Storrs Team

Jonathan Moore

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 Headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

Tatyanna Kelly

Year: Senior

Major: Economics and Digital Media and Design

Role: Lab Marketing Assistant

Tatyanna is an Economics and Digital Media and Design, with a focus on 3D animation. She is passionate about financial markets and trading, as well has always valued the arts and their potential to reshape reality. This has inspired her to pursue her hobby of Motion Graphic Animation, video editing, and, eventually, 3D creation and animation

Kayla Rushforth Headshot

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 headshot

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!

Sophia Kozak headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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 headshot

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!