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: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Manager
Robert has been working with the OPIM department since the fall of 2017. He is very interested in Internet of Things and learning more about data analytics. Robert is currently working on attaching custom motion sensors in the 3D printed School of Business model.
Alexander Zevin
Year: Junior
Majors: Computer Science and Finance
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Alex has been working with the OPIM department since the fall of 2018. He is interested in learning more about Virtual Reality and VR analytics. Alex also works with machine learning technologies such as artificial intelligence and deep learning.
Eli Udler
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Eli has been working with the OPIM department since the fall of 2018. He is researching wearable technology with integrated biometric sensors. His interests include the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Joanne Cheong
Year: Senior
Major: Management Information Systems with a minor in Data Analytics
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Joanne has been working with the OPIM department since the fall of 2018. She is currently working on creating different levels of tech kits for Tableau. Some upcoming tech kits that she will also be working on soon are JMP and Splunk.
Vaughn Nangle
Year: Senior
Major: Physics (General)
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Vaughn has been working with the OPIM department since the summer of 2018. He is interested, and specializes, in the 3D modeling and printing at Innovate. He is working on updating and redesigning the 3D design/microcontroller tech kits.
Rachel Fein
Year: Junior
Major: Management Information Systems
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Rachel has been working with the OPIM department since fall of 2019. She is a MIS major interested in learning more about data analytics with a concentration in Tableau and R.
Thomas Rivet
Year: Senior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Music
Role: Lab Research Specialist
Thomas has been working with the OPIM department since Fall 2019. He is interested in learning about blockchain technology, drones, and machine learning.
The Marketing Team
Mariah Donahue
Year: Sophomore
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.
Mariela Kridzelis
Year: Senior
Majors: Management Information Systems and English with a Data Analytics minor
Role: Communications Specialist
Mariela has been working with the OPIM department since the Spring of 2019. She works as a Communications Specialist, connecting all UConn students to the OPIM department by creating written content on emerging technologies, OPIM Innovate workshops, and other OPIM-related topics. She makes it her mission to make complex technology- and business-oriented concepts digestible to students and faculty members of all academic backgrounds and disciplines.
Haley Stein
Year: Senior
Major: Graphic Design with Communications Minor
Role: Graphic Design Specialist
Haley has been working with OPIM since the start of Spring 2019. She works on branding for the department through developing event flyers, newsletters, advertisements, and other visual designs. Haley is most interested in problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, and illustration.
