EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
Luis A. Palacio, P.E., Ph.D.
Luis Palacio is a Bio-Physicist and a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Indiana. He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, a B.S. and a M.S. in Physics from Purdue University (IPFW, IUPUI respectively). As an engineer, he worked for General Electric Power Conversion at their Global Engineering Headquarters for over 4 years and Alivio Medical Center for over 2 years. As a scientist, he is currently leading an investigation that studies the molecular structure of proteins that are associated with lung diseases and blood clotting. He has conducted research at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratories, and IUPUI, where he earned his Ph.D. During his doctoral studies, he has accumulated more than 3 years of combined experience as an educator at the undergraduate level and at the high school level. Luis has been a consultant for GE Electric Power Conversion, Uncommon Engineering, National Institutes of Health, VoCare, and MedDiary. After 2 years of serving as Director of Programs & Research, Luis now serves as Executive Director. Luis is actively engaged in the community and as a mentor to students that are served by the DNOVA Institute.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Matt DeLoughery
Matt oversees the IDEAA (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Advanced-Manufacturing, and Automation) Initiative portfolio; talent development, and our work based learning programs. He is also an instructor for the Design & Rapid Prototyping Certification Program. Matt studied architecture at Ball State University and Arizona State University. Through his studies and travels, he became interested in how design and the built environment impact the daily lives of people as well as existing and past power structures. His work at Health & Science Innovations aims to improve lives through education and opportunity. He currently leads an education and workforce development program that focuses on Design and Rapid Prototyping.
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Taylor Segally
Taylor joined DNOVA as a Research Assistant in 2018, working on small-angle scattering data collected at Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to characterize protein structure in solution when placed in different environments. She presented this research at the 2019 Biophysical Society Meeting, along with her mentors: Luis A. Palacio, P.E., Ph.D. and Horia I. Petrache, Ph.D. Taylor has served as Assistant Director for Research and Development and is currently serving as Senior Development Officer.
taylor.segally@dnova.org
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
Brittni Mays
Brittni Mays studied Liberal Arts at Ivy Tech Community College, completed a Salesforce Administration training course with PepUp Tech, and obtained her Salesforce certification. She was introduced to DNOVA thanks to sponsorship from Father’s and Families Center, and has since aspired to aid this organization in their attempts to better the community through STEM education!
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Cody McCulloch
My name is Cody McCulloch. I have been working with kids for almost a decade. Spent 8 years at the YMCA working with all age groups. Started my own business for kids in 2019. It was a safe hangout space for kids! We hosted parties and events. My education consists of two master's degrees. I've been with DNOVA for 4 months now and really enjoy it. Being around kids reminds me how much adults should laugh and smile each day.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Michelle Dolon
Throughout her career, Michelle Dolon has been an advocate for equity and inclusion. Her diverse background in sales management, entrepreneurship and fundraising all have one goal in common - improving the lives of others. She has been involved with several organizations in the community, lending her time to causes close to her heart, in particular the welfare of children and animals. A self-professed introvert, she is a great listener who enjoys spending time with her family of humans and pets, watching independent films, and reading.
FINANCIAL OFFICER
Brenda Owens
My name is Brenda Owens. I have an MBA-Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University, and I currently attend IVY Tech in their Certified Bookkeeping & Payroll Certificate. I have worked in accounting for 10+ years, in the following industries: non-profit, manufacturing, government, and corporate. I was attracted to DNOVA because the first advertisement asked if I enjoy being a positive influence in my community, and if I wanted to make a difference in my community, and offered a a remote/part-time work schedule in accounting. I like the mission, values, objectives plus I also enjoy working with a diverse group, My son attended Indian Creek Elementary School from 1st through 4th and I liked the school, so assisting with a company that supports STEM is the ideal position. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. My favorite activities are, traveling, reading, eating at ethnic restaurants, socializing with family and friends.
SITE COORDINATOR
Celestine Reed
I have been in education for about 14 years and most of that time i've taught first grade. I am originally from Gary, Indiana, and have been in Indianapolis the last 4 years. Teaching and being able to inspire the youth has always been a passion of mine and I am extremely grateful that God has allowed me to be about to do that. Outside of teaching, I have a dog name Creed that I adore. I enjoy being apart of ministry, shopping and reading. I am extremely excited and grateful to be apart of the team.
