At Square Roots, I led the Hardware Engineering team, developing cutting-edge growing systems and commissioning four full-scale operations across several states. This included Grand Rapids, MI, for which I procured, assembled, and commissioned most of the growing equipment, while also staying on-site for months as the acting construction manager. 

As we expanded into Kenosha, WI, Springfield, OH, and Shepherdsville, KY, I continued to lead system development, manufacturing strategy, and technical support for construction and operation teams. With each iteration of our farming systems we created prototypes, operational documentation, traveled to support launches, and conducted numerous tests and experiments along with our plant research team to optimize growth and system performance.

My team was able to increase yield per cubic foot of growing environments while decreasing CapEx, outpacing inflation and rising cost of goods. We also selected, tested, and optimized various automation equipment, such as seeding, harvesting, washing, and packaging machinery.

I decided to leave Square Roots after completing the design for our latest generation v5 farm because commercial production and expansion was paused and the company switched its focus to ‘farming as a service” for its strategic partners. I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments at Square Roots, and am excited to now be helping others navigate the numerous challenges the industry presents.

Before joining Square Roots, I worked at AeroFarms on advanced crop system development and research, collaborating closely with strategic partners, research scientists, growers, and business development teams to engineer novel growing systems. I also managed daily operations of a dedicated research facility, including growing practices, facility upgrades and renovations, data collection, and helped scientists with data analysis and reporting.

I studied biological engineering at Cornell University, an interdisciplinary field that primed me for success in CEA. I gained valuable experience in research environments and furthered my appreciation for first principles engineering, as well as scientific curiosity and vigor. After graduating Cornell, I attended Flatiron School for Software Engineering where I was immersed in full-stack web development and agile methodology. I applied the technical skills I had acquired to controls engineering and lean, iterative development strategies to hardware engineering.

I have also worked for a prominent VC-firm, Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital, which provided me with an invaluable understanding of drivers of growth, value, and the interplay between start-ups and investors.

Through my myriad of experiences I have developed a practical approach to solving complex challenges, balancing ambitious timelines with thoughtful communication and feedback to my stakeholders. I am deeply passionate about CEA, and have worked diligently to acquire skills in all relevant disciplines so that I am best prepared to tackle any challenge. I also strive to personify honesty and humility. I pride myself on being able to augment my own abilities and impact by drawing on others as needed, and making sure to learn and teach as much as I can along the way.