The OPIM Innovate initiative is led by MIS Academic Director, Jonathan Moore, with assistance from adjunct faculty Ryan O’Connor, and our Project Coordinator Tara Watrous.
The Lab Specialists each have a technology focus area, but are cross trained in technologies across all 15 areas of 3D Printers, Microcontrollers, Data Analytics, Virtual Reality, and Internet of Things devices. They are available to walk you through the process of design thinking and provide all of the resources in our Innovation Space and Research Lab.
The Marketing Specialists each have their focus on a different part of representing the OPIM Innovate initiative. Our website, marketing strategy, and organizational relationships are all overseen to create as much synergy with partners as possible.
All guests must sign in to use the Innovation Space or the Research Lab. Time in the lab must be scheduled if for an extended period of time.
The Lab Team
Robert McClardy
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Manager
Robert has been working with the OPIM department since the fall of 2017. He is interested in Internet of Things and programming. Robert is currently working on organizing virtual coffee chats with the Werth Institute as well as maintaining the Experiential Learning Program.
Rachel Fein
Year: Senior
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Rachel has been working with the OPIM department since fall of 2019. She specializes in the lab's data visualization techkits. This semester, she is collaborating with our team to build an individualized major database and develop a virtual workshop series with the Werth Institute.
Thomas Rivet
Year: 5th Year
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science & Engineering
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Thomas has been working with the OPIM department since Fall 2019. He is interested in machine learning, Python, web development, and music.
Nick Satta
Year:Junior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Nick is currently working on expanding upon our Virtual and Augmented Reality, as well as 360 video tech tracks. In addition, he is also working on building the FarmBot Genesis and has a passion for 3D Printing.
Ramoi Hammond
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Ramoi is interested Internet of Things, smart devices, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virutal reality devices.
Justin Tomaino
Year: Junior
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Justin is interested in data analytics and visualization. He is currently working on creating the database for the individualized major program and the Creative Community project for the Hartford Food Distribution.
Claire Fresher
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Claire is interested in 3D printing and virtual reality research.
Hannah Meikle
Year: Senior
Major: Biological Sciences
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Hannah is interested in hydroponics/hydrotech, FarmBot, as well as learning more about microcontrollers and about virtual reality/augmented reality.
Jenna Mulett
Year: Senior
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Jenna has been working at OPIM Innovate since Spring 2020. She is interested in data visualization and learning more about AI. She is currently working on auditing our tech kits and developing a CRM platform with the Werth Institute.
The Marketing Team
Alex Kunze
Year: Senior
Major: Digital Media and Design
Role: Graphic Designer
Alex is a college senior gaining experience and education in the field of digital media and design with a concentration in web design and interactive multimedia. He is currently working on Build UConn and Innovate Wellness. He has been pursuing his interest in graphic design his entire life!
Mariah Donahue
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering and German Studies
Role: Web Development Specialist
Mariah has been working with the OPIM department since the start of Spring 2019. Within OPIM Innovate, she works closely with the rest of the marketing team to develop the websites for OPIM Innovate, the OPIM Department, and for the Information Management Association.
Astou Diallo
Year: Sophomore
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Communication Specialist
Astou is interested in education equality, adaptive learning, machine learning and portfolio management.