GROUP LEADER
Shaquala Ford
Greetings! I'm Shaquala Ford, and I recently made the exciting move from Texas to Indiana, embarking on a new chapter of life. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Master of Science in Educational Tech/Leadership, I am a proud alumna of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
My passion lies in fostering a positive impact on student learning, emphasizing strong connections with all stakeholders, especially through the vital family-school connection. My journey led me to join Innovation Boulevard, where their objectives align with my purpose and vision for influencing the lives of the students I impact each day.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in my role as an auntie, cherishing moments spent traveling with my twin sister. Additionally, I am deeply committed to promoting financial literacy, recognizing its transformative power in shaping our future.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Samantha Kupiainen
Samantha Kupiainen gradauted from Ball State University in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and a public health minor. While in college, she interned with the Indiana Hospital Association and Towne Post Network. Most recently, she served as a social media and content curator with Ascension St. Vincent before joining Health Science Innovations as its Community Engagement Coordinator. Samantha is passionate about all things digital media and storytelling and how it supports brand development.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
Karime Palacio Patiño
Karime Palacio graduated in August 2023 from the *Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana* in Colombia with a degree in Social Communication and Journalism. She did her university internship at DNOVA as a communications assistant. Currently been in her role for 10 months and enjoys working at DNOVA because children and young people develop their talents with STEM and STEAM, thanks to everyone's study and work to make this possible.
DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Mahsa Sadeghi
Hello! My name is Mahsa, and I am thrilled to join DNOVA as an intern, bringing my passion for educational equity and diversity into our initiatives. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Education Studies at IU Indianapolis, where I also serve as a graduate assistant, instructor, and English tutor at the ESL Center. These roles provide me with a unique lens to critically examine educational systems, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities within urban settings.
My research centers on educational policy, leadership, and the role of social interactions in shaping positive school experiences. For my thesis, I am investigating how after-school programs can foster a sense of community and enhance social connections that contribute to student learning. This line of inquiry is deeply connected to my own educational journey and the opportunities I felt were missing during my formative years.
Through this internship, I am excited to apply insights from my studies to support DNOVA's mission, especially in the areas of community engagement, inclusive educational approaches, and leadership strategies that create meaningful and equitable learning environments for all students.
SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Lenna Cutino
My name is Lenna Cutino and I am a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis. I am studying tourism, convention and event management. I have a strong background in event planning, client relations, and marketing. I have collaborated in outreach initiatives to support key events with the Indiana Latino Institute and other organizations. Besides my school career, internship, and job opportunities I have a dog named Sparky. I enjoy walks, shopping, reading, and I am a big Barcelona fan since I was little because my dad has always loved their soccer team.
YiQ PROGRAM LEADER
Angel Avila
I am currently a sophomore studying Computer Science at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI). I have a strong passion for programming and am eager to continue gaining experience in my field. I am also committed to uplifting my Latino community—and all communities—by helping them explore and realize the many opportunities available to them. I am a proud first-generation Latino college student in my family. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing all types of games and spending time with my three dogs.
I am excited to begin my internship with DNOVA as a Program Leader. In this role, I will have the opportunity to put my STEM skills into practice in support of DNOVA’s mission to inspire and guide the next generation of STEM leaders. This experience promises to be both impactful and educational for everyone involved, as I will be introducing new concepts while empowering students to discover their own innovative potential.
PRESIDENT
Amber C.B. Candis, CPA
Financial Controls Consultant, Elanco, Inc.
As FCO at Elanco, Inc., Amber is responsible for oversight and coordination of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOx) compliance program at global affiliates and with corporate processes. In her current role, she works closely with the corporate finance management, affiliate Controllers/CFOs, global project leaders, process owners, internal/external auditors, IT, and third-party service providers to influence and drive key decisions. Amber graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and Technology Management from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington and has spent the last 10 years practicing accounting in various industries.
Outside of the office, Amber is very active in her community serving as Administrative Leader for the Online Ministry at Eastern Star Church to being an active member of the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition, Amber supports the youth by mentoring and sitting on the BIG IMPACT Group Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Indiana.
In December 2022, she was voted as a member of the Board of Directors for Diversity and Innovation Institute (DNOVA) and is so excited to continue to support the youth in the Indianapolis community.
VICE-PRESIDENT
Kunal Tayal
Kunal is passionate about solving human challenges by creative use of technology and
visionary leadership. Kunal worked at Cummins for 15+ years. Previously, he has held various leadership roles in Finance,
Marketing, Product or Business Development, and Innovation.
He actively supports startups in the US and internationally as an investor and an advisor to multiple digital accelerators. Early in his career, Kunal successfully founded a company focused on imports and exports. He is also active with the local chamber of commerce in invigorating technology driven innovation in Indiana. Kunal has an Electronics Engineering degree from Bangalore University, an MBA from
Indiana University, and has completed Innovation programs at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and Kellogg school of Business. Kunal resides with his wife Megha and daughter Avni in Columbus, Indiana. His hobbies include playing the guitar and flying a single engine plane.
