Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Tianshu is the co-founder and CEO of HEXAspec, specializing in large-scale nanomaterial production and their use in electronics and protective coatings. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and NanoEngineering from Rice University, where he developed HEXAspec’s patented technology and collaborated with industry leaders like EMD Electronics, Daktronics and Applied Materials. Tianshu has published 18+ papers and trained in entrepreneurship at Rice Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie).

Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer

Jing is the co-founder and CTO of HEXAspec, combining over ten years of cutting-edge 2D materials research at Rice University with hands-on startup experience at Neuralink. With over 6,000 citations, he’s a true materials science expert and a tech-savvy problem solver—fluent in machine learning, simulation, and experimentation. Jing brings a rare blend of academic depth and startup grit, turning advanced science into real-world deep tech innovation.

Co-Founder

Chen-Yang is the co-founder of HEXAspec and will join full-time as Chief Product Officer after completing his Ph.D. at Rice University in 2026. As the team’s chip expert, he brings over five years of experience in the semiconductor industry—including roles at TSMC and Powertech—offering hands-on expertise in chip manufacturing and advanced packaging. With strong ties to chips giants like TSMC, Apple, and Micron, Chen-Yang connects cutting-edge research with real-world semiconductor innovation.

Materials Science Engineering Intern

Alexis Romano is a senior student at Rice University’s Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering. Since joining HEXAspec in December 2024, he has applied hands-on experience gained at Rice OEDK. He received the 2025 Rice Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and serves as Socials Chair for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), fostering community engagement. Outside academics, Alexis enjoys Japanese animation and tennis.

Electrical Engineering Intern

Benjamin Kim is an undergraduate student at Rice University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has been with HEXAspec since June 2025 where he combines his interest in semiconductor development and physics with practical experience in PCB design and Arduino. Beyond his academic pursuits, Benjamin enjoys video editing, cooking and has played the violin for 14 years.