-
Emily Knight
Emily Knight Emily Knight is the President of The Engine Accelerator, where she is responsible for shaping the organization's strategic direction and building partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions to foster an environment where Tough Tech teams can thrive and innovate. Since 2017, Emily has served in various operational roles at The Engine, including that of COO. Prior to The Engine, she spent time managing general operations, strategy, and product development at Workbar coworking spaces. Emily holds a BS from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.
-
Ben Downing
Ben Downing Ben Downing is Vice President of Public Affairs at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, Ben was Vice President for New Market Development at Nexamp, a veteran-founded, Boston-based clean energy company. There he led the firm’s strategic development efforts across growing geographies and the firm’s entry into the energy storage market. Prior to this, Ben represented the state's largest Senate district while serving as State Senator for 52 communities in Western Massachusetts. Ben received a BA in Political Science from Providence College and an MA from Tufts University.
-
Rhett Smith
Rhett Smith Rhett Smith is the Vice President of Operations at The Engine Accelerator, where he oversees the day-to-day logistics, ensuring that all departments run efficiently to meet the company's strategic objectives. Before joining The Engine, Rhett was the Director of Operations and co-leader at Roxbury Prep Charter School where he oversaw all school operations including budgeting, enrollment, family engagement, and staff culture. Rhett holds a BA in Economics from Sewanee: The University of the South and a MBA from Georgetown University.
-
Pat Grospiron
Pat Grospiron Pat Grospiron is Executive Director of The Builder Platform, The Engine Accelerator's collaboration with the NSF, aimed at catalyzing the development of innovation ecosystems across ten regions in the United States. Prior to joining The Engine, Pat worked in innovation and commercialization for the materials, aerospace & defense sectors. She also has a decade of experience in building innovation ecosystems, providing capital, services, and connections to technology startups to generate impact. She holds a MA in Business from ESC Clermont and a MBA from Cleveland State University.
-
Preston Oliver
Preston Oliver Preston Oliver is Vice President of Marketing for The Engine Accelerator. His role focuses on amplifying The Engine’s brand and mission while helping expand the Tough Tech community at large. Prior to The Engine, Preston spent time at the Outloud Group as Head of Product Innovation and Rocketbook as the Head of Marketing. He is steeped in growth strategy, brand development, and marketing for startups. He holds a BFA in Design from the University of Connecticut.
-
Alexa Monti
Alexa Monti Alexa Monti is Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships for The Engine Accelerator. She is building a world-class network of strategic partners around the Engine and its resident companies. Prior to The Engine, Alexa held roles in management consulting, venture capital, and as an operator at a Sequoia-backed startup. She holds a BA from Yale University and an MA in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University.
-
Ian Johnston
Ian Johnston Ian Johnston is the Director of Emerging Ecosystem at The Engine Accelerator where he focuses on innovation ecosystem development. Prior to The Engine Accelerator, Ian spent time at Engine Ventures as a Sr. Investment Associate and at Putnam Associates as a Life Sciences Consultant. Ian also worked at the Penn Center for Innovation, assessing technologies for their patent and market potential. Ian holds a PhD in Pharmacology from University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.
-
Alex Grant
Alex Grant Alex Grant is the Director of Programs for The Engine Accelerator. His role is centered on technology translation education and execution from university and national labs to the market via specialized entrepreneurial programs. Alex started his career in Program Management roles in the IOT industry. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Babson College with dual concentrations in Information Technology Management and Strategic Management.
-
Kevin Figueiredo
Kevin Figueiredo Kevin Figueiredo is the Director of Facilities at The Engine Accelerator, where he oversees the maintenance, safety, and overall operational effectiveness of the The Engine Infrastructure. Before joining The Engine, Kevin held multiple roles in facilities across many different sectors at Genzyme, Vericel, Zoo New England, Harvard University, and most recently Nano-C. Kevin holds a BA in Philosophy from UMass Boston.
-
Alex Bergmann
Alex Bergmann Alex Bergmann is Director of Accounting & Finance for The Engine Accelerator. His role focuses on the daily accounting and financing activities. Prior to The Engine, Alex spent time at IDG Communications as a Director of Business Operations and Controller of the SaaS Software division. He also has prior experience working for the Lerner Corporation with construction accounting. Alex holds a BS in Accounting from the University of South Carolina.
-
Hayden McFarlane
Hayden McFarlane Hayden McFarlane is the Business Development Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where he focuses on establishing new business, fostering network partnerships, and driving event sales. Hayden began his career in sales in the luxury travel industry and later moved to Panasonic New Zealand as the National Product Training Manager. Hayden proudly represents his hometown of Waitara, New Zealand.
-
Torrie Lewine
Torrie Lewine Torrie Lewine is the Operations Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where she is responsible for guiding the Community Operations team, streamlining administrative procedures, supporting community programming, and enhancing the resident experience. Torrie has previously held roles including Director of Residence Life at Elms College and Director of Student Wellness and Conduct at American International College. She holds a BA in Mathematics & Educational Studies from Roger Williams University and a MA in Postsecondary Administration & Student Affairs from the University of Southern California.
-
Tara Tatu
Tara Tatu Tara Tatu is the Laboratory Operations Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where she oversees the day-to-day management of lab facilities and ensures the smooth operation of research projects. Before The Engine, Tara worked at DermBiont, a topical therapeutic company in Boston focused on treating skin diseases. She began her career performing microbiological and molecular diagnostic assays, as well as general laboratory maintenance. Tara holds a BS in Forensic Science and an AAS in Biological Sciences from SUNY Alfred State College.
