Chief Science Advisor

Dr. Lou is the Associate Chair of the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. He earned his B.E. and M.S. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University and Ohio State University, respectively, and his Ph.D. from Princeton University. He completed postdoctoral research at Brown University before joining Rice.

Dr. Lou's research focuses on nanomaterial synthesis, nanomechanical characterization, and nanodevice fabrication for energy, environmental, and biomedical applications. He is the site director for the NSF IUCRC of Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC), collaborating with commercial partners on 2D material applications.

Technical Advisor

Dr. Fan Ye, founder of SUNS International, began his academic journey in Mechanical Engineering at Tsinghua University in 1989. He earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Ohio State University in 1997 and completed postdoctoral research in aerospace materials at MIT.

From 1999 to 2002, Dr. Ye led production and R&D in optoelectronic semiconductor laser packaging at Corning. In 2003, he founded SUNS International, a global leader in manufacturing industrial control components. Dr. Ye combines academic rigor, practical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, providing invaluable insights into business advising.

Financial Advisor

Steve is a highly regarded investment professional at H.I.G. Capital, a prominent global private equity firm. In his capacity at H.I.G., Steve plays a crucial role in several key areas of the private investment transaction process, including due diligence, transaction structuring, portfolio management, and strategic planning. Before joining H.I.G., Steve was with Citigroup, where he provided advisory services on lending and credit, M&A transactions, capital raises, and other strategic initiatives.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematical Economic Analysis and Philosophy, and a Master of Accounting degree from Rice University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered in Texas.

Business Advisor

Kyle specializes in developing systems and processes that transform innovative ideas, programs, and technologies into viable companies. At Rice University's Center for Entrepreneurship and the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, he plays a pivotal role in launching impactful startups.

Previously, as the first Executive Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at CU Boulder, Kyle initiated the Engineering Entrepreneurship Minor. At MIT's Innovation Initiative, he revamped the Corporate Engagement Program, developed new accelerator models, and secured over $175 million in funding. Kyle is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs.