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.
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.
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.
Tyler Goodwin
Year: Sophomore
Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Tyler has a passion for innovation with a particular interest in emerging technologies. Additionally, he is interested in entrepreneurship and social media marketing.
Aaron Selenica
Year: Sophomore
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Aaron is interested in Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Software as a Service. He is currently in charge of the Smart Tech learning modules.
Alexandria Arena
Year: Junior
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Alexandria is interested in data and predictive analytics, data visualization, and machine learning.
Nicolas Michel
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Nicolas is interested in microcontrollers and is currently working on a sort of home-brew automation setup.
The Marketing Team
Brunna Louzada
Year: Junior
Major: Graphic Design
Role: Graphic Designer
Brunna works with the marketing team to create logos, flyers, and other designs that reflect the identity of OPIM Innovate. Her passion for graphic design has been flourishing within the department and grows stronger each day!
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.