfully to SIREUS’s mission.
​​​​​​​Welcome to the team, Aida!

Get in touch with Aida: [email protected]

Event & Coordination Intern

Sara Lindenius

SIREUS's new Event and Coordination Intern for the spring season of 2024, Sara Lindenius, recently graduated and obtained a double Bachelor's Degree in both International Relations and Business from Uppsala University, Sweden's oldest university.

In addition to her academic achievements, Sara has contributed to the university's student community as a dedicated member of Uppsalaekonomerna. Notably, she has taken on significant responsibilities in planning and executing major events, such as the Contact Days (Kontaktdagarna) at the university. Sara's experience in organizing large-scale events underscores her impressive organizational skills and commitment.

Capitalizing on her impressive background in event organization, Sara has seamlessly transitioned into the role of Event and Coordination Intern at SIREUS. Her proven track record in successfully managing events, coupled with her academic qualifications, positions her as a vital resource to the SIREUS team.

To summarize, Sara's journey from a dedicated student at Uppsala University to her current role as the Event and Coordination Intern at SIREUS reflects her commitment, organizational prowess, and academic excellence. With her versatile skill set and proactive approach, SIREUS is glad to have her on the team!

Get in touch with Sara: [email protected]

Social Media Advisor
Niklas Myhr, PhD

Niklas Myhr, Ph.D., known as The Social Media Professor, is an international TEDx and keynote speaker who teaches Social Media, Digital & Global Marketing at Chapman University. Dr. Myhr is Google’s #1 ranked “Social Media Professor” and has served on the Monaco Digital Advisory Council chaired by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Dr. Myhr has also served as a Director on the Board of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC.

At Chapman University, Professor Myhr serves as the Academic Director, Social Media at the Argyros School of Business and Economics. He also leads the annual Chapman MBA travel course experience Business in Scandinavia with a focus on technology, sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, and international business.
Dr. Myhr is a CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™), the highest designation of the National Speakers Association. As a speaker, Niklas Myhr offers keynote presentations, talks, workshops, and executive education programs. Dr. Myhr's expertise in social media & digital marketing has been featured in publications such as BBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Marketplace Morning Report, TIME, ABC, CBS, NBC, and on national Swedish television.
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Dr. Myhr holds a PhD in Marketing from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia as well as an MS degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University in Sweden. Dr. Myhr is also an awardee of the Hans Werthén Foundation at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences for his research on partnerships in global supply chains.

SIREUS Team Spring 2024

From the left:
Sara Lindenius (E.C.I)
Aida Aboutalebi (P.M.I)
Sarah Pålsson (M.C.I)

SIREUS Team Fall 2023

From the left:
Oskar Svensson (E.T)
Johanna Schoug (P.M)
Edith Malmberg (M.T)
Märta Ernfors (P.M)
SIREUS Team Fall 2023SIREUS Team Fall 2023

SIREUS Team Spring 2023

From the left:
Bianca Ström (M.T)
Anton Bornlid (P.M)
Jwan Khisro (R.A)
​​​​​​​Tilda Thordmark (P.M)

SIREUS Team Fall 2022

From left
Louise Andersson (M.A)
Hanna Bergman (P.M)
Louise Murphy (P.M)
Christer Bergman (P.D)