SEST Industry Advisory Board

Industry Advisory Board Members

It is a distinct honor to introduce the members of the SEST Industry Advisory Board—an accomplished group of distinguished professionals, leaders, innovators, and dedicated partners who bring exceptional expertise and insight to our academic community.

Andres Barrera, Medtronic

An innovator at the intersection of technology and healthcare, Dr. Barrera is a results-driven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience advancing transformative medical devices and digital health solutions. He excels at identifying unmet clinical needs and converting complex ideas into high-impact products, using a holistic approach that integrates technical, clinical, business, and economic considerations. His work has delivered products with NPVs exceeding $500M across surgical platforms, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and cardiology. Additionally, he has deep expertise in AI, robotics, computer vision, and navigation systems.

Brian Cutler, Lourerio Engineering Associates, Inc.

Brian Cutler, P.E., L.E.P., DBIA, is the CEO of Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc., an employee-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering, environmental, and construction firm headquartered in Connecticut. With more than 35 years of experience, Brian has led the firm’s growth through integrated design-build delivery, environmental remediation, and infrastructure revitalization projects. He is deeply committed to workforce development, experiential education, and strengthening the connection between academia and industry.

Jim DeVecchis, AVNA

Jim DeVecchis is a seasoned technology executive at AVNA, providing strategic leadership in engineering-driven solutions and client services. With extensive experience leading technical teams and complex initiatives, he excels at aligning innovative technologies with practical business objectives. Jim has a proven record of strengthening customer partnerships, improving operational performance, and delivering results in fast-paced environments. Recognized for his collaborative leadership and commitment to excellence, he fosters accountability and continuous improvement, advancing AVNA’s mission and reinforcing the company’s reputation for delivering reliable, forward-thinking technology solutions.

Kemar French, AVNA

Kemar French is a New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer at AVNA, where he drives successful product launches through collaboration with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and external suppliers. He ensures designs are manufacturable, scalable, and compliant with regulatory and quality standards. Kemar leads PFMEAs and DOE initiatives, develops and validates manufacturing processes, and supports prototype and pilot builds to optimize yield, performance, and cost. He also manages specialized chemical processes, including electropolishing and passivation, enabling seamless production transfers and consistent, reliable product performance. Industry Advisory Board Members

Jack Glanzrock, The Lee Company

Engineer driven to “make a dent in the universe,” inspired by Steve Jobs’ vision of meaningful impact through technology. Focused on advancing systems that shape society at scale—energy, water, waste, space travel, additive manufacturing, robotics, and complex technological infrastructures that influence culture and human progress. Jack brings a rigorous commitment to analytic truth, ensuring decisions are grounded in verified knowledge rather than assumption. He thrives in deep data environments, diving headfirst into complex datasets to extract clarity, insight, and direction. Combines systems thinking with practical execution to design solutions that are scalable, resilient, and transformative for communities and industries worldwide.

Michael Jannitto, Ramboll

Michael Jannitto is a Senior Managing Consultant and Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) in Connecticut with 20 years of experience in environmental consulting with a focus on environmental site investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance. He has worked with numerous public and private sector clients in the completion of environmental site investigations, remedial actions, hazardous material surveys, and various other regulatory compliance issues under various state and federal programs. Michael currently leads Ramboll's Northeast Region PFAS Growth Team and the strategic initiative related to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) response and AFFF fire system decontamination and conversion.

Andy Judge, ASML

Dr. Andy Judge is Senior Program Cluster Manager at ASML. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Engineering Management from Drexel University, and earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where his research on ferrofluid-immersed motor generators was recognized as an Innovative Research finalist. With nearly 25 years of industry experience spanning CAD, defense, and precision systems, he joined ASML in 2013 and holds seven patents. In academia, he teaches mechatronics and advanced dynamics, advises student projects, and was named Fairfield University’s 2020 Adjunct Professor of the Year. He is also the author of Mechatronics and Dynamic System Design and supports recruiting and senior design projects at CCSU.

Jordan Kentzler, Hanwha Aerospace USA

Jordan Kentzler is a senior executive with more than 18 years of leadership experience driving people, operational, and organizational transformation across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Currently Vice President of Corporate Services at Hanwha Aerospace, he oversees HR, IT, EH&S, Facilities, Maintenance, and Security, delivering measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and enterprise scalability. Jordan is a trusted partner to boards and executive teams on talent strategy, executive compensation, M&A integration, and digital transformation, with a proven ability to align human capital strategy to multi-billion-dollar business objectives. Industry Advisory Board Members

Ryan Leahy, RTX

Ryan Leahy is a senior transformation and operations leader with more than 20 years of experience across global trade compliance, legal operations, digital transformation, engineering, and manufacturing. He currently serves as Senior Director, Global Trade – Process & Systems Transformation at RTX Corporation, leading enterprise ERP integration and standardization initiatives to enhance regulatory compliance, data integrity, and operational performance. Known for bridging regulatory, technology, and business functions, he delivers scalable solutions in complex global environments. Ryan previously held leadership roles at Pratt & Whitney and has international manufacturing experience in China with full P&L responsibility. He holds an MBA in Finance and a bachelor’s in Electro-Mechanical Technology.

