Innovate Labs initiative is led by Executive Director of CT Information Technology Institute, Jonathan Moore, with assistance from AIM Academic Director, Stephen Fitzgerald
Our team is managed by three Student Lab Managers who oversee the three different teams. All student workers 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.
Jonathan Moore
| E-mail: | jonathan.a.moore@uconn.edu |
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Stephen Fitzgerald
| E-mail: | stephen.fitzgerald@uconn.edu |
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The Lab Tech Specialists each specialize in a specific technology focus area but are cross-trained in technologies across all 8 learning modules. All of our hardware and technology is constantly updated, regulated, and audited alongside the emerging and innovative technology in our world.
The Lab Outreach Specialists bridge the academic and workforce skills by creating and communicating various models of events, workshops, academic courses and programs. They are responsible for connecting our technology with design thinking in a fun, interactive way.
The Lab 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.
The Lab Team
Audrey Larson
Year: Senior
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Role: Lab Outreach Manager
Audrey Larson is an undergraduate student studying Materials Science and Engineering. She loves 3D printing and enjoys working at Innovate Labs because she gets to help students find new interests and passions!
Lianne Duran
Year: Senior
Major: Exercise Science
Role: Lab Marketing Manager
Lianne is a senior majoring in Exercise Science. She hopes to advocate and help others in her future in the healthcare field. She also spends her time diving into creative projects, researching biomedical science, and is a leading member of the UConn Water Polo team.
Sophia Hatzis
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Sociology
Role: Lab Tech Manager
Sophia is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Sociology. She likes to learn about the social impacts of emerging technology. Her hobbies include dance, hiking, and community service.
Lucy Ledesma
Year: Junior
Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing
Role: Lab Outreach Specialist
Lucy is a third-year MEM major that is focused on exploring and developing sustainable technologies. Her passion is developing programs and opportunities for students to learn and grow with a sustainable mindset.
Samarth Gupta
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Role: Lab Tech Specialist
Samarth is a junior majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. He is curious and passionate about robotics, space, and programming. In his free time he likes to rock climb, watch UConn basketball, and spend time at the Asian Cultural Center.
Reis Muccino
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering / French
Role: Lab Tech Specialist
Reis is currently a junior in Mechanical Engineering and French. When he's not busy with homework he likes to work on his car or play some video games! He is also a participating member in UConns AIAA (a.k.a. rocket club).
Karan Rana
Year: Sophomore
Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing
Role: Lab Tech Specialist
Karan is a sophomore in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing. He is passionate about learning aerospace, 3D printing and new technologies. He is a mechanical lead for the AIAA Propulsive Landing team.
Tatyanna Kelly
Year: Senior
Major: Economics and Digital Media and Design
Role: Lab Marketing Assistant
Kayla Rushforth
Year: Junior
Major: Digital Media and Design
Role: Lab Marketing Assistant
Kayla Rushforth is a Junior 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!
Isabella Norato
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science and Political Science
Role: Lab Outreach Assistant
Isabella is a Junior studying Political Science. She enjoys attending yoga classes and spending time with friends and family. She is involved in the Concordia chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated and the Undergraduate Student Government. She is passionate about bringing people together and making education equitable!
Sophie Kozak
Year: Senior
Major: Physics
Role: Lab Outreach Assistant
Sophie, a senior, is pursuing a major in Physics and a minor in Astrophysics. She is currently involved in astrophysics research, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and James Webb Space Telescope, her lab aims to study the environments around black holes, measuring their mass, spin, and how they pull in matter.
Juan Abrales
Year: Sophomore
Major: Digital Media and Design
Role: Lab Marketing Assistant
Juan is a Sophomore from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is currently majoring in Digital Media and Design and concentrating in Motion Design and Animation. He is also involved on campus as the Vice president of Communication for the Student Alumni Association, and the Social Media Chairman for the Argentinian Student Association. Some of his hobbies are going to the gym, programming, and cooking.
Tony Catalan
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Tony is a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student from Monroe, Connecticut. He is involved in the STEM Scholar Community in the Honors Program and the Delta Tau Delta chapter on campus. He is passionate about new technologies, playing guitar, and making connections with new people.
John Paiva
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
John Paiva is a sophomore pursuing a major in Computer Science, with a strong interest in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity technologies. In his free time, he enjoys unwinding by going to the gym, sailing, and spending time at the beach.
Lauren Manning
Year: Junior
Major: Analytics & Information Management
Role: Lab Marketing Assistant
Lauren is a junior Analytics & Information Management major with an IT security concentration. She loves exploring creative outlets in the digital space through website design, analytics and social media. During her free time she enjoys staying active and spending time with friends!
David Sargent
Year: Freshman
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Outreach Assistant
David is a freshman studying Computer Science and is a member of the Leadership Learning Community. He is interested in emerging technologies and enjoys reading, playing guitar, and learning about computers.
Stephanie Ponce
Year: Sophomore
Major: Analytics & Information Management
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Stephanie is a sophomore studying Analytics and Information Management. She enjoys learning about emerging technologies and ways in which the security of our data can improve. She enjoys reading, painting, and playing volleyball!
Mehnaz Barsha
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Role: Lab Outreach Assistant
Mehnaz Barsha is an undergraduate Computer Science student with a passion for creativity. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, designing gel X nails, and applying henna.
Brooke Miller
Year: Junior
Major: Marketing Management
Role: Lab Outreach Assistant
Brooke is a junior majoring in Marketing Management. She loves to travel and has been to nine countries.
Astik Mehta
Year: Masters
Major: Business Analytics & Project Management
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Astik is pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics and Project Management at the University of Connecticut, Stamford. He enjoys working with 3D printers and exploring Machine Learning tech. In his leisure time, he is an avid soccer enthusiast and a dedicated Manchester United fan. Astik also has a strong passion for data analytics, often spending his time diving into datasets and uncovering insights.
Vivían Mendoza
Year: Sophomore
Major: Marketing Management
Role: Lab Marketing Assistant
Vivían is a Marketing Management student from Stamford Connecticut concentrating in Digital Marketing and Analytics. She is pursuing a career in marketing strategy and enjoys photography, painting, and spending time with her loved ones.
Barbara Hawke Lopez
Year: Freshman
Major: Cognitive Science
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Barbara is a freshman majoring in Cognitive Sciences. She likes to learn about the different disciplines that come with cognitive science, including how people interact with emerging tech. In her free time she participates in the art club on campus (Husky Art Pack) as well as reading and writing.
Imra Asif
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science & Engineering
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Imra is a junior majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. She is passionate about using computational tools to advance human health. She hopes to attend graduate school to research at the intersection of health and technology.
Christina Sullivan
Year: Freshman
Major: Business Data Analytics
Role: Lab Tech Assistant
Christina Sullivan is a freshman majoring in Business Data Analytics at UConn Stamford. Passionate about integrating technology into daily life, she is excited to work at the Innovation Labs and share her enthusiasm for tech while learning more about emerging technologies. Christina has a special interest in virtual and extended reality and is inspired by the intersection of technology and business. In her free time, she enjoys aerial silks, spending time with friends, and exploring new ideas.