Meet the Team

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

Nick Satta

Year: Senior

Major: Electrical Engineering

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Nick was formerly in charge of building out the X-Reality tech track, updating the VR and AR tech kits and adding a new 360 video section. Last year, he helped build and maintain the FarmBot Genesis autonomous farming robot in the greenhouse. He is currently working on updating the lab space with new technology, equipment and programs for the UConn community to enjoy as well as running day to day operations.

Justin Tomaino

Year: Senior

Major: Management Information Systems

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Justin is most interested in the Predictive Analytics & xReality Tech Tracks that are currently offered. A few projects he has worked on in the past are creating a database for the Individualized Major Department, being a Teaching Assistant of Tech Kits for the BCLC, and working as an Oracle Academy liaison.

Claire Fresher

Year: Senior

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Role: Lab Research Specialist 

Claire will be working on smart systems which includes AI, blockchain, and voice tech. She is also interested in 3D tech in the lab. In her career she hopes to go into manufacturing and design engineering.

Tyler Goodwin

Year: Junior

Major: Marketing

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Tyler has a passion for innovation and the implementation of technology in business. This year, he will be focusing on our applied tech track which includes drones and robotics.

Alexandria Arena

Year: Senior

Major: Management Information Systems

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Alex is currently assigned to the Data Visualization tech track and is interested in data visualization, predictive modeling, and data analytics.

Nicolas Michel

Year: Junior

Major: Computer Science

Role: Lab Research Specialist

This semester in the lab Nicolas will be working on revamping the Git, Python, and SQL tech kits and maintaining the farmbot. He is studying CS with a concentration in cybersecurity. He will be participating in this years cyberseed, and is looking for teammates!

Julia Somma

Year: Junior

Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing

Role: Lab Research Specialist

Julia is interested in 3D technologies including the printing, modeling, and scanning applications used in additive manufacturing processes.

Marco Nardone Guerra

Year: Senior

Major: Management Information Systems with Computer Science Minor

Role: Lab Research Specialist

This semester, Marco will be handling the Predictive Analytics Tech Kits and creating the Python Data Analytics tech kit. He is currently on the 4+1 MSBAPM track and his career interests lay in Business/Data Analytics.

The Marketing Team

Brunna Louzada

Year: Senior

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: Senior

Major: Computer Science and Engineering

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.