Christopher Leigh, Eversource

Christopher Leigh is Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Eversource Energy, bringing more than 20 years of domestic and international experience leading cybersecurity teams. He oversees enterprise information security, including threat and risk management, policy and compliance, architecture, incident response, networking, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Previously, he held senior security roles at Consolidated Edison and United Technologies Corporation. An international speaker, he has presented at North Atlantic Treaty Organization and across the United States, and mentored Ukrainian utility cyber professionals under agreements with USAID and Catalisto. A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, he was named a Top 100 CISO by Cyber Defense Awards in 2020 and 2022.

Daniel Lettiere, Pfizer

Mr. Lettiere is a seasoned toxicology leader with more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery and development. He designs and executes nonclinical safety strategies that support clinical advancement across cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncology therapeutics. As a Study Director and Study Monitor, he leads GLP and non-GLP general toxicology studies for small molecules and biologics across multiple disease areas. His expertise includes risk assessment of extractables, leachables, and contaminants in drug substances and drug products for clinical and commercial use. He also provides strategic evaluation of nitrosamine impurities, ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety throughout development. Industry Advisory Board Members

Stephen Lindsey, Barnes Aerospace

Stephen Lindsey is an accomplished COO/CTO with extensive leadership experience in the aviation and aerospace industry. He is a Senior VP of Engineering at Barnes Aerospace. He previously oversaw Engineering and capital deployment across Hanwha Aerospace USA facilities, aligning advanced manufacturing technologies with strategic growth and net-zero objectives. Previously, he served six years as COO, co-facilitating the sale of EDAC Technologies to Hanwha Group. He held full P&L responsibility for a $50M aviation business in Eastford, CT, and co-negotiated long-term agreements exceeding $300M with major OEMs including Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace. Lindsey is known for operational excellence, acquisition integration, and disciplined execution.

Hunter Mathena, Chamber of Commerce, City of New Britain, CT

Hunter Mathena is a business and economic development professional with a strong foundation in real estate, strategic planning, and community growth initiatives. He brings experience aligning market opportunities with long-term development strategies that strengthen local economies and attract investment. Mathena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an International Master of Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University. Recognized for his collaborative approach, he works closely with business leaders, municipalities, and stakeholders to drive innovation and sustainable growth. Mathena is dedicated to fostering economic vitality and positioning communities for long-term competitiveness and opportunity.

Nathan Minami, Hanwha Aerospace USA

Nathan Minami is Vice President & General Manager of Hanwha Aerospace USA and Head of Commercial Operations for the Aero Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. He leads a multi-site aerospace jet engine OEM manufacturing business with significant P&L responsibility, overseeing seven facilities across North America and Asia. His scope includes operations management, product delivery, profitability, strategic partnerships, program execution, aftermarket services, and customer relationships across commercial portfolios. A seasoned aerospace and defense leader, Minami builds high-performing teams and drives sustainable growth through disciplined execution, operational excellence, and customer-focused strategies in complex global environments.

Goudarz Molaei, CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)

Goudarz Molaei is a research scientist conducting studies on the ecology and biology of mosquito and tick vectors of human pathogens, and on their respective roles in enzootic and epidemic transmission of arboviruses, as well as tick-associated diseases at the Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). He is director of the CAES Tick Testing Program for Lyme and Allied Diseases. At the Yale School of Public Health, Dr. Molaei, as an associate clinical professor, co-teaches a course in Biology of Insect Disease Vectors, is collaborating on research on the ecology and biology of mosquito and tick vectors of human pathogens, and advises students. Industry Advisory Board Members

Melissa Mostowy, CT Energy and Environmental Protection

Melissa (Luna) Mostowy is an environmental professional with over a decade of experience in water resources and environmental management. She earned her undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University in 2015 and a master’s from Wesleyan University in 2018. Melissa has worked in consulting, nonprofit, and state government roles, including as a field hydrogeologist and natural resource specialist. She currently serves as an Environmental Analyst at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, supporting Water Diversion and Aquifer Protection programs, permitting, compliance, groundwater modeling, and statewide water planning and resource protection initiatives.

Sathya Motupally, AIRCO

Dr. Motupally, a recognized leader in the energy sector, brings extensive global experience in scaling clean energy businesses to his role as Chief Operating Officer at AIRCO. He joins AIRCO after serving as Global COO of Doosan Fuel Cell from 2014 to 2023, where he drove growth across technology development, product commercialization, and sales, expanding the business more than seven-fold. His prior experience includes Head of R&D at UTC Power and strategic advisor to the United States Department of Energy, underscoring his deep expertise in clean energy innovation and commercialization.