TREASURER
Eric Van Gorp
Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Program Leader at Cummins, Inc.
A native Hoosier, Eric is an advocate of giving back to kids through STEM. He really believes that the children are our future and wants them to have every opportunity to be successful and make their futures as great as they can be. He has sought to find how he could give back to others using his engineering and science background and the right way he could do this. During his work at Cummins in the EBU Six Sigma Team led him by chance to work with Dr. Luis A. Palacio and the DNOVA Institute on their 5 & 10 year strategy plan as a community based Six Sigma project back in 2016. Seeing what DNOVA did and their passion with working with the Indianapolis Near East Side Area Schools led to him finding a way for Cummins and DNOVA to develop the Tech Literacy Program that has been running at both the Urban Act Academy (formerly IPS 14 Washington Irving) and Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School (formerly IPS 15 Thomas Gregg) for the past several years. Eric is the current Treasurer and has served as President and Vice-President in the past.
BOARD MEMBER
Joerg Schreiber, Ph.D.
President, White Arrow Consulting, LLC
Dr. Schreiber joined Roche Diagnostics (previously Boehringer Mannheim Germany) in 1986 and moved to the US in 1994. He held several functions in R&D (analytics, process development) and Operations (quality system, purchasing), before he assumed responsibility for the diabetes care business unit R&D in the US organization in 1996. In 2001 Dr.Schreiber accepted the position of VP R&D and Business Development for a newly created business, MyDoc.com, wherein Roche Diagnostics built an internet-based medical practice.
After his retirement from Roche, Dr. Schreiber works as Business Development consultant and entrepreneur in the Life Sciences. He has founded and uses as his business platform White Arrow Consulting LLC (www.whitearrowconsulting.com). From 2005 to 2007 he worked with Quadraspec Inc. as Chief Operating Officer. From 2007 to 2010, he worked with Physical Logic AG as VP R&D, CEO, and Director of its Diabetes Business Unit. After that, he served as CEO of Access Health Wealth and of the Indiana Biodefense Consortium, which he founded. Dr. Schreiber was the CEO of Indiana BioPharma LLC to build up a biotech Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization. In addition, he was advising Head of Business Development of MedeoLinx LLC.
In 2015, Dr. Schreiber founded The Executive Consortium, and since 2017 he has served as VP R&D of AgenDx Biosciences, commercializing a fast and affordable diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Schreiber is a faculty member of IUPUI and Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, teaching in Engineering and Business.
Dr. Schreiber holds a Ph.D. in physics from Giessen University, Germany, specialized in biophysics and was a post doc at the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Dr. Schreiber is a Board Member of the Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis and has served as Treasurer and President of the Board of Diversity & Innovation Institute.
BOARD MEMBER
John G. Perez
Mr. John Perez is an assistant professor teaching Visual Communication classes at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana in Indianapolis, IN. for the last 20 years. Presently, Mr. Perez is the Visual Communications program chair and the former state chair for Visual Communications. Mr. Perez holds a M.S. in Media Arts and Science from the School of New Media at Indiana University and a B.S in Environmental Design from the School of Architecture at Ball State University.
From 2008-2015, John was an instructor for a private photo instruction business, Indy Photo Coach. He was the owner for 2 years.
From 1988 to 2000, John Perez worked and played at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis designing exhibit graphics and preparing exhibit elements. He also taught and mentored youth in visual arts, various art methods, computer graphics, robotics, photography, and video technologies in the Eli Lilly Center for Exploration gallery within the museum.
John presently volunteers his time and media talents to his church and local businesses. John loves to create STEM/STEAM curriculum and activities for children. A few times a year, he serves as a juror in small art shows and displays his photography and media art.
Mr. Perez believes “Life is too short to be ordinary” and that “We are all Connected by Design”. John has served as Secretary of the Board of Directors in the past.
BOARD MEMBER
Rimple Patwardhan
Senior Advisor, Eli Lilly and Co.
An established pharmaceutical regulatory expert. Obtained Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Bamlanivimab, a Covid-19 antibody product. Invited to present the regulatory perspectives on the accelerated development of Bamlanivimab at a global forum. Providing strategic guidance to various teams on global shipping requirements and product distribution in US and global markets. Leveraged past deep quality and analytical experience to drive thorough review of submission documents to the FDA and other global regulatory authorities. Consistently reaching across boundaries to build partnerships with other regulatory scientists, technical stewards, and quality, including senior leadership.
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Agile CFO Solutions
Bookkeeping and accounting services.
For more information visit Agile CFO Solutions.