-
Steve Cortesa
Steve Cortesa Steve Cortesa is the Shop & Fabrication Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where he oversees workshop operations and provides expertise in product development and prototyping. Prior to joining The Engine, Steve supported hands-on education in the mechanical engineering program at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He also has professional experience in product development. Steve holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MA in Liberal Arts in Management from the Harvard Extension School.
-
Will Burnham
Will Burnham Will Burnham is a Mechanical Engineer for The Engine Accelerator. He focuses on helping our Tough Tech teams with their design and fabrication needs and develops our Shop spaces for further utility. Prior to The Engine, Will spent time at Flexo Concepts designing and fabricating advanced automation equipment for the battery and printing industry. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
-
Steven Vilsaint
Steven Vilsaint Steven Vilsaint is a Procurement Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where he oversees the acquisition of technology and materials crucial for accelerating the growth of early-stage startups. Prior to joining The Engine, Steven was a Senior Site Specialist with ThermoFisher Scientific. Steven has a BA in Architectural History and Technology from Bridgewater University.
-
Robbie West
Robbie West Robbie West is the Laboratory Equipment Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where he manages and maintains specialized lab equipment, directly supporting researchers and their experiments. Prior to The Engine, he worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital as a Clinical Engineer. Robbie earned his BS in Biomedical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
-
Nana Kusi Minkah
Nana Kusi Minkah Nana Kusi Minkah is a Senior Community Operations Associate at The Engine Accelerator, where he focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships between startups Tough Tech ecosystem. Previously, Nana worked as a head photographer for Minks Media. Driven by his passion for supporting communities of color, he crafted marketing and advertising content for black businesses and aided in the promotion of community-based projects. Nana earned his BA in Finance and Studio Art from Boston College.
-
Jen Gately
Jen Gately Jen Gately is Executive Coordinator at The Engine Accelerator, where she supports the executive team and company operations. Before joining The Engine, Jen worked in a variety of roles, including digital content creation, sales, and household management. Jen received her BA in Communication and a minor in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
-
Mary Kamau
Mary Kamau Mary Kamau is a Program Coordinator at The Engine Accelerator, where she focuses on ecosystem programs. Before joining The Engine, Mary worked as a project associate at Genentech where she provided critical support for various business projects across the Commercial, Medical, and Government Affairs department. She also provided support to the department's Diversity and Inclusion plan by playing an active role in fostering belonging. Mary holds a BS in Chemistry from Howard University, and a minor in Kiswahili.
-
Lina Henríquez
Lina Henríquez Lina Henríquez is a Program Coordinator at The Engine Accelerator, where she supports technology translation programs. Prior to The Engine, Lina spent time at StartUP FIU, a university-wide innovation hub that fosters and develops entrepreneurship for students and researchers. She also served as an Undergraduate Researcher at the MIT Media Lab in the Biomechatronics and Personal Robot Groups. Lina holds a BBA from Florida International University, with a dual focus in Data Analytics and Market Research.
-
Aden Stephens
Aden Stephens Aden Stephens is a Community Operations Associate for The Engine Accelerator where they focus on building and maintaining strong relationships between startups in the Tough Tech ecosystem while providing essential operational support. Prior to The Engine, Aden spent time in a variety of customer experience and administrative assistant roles. Aden holds a BS in Computer Science and Human Services from Northeastern University.
-
Maxine Bouvier
Maxine Bouvier Maxine Bouvier is a Community Operations Associate for The Engine Accelerator. Her role focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with startups and finding solutions for their day to day operational needs. Prior to The Engine, Maxine spent time in a variety of roles, creating digital content, teaching at Cambridge Friends School, and working as a freelance executive assistant. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she minored in Political Science.
-
Aaron Ellies
Aaron Ellies Aaron Ellies is a Facilities Associate for The Engine Accelerator, where he oversees building maintenance, coordinates with vendors, and ensures that all facilities are operating smoothly to support the company's operations. Before The Engine, Aaron worked for WeWork, JLL, and Smartlabs as a Facilities Associate, gaining field knowledge.
-
Michael Higgins
-
Jose Agosto
Jose Agosto Jose Agosto is a Laboratory Operations Associate at The Engine Accelerator, where he is responsible for maintaining and sanitizing shared lab spaces, as well as ensuring they are fully stocked with necessary supplies. Before joining The Engine, he amassed over seven years of experience in biotech lab support at Vericel Corp. Jose is well-versed in Good Manufacturing Practices.
-
Michael Bobadilla
Michael Bobadilla Michael Bobadilla is a Laboratory Operations Associate at The Engine Accelerator, where he is instrumental in maintaining a safe and efficient lab environment for cutting-edge research and development initiatives. Before joining The Engine, Michael honed his skills as a Lab Associate at Boston Lab Services and a Lab Tech at DENS Facility Services. He is currently pursuing his AA in Business Administration and Graphic Design at Roxbury Community College.
-
Milagros Arias Mendoza
Milagros Arias Mendoza Milagros Arias Mendoza is the Front Desk & Reception Manager at The Engine Accelerator, where she oversees visitor engagement, manages incoming calls, and coordinates office activities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, she was the Quality Operations Specialist & Receptionist for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
-
Kris Jean-Francois
Kris Jean-Francois Kris Jean-Francois is a Front Desk Associate for The Engine Accelerator. Her role support day to day operations at 501 Mass Ave. Prior to The Engine, Kris was the photographer of NoirXPhotos. Kris is pursuing a BS in Marketing from UMass Dartmouth.