Farod Muhammad, Quest Global

Farod Muhammad is an accomplished engineering and operations leader currently serving as Deputy General Manager, Project/Team Lead, and Continuous Improvement Focal in New Business Development at Quest Global since February 2022. He previously held multiple leadership roles with Quest Global Services PTE. LTD., including Design Change & Configuration Management Team Lead and Design Team Lead. Earlier, at Zygo Corporation, he specialized in assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced interferometers and complex electro-opto-mechanical systems. He also served as a Customer Technical Support Specialist at ID Mail Systems Inc.. Farod earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Electronics Technology from Central Connecticut State University in 2008.

Michael Opuszynski, ASML

Michael Opuszynski, MSEE, is a multidisciplinary engineer with technical proficiencies include MATLAB, Simulink, PSpice, C++, MPLab, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, and GIS platforms. His professional experience spans multiple engineering disciplines, with concentrated expertise in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering. Michael specializes in controls, embedded systems, and image processing, combining strong analytical foundations with practical implementation skills. He has completed Team Building and Leadership Training certifications, reinforcing his collaborative and management capabilities. Industry Advisory Board Members

Edoardo Pace, Medtronic

Eddie Pace is a seasoned engineering leader with expertise in surgical robotics testing, team development, and process optimization. As Engineering Director at Medtronic’s Surgical Robotics R&D Testing and Reliability, he helped launch and validate the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery system globally and led efforts to achieve FDA clearance in the U.S. He built and scaled a high-performing testing organization, delivered complex verification programs, and drove operational excellence through process improvements and strategic resource management. Edoardo is also recognized for championing diversity in STEM and mentoring students through FIRST robotics programs.

Peter Papadopoulos, Pratt & Whitney

Peter Papadopoulos is a senior engineering and technology leader at Pratt & Whitney, bringing extensive experience in aerospace propulsion systems and advanced engineering solutions. Throughout his career, he has led cross-functional teams in research, design, and development, driving innovation in engine performance, reliability, and efficiency. Peter’s expertise spans system integration, project management, and technology commercialization, with a strong focus on aligning engineering objectives with business goals. Known for his collaborative leadership and strategic vision, he contributes to advancing Pratt & Whitney’s mission of delivering high-performance, cutting-edge aerospace technologies to customers worldwide.

Kiran Pyneni , CVS Health

Kiran Pyneni is an executive technology leader and Associate Vice President of Digital Architecture and Engineering at Aetna, a CVS Health company, where he is responsible for Aetna’s primary member-facing digital platform, enabling millions of members to seamlessly access and manage their healthcare benefits. He leads AI-driven, Cloud-native API solutions and large-scale modernizations that elevates member experience, strengthens platform resilience, and accelerates delivery across Aetna's digital ecosystem. He is recognized for building high-performing engineering organizations and translating business priorities into scalable, digital, and AI-enabled platforms that deliver measurable outcomes.

Amy Sowitcky, CT Mental Health and Addiction Services

Amy Sowitcky earned a Civil Engineering degree from UConn and advanced to Senior Project Manager in consulting firms over eighteen years, specializing in municipal wastewater pumping and treatment projects. In 2023, she changed roles to serve as Assistant Director of Project Management for Real Estate and Construction Services at the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services. Currently, she is Director of Engineering for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where she leads planning, staff development, design, and construction of compliant, energy-efficient, and durable facilities that support safe, compassionate care while responsibly managing public resources across the Agency’s state campuses. Industry Advisory Board Members

Carrie Titolo, CT Department of Transportation

Carrie Titolo is currently a Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Strategic Partnerships and Projects at Connecticut Department of Transportation. Carrie is a Communications professional with over 15 years of experience, predominantly in the nonprofit sector, focusing on public relations, brand strategy, fundraising and crisis communications. She has a robust skill set that includes Strategic Public, Strategic Communications, Marketing Communications, Internal Communications, Social Media and more. Titolo will assume the board seat following the completion of Carlo Leone’s distinguished service.

Karen Wosczyna-Birch, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing

Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch has championed engineering and technology education for more than 30 years. Since 1995, she has served as State Director of the Connecticut College of Technology, building nationally recognized seamless pathways linking Connecticut’s 12 community colleges, now CT State Community College, with universities and technical high schools. She is Executive Director and Principal Investigator of the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, an NSF Center of Excellence, and Professor Emeritus of Applied Technology at CT State: Tunxis. Securing over $30 million in NSF funding, including international grants, she has expanded opportunities for underrepresented STEM students. Her honors include awards from Epsilon Pi Tau, NEBHE, HI-TEC, and ITEEA, recognizing leadership and innovation.