MEDIA CONSULTANT
Right Tactic
Right Tactic is a Marketing & Media Agency with talent and expertise in online marketing and multimedia production.
For more information visit Right Tactic.
HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT
Intesa Consulting
Intesa Consulting is an independent human resources consulting firm.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intesa-consulting-llc
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT
Better Youth Outcomes
Better Youth Outcomes engages local employers in order to identify and develop pathways or collaborations to pair talent with employment or support talent development and career pathways.
For more information visit BYO.
FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONSULTANT
Peripecia Studios
Peripecia Studios provides filming and photography services for marketing of our programs and services.
For more information visit Peripecia Studios and Agustin Montoya.
CPA
Steve Jones, CPA
Owner at FMR CPA’s & Advisors.
The DNOVA Advisory Board provides recommendations to the Executive Director, and the Board of Directors on matters related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), diversity, innovation, education programs, accreditation, competition awards, and scholarship awards. They also serve as direct mentors to our students and as a search committee for project advisers and mentors.
We are currently searching for additional volunteers with complimentary of various backgrounds to serve on this board.
STEM ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR
Anusuya Das, Ph.D.
Anusuya Das got her PhD in Bioengineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she worked on computational modeling of angiogenesis and experimental validation via microfluidic experiments. After that, she worked on several tissue engineering and regenerative medicine projects at the University of Virginia. She has also worked on many global health endeavors in Africa, India and the United States. Currently, she is a Patent Agent at Barnes and Thornburg. In addition, she is developing and teaching new courses that combine bioengineering principles as applied to global health challenges at Indiana University Purdue University- Indianapolis (IUPUI).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anusuyadas/
VICE-PRESIDENT (BOD) & EX OFFICIO MEMBER
Eric Van Gorp
Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Program Leader at Cummins, Inc.
A native Hoosier, Eric is an advocate of giving back to kids through STEM. He really believes that the children are our future and wants them to have every opportunity to be successful and make their futures as great as they can be. He has sought to find how he could give back to others using his engineering and science background and the right way he could do this. His work at Cummins in the EBU Six Sigma Team led him by chance to work with Luis Palacio and the Health & Science Innovations Organization on their 5 & 10 year strategy plan as a community based Six Sigma project back in 2016. Seeing what HSI did and their passion with working with the Indianapolis Near East Side Area Schools led to him finding a way for Cummins and HSI to develop the Tech Literacy Program that has been running at both the Urban Act Academy (formerly IPS 14 Washington Irving) and Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School (formerly IPS 15 Thomas Gregg) for the past several years. Eric is the current Vice-President of the Board of Directors and a member on the STEM Advisory Board for HSI.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Stacey Pearson
Stacey Pearson started teaching High School Algebra I in Elkhart, Indiana in 2002 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Mathematics Grades 1-9 from Goshen College. Teaching led her through an interesting path of many careers as she taught at a technical high school where she went into 27 different vocational classes to teach the math skills the learners would need in their fields. When moving to Indy in October of 2003, she was privileged to join Indianapolis Public Schools as a Mathematics Instructional Coach. She transitioned back to the classroom with Thomas Gregg School #15 when her daughter entered Middle School in 2012. For the last 7 years, she has taught fifth grade and served on committees at the school to work with the community in creating the Model for Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School to become an “A” rated school in the last 3 years. She has been married to her field supervisor husband, Michael for 19 years and they have a high school graduate who begins classes at Ivy Tech in the Spring with a focus on criminal justice. They also entertain a 15-year-old basset hound /golden retriever, a 3-year-old bearded dragon, and 4 guinea pigs.
STEM ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Stephen L. Farris
Patent Agent, Ice Miller LLP
Board Member, DirectEmployers Institute
Stephen is currently an Intellectual Property Manager at General Motors and a registered patent agent, licensed to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). His experiences include patent preparation and prosecution, litigation support and drafting opinions related to the electrical and mechanical arts. Stephen is licensed to represent both foreign and domestic clients before the USPTO.
Prior to private practice, Stephen worked at General Motors where he managed and led engineering activities developing advanced technology solutions. While at GM, he gained 12+ years of engineering experience with complex electro-mechanical systems including hybrid/electric vehicle control systems, PEM fuel cells and advanced energy storage systems. Some of his engineering work has been recognized with three United States Patents and one United States Patent Publication.
Stephan's undergraduate degree in electrical engineering technology is from Purdue University – Indianapolis (IUPUI). He received my M.B.A. in management of technology from Ellis University in Chicago. His volunteer activities include providing enlightening cultural, educational and social opportunities that transform the way individuals perceive their abilities, possibilities and environment.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-l-farris-6a64a54/