Innovation Ambassadors

Dr Anthony Chappaz is the Director of the STARLAB, a premier facility for the analysis of ultra-trace levels, isotope ratios and speciation. He is an expert in using synchrotron-based techniques (XANES, EXAFS and XRF) to determine the spatial distribution and speciation of trace elements. He collaborates with DOE to secure the US supply chain of critical minerals and runs a consulting company, AquaTraces. His work supports mining, energy, environmental and agricultural sectors seeking high-precision analytics.

Dr. Ksenia Ustinova leads CMU’s Motion Analysis Center and specializes in physical rehabilitation, biomechanics, and clinical research tools. She collaborates with companies like NewGait and SheFit, and is interested in commercializing rehabilitation technologies and forming long-term healthcare partnerships.

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Dr. Preshit Ambade is a public health policy analyst working with governmental health districts. His expertise includes big data analytics, healthcare impact evaluation, and public health consulting. He collaborates with external health agencies and startups for product impact studies.

Dr. Peter Dijkstra studies physiology and oxidative stress markers in animal and human systems. His lab supports NIH- and NSF-funded research and offers statistical and data visualization services. He seeks applied partnerships in healthcare and data-driven diagnostics.

Dr. Veronica Barone specializes in computational materials science and quantum chemistry and solid state physics. She collaborates with experimentalists and on defense-related research and applies high-performance computing to materials modeling for energy, mobility, and defense industries. External collaborators include scientists at GVSC and Dow.

Lauren Agnew oversees textile testing and innovation at CMDT, with equipment like thermal manikins and an environmental chamber. She collaborates with industry to evaluate wearable and technical textiles and integrates student research into applied product development.

Dr. Gary Dunbar is a leader in behavioral neuroscience, focusing on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and brain/spinal cord injuries. His lab features behavioral assessment tools and imaging systems. He has worked with pharmaceutical companies and is open to industry partnerships that emphasize stem cell technologies, genetic therapies, and evaluating new drugs.

Dr. Valeri Petkov is a materials scientist with expertise in condensed matter physics, structure modeling, and X-ray diffraction. He has worked with Dow, GE, GM, and others and offers both experimental and computational support for next-gen materials development.

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Dr. Chanseok Jeong directs the SWIM Lab, focusing on nondestructive testing using ultrasonic waves and AI. He is the founder of Terasonics, LLC, and offers expertise to aerospace and manufacturing industries looking to apply wave-based diagnostics and simulation.

Dr. Joseph Langenderfer operates the Motion Analysis Center, conducting research in biomechanics and neuromuscular modeling. He specializes in orthopedic research using motion capture technologies and collaborates with both academic and industry partners. He is interested in contracts that support lab sustainability and long-term applied collaborations.

Dr. Natalia Zakharova runs the Geophysics and Geomechanics Lab, focusing on geologic carbon storage, induced seismicity, and sustainable energy systems. She is open to collaborations with energy and environmental sectors, offering expertise in subsurface characterization and modeling.

Dr. Robert Petersen is a foundational science researcher focused on cellular and animal modeling for medical applications. He is open to industry partnerships in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly those aimed at translational research.

Dr. Julien Rossignol’s lab focuses on neuroscience, stem cells, and molecular biology. He has capabilities in imaging, hypoxic chambers, and nanoparticle design. He works collaboratively with other CMU researchers and welcomes industry partnerships in drug delivery, bioengineering, and neurological applications.

Dr. Ute Hochgeschwender leads a neuroscience tool development lab, pioneering bioluminescent optogenetics. Her lab includes electrophysiology platforms and tissue imaging tools. She collaborates with Brown University and with UCSD and seeks partnerships in biotech, pharma, and advanced neurological diagnostics.

Dr. Kirsten Weber is a communication strategist who develops high-impact messaging and workplace training, with a focus on leveraging interpersonal communication skills to optimize workplace interactions and drive organizational success. She consults with local organizations and is exploring training partnerships with larger companies.

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Dr. Eric Petersen directs a lab specializing in synthetic biology and neuroscience. Equipped with automated cell culture systems and fluorescence plate readers, his group offers DNA synthesis and cell-based assay capabilities. He is actively exploring commercialization and is open to partnerships in biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Kimberly O’Brien is involved in corporate-focused graduate training and research proposal development. She is also pursuing DoD contracts and is especially focused on high-level student engagement in applied research environments.

Dr. Mona Sirbescu is a geochemist with deep expertise in critical minerals and proximal sensor calibration of minerals, soils, and sediments. Her lab offers ICP-OES analysis, petrographic analysis including Scanning Electron Microscopy and cathodoluminescence, and field-based exploration techniques. She partners with lithium-focused companies and offers consulting services to the mineral exploration industry.