Meet the Team

Innovate Labs initiative is led by Executive Director of CT Information Technology Institute, Jonathan Moore, with assistance from AIM Academic Director, Stephen Fitzgerald

The Lab Specialists each specialize in a specific technology focus area but are cross-trained in technologies across all 8 learning modules. They are available anytime the lab is open to assist you with any questions you have while completing our tech kits as well as 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 Innovate Labs initiative. Our website, marketing strategy, and organizational relationships are all overseen to create as much synergy with partners as possible.

 

Jonathan Moore

Stephen Fitzgerald

The Lab Team

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Anthony Prior

Year: Sophomore

Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing

Role: Lab Manager

Anthony is a sophomore majoring in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing. His favorite hobbies include rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking mountains.

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Lianne Duran

Year: Junior

Major: Exercise Science

Role: Lab Manager

Lianne is a junior majoring in Exercise Science. She aspires to find a future in medicine, and loves being an advocate for others, spreading awareness through art! She considers herself a doodler of all forms, book-enthusiast, and a lover of all bodies of water!

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Audrey Larson

Year: Junior

Major: Materials Science and Engineering

Role: Lab Manager

Audrey is a junior majoring in Materials Science Engineering. She is passionate about our environment and sustainable materials, hoping to make technology education more accessible to UConn students!

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Annabel Terry

Year: Senior

Major: Analytics and Information Management

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Annabel is a senior majoring in Analytics and Information Management. She has an interest in emerging technologies and coding as well as finding efficient solutions to business problems.

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Jason Tyler

Year: Junior

Major: Analytics and Information Management

Role: Lab Research Specialist 

Jason is a junior majoring in Analytics and Information Management. In his free time, Jason has many hobbies including working out, climbing, skiing, and watching sports. He is passionate about tech and enjoys keeping up with the latest innovations.

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Lucy Ledesma

Year: Sophomore

Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Lucy is a sophomore majoring in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing. Through the Eco-Innovate program, she seeks to learn more about the many ways that technology can be used to create a more environmentally friendly sustainable world.

Diego Melendez-Sanchez

Year: Junior

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Diego is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. He is actively involved in the Water Polo Club and the Puerto Rican and Latin Association. He is passionate about fitness, acquiring knowledge, and forging connections with different people.

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Abhinav Baral

Year: Junior

Major: Analytics and Information Management

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Abhinav is a junior majoring in Analytics and Information Management. He is a first-generation college student who enjoys going to the gym and playing soccer.

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Samarth Gupta

Year: Sophomore 

Major: Computer Science and Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Samarth is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. He is curious and passionate about robotics, space, and programming. In his free time Samarth likes to hit the gym and spend time with the clubs that he is involved in.

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Reis Muccino

Year: Sophomore 

Major: Mechanical Engineering/ French

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Reis is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He enjoys working with new and emerging technologies and is excited to make comparisons with content from his major.

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Elena Mezack

Year: Sophomore

Major: Civil Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Elena is a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering, wanting to focus on the structural and environmental aspects. Outside of school, Elena enjoys reading, rock climbing, and spending time with friends.

Michael Miraglia

Major: Analytics Information Management

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Michael is a junior majoring in Analytics Information Management. He likes to think of himself as a jack-of-all-trades. He is currently working on a project, designing and programming a game character for a contest.

 

Tatyanna Kelly

Year: Junior

Major: Economics and Digital Media and Design

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Tatyanna is a junior majoring in Economics and Digital Media and Design. She loves video editing, 3D modeling and animation, and hopes to become an artist and  in the future. She hopes to expand her knowledge and become a master of all.

Sophia Hatzis

Year: Freshman

Major: Multidisciplinary Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Sophia is a freshman majoring in Multidisciplinary Engineering. She loves getting to combine logic and creativity to create new solutions. On campus, she is involved in the University Ballet Company, Alpha Phi Omega, (the co-ed service fraternity that takes care of Jonathan), Outing Club, and Propulsion Landing (rockets!).

Karan Rana

Year: Freshman

Major: Robotics Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Karan is a freshman majoring in Robotics Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He loves testing new tech, working on projects, playing video games, and building anything!

Kayla Rushforth

Year: Sophomore

Major: Digital Media and Design

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Kayla Rushforth is Sophomore Digital Media and Design student from Brookfield Connecticut. She is involved in the Women in Business club and the Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter on campus. She is passionate about marketing and video editing, always looking for new opportunities to be creative!