StartLabs - team

executive board

Sophia Petrovas

Co-Director

Class of 2025

Sophia Petrovas

Finance and Economics

Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Petrovas, and I'm one of the Co-Directors for StartLabs this year! I'm from Newport, Rhode Island, but my family is from Kalamata, Greece. I'm a sophomore majoring in course 15-3 (Finance) and minoring in course 14 (Economics). My favorite part about StartLabs is the network of entrepreneurs that students are immediately connected to.

Kidus Yohannes

Co-Director

Class of 2025

Kidus Yohannes

Computer Science and Finance

Hi everyone!! My name is Kidus and I am one of the co-directors of StartLabs. I'm a Course 6-3 and 15-3 double major. I joined StartLabs in the fall of my freshman year and since then it has helped me grow in various aspects of my life. I have learned a lot about entrepreneurship, interacted with numerous founders, and become a part of the StartLabs family which I deeply cherish.

Andrew Cai

VP of Finance and Scholarships

Class of 2025

Andrew Cai

Mathematics

Hi! I'm really interested in highly data-based technology, and I aspire to lead projects to further integrate it into society. I enjoy mathematics, algorithm design, and machine learning, and I hope I can apply this knowledge to innovate and create new products! In my free time, I play basketball and poker.

Sofia Pronina

VP of Internal Development

Class of 2026

Sofia Pronina

Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science

Hi there! My name is Sofia, and I am a freshman at MIT majoring in CS, Economics, and Data Science. I am super excited about FinTech and EdTech, particularly in the realm of financial literacy. I am also interested in AI and AGI safety research, as in high school I worked at an AI tech startup. For fun, I enjoy traveling, studying foreign languages, and reading.

Lana VanNote

VP of Operations

Class of 2025

Lana VanNote

Chemical Engineering

Hi! I'm Lana, a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and pursuing an MEng in Civil & Environmental Engineering. My interests lie in biotech entrepreneurial experiences, particularly converting research-derived technology into tangible consumer products. Beyond studying microfluidic applications, I enjoy crocheting and being an MIT Figure Skating Club competition team member.

Max Tan

VP of Events

Class of 2025

Max Tan

Physics, Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making

Hi y'all! I'm Max, a current sophomore interested about everything in and in between physics+AI. Startlabs has been an amazing community for passionate makers and thinkers to come together, and I'm excited to give back as the current Founder Liaison. For fun, I enjoy cooking a good aglio e olio, watching a Koreeda movie, and walks on the esplanade.

Isaiah Nathaniel

Director Web Technologies

Class of 2026

Isaiah Nathaniel

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hey everyone, I'm Isaiah and I'm currently studying electrical engineering and computer science. In particular, I am very interested in quantum computing, embedded systems, and machine learning. Outside of StartLabs, I am a player for the MIT lacrosse team and a member of both BSU and NSBE.

Kevin Wen

Director of Alumni Relations

Class of 2025

Kevin Wen

Mathematics with Computer Science

Hey everyone, I'm Kevin. I joined StartLabs to learn more about entrepreneurship from its network at large. I'm interested in applied math for its reach into domains I'm considering going into. I ultimately want to realize my ambitions in research and entrepreneurship, where I can contribute a new discovery or innovation. I also enjoy basketball, weightlifting, pool, running, and playing piano.

Elenna Kim

VP of Marketing

Class of 2025

Elenna Kim

Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making

Hi there, I'm Elenna! My interests lie in AI/ML applied to healthcare/medicine. I'm excited to be a part of StartLabs and to expand MIT's student entrepreneurship community.

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team

Jen BenArye

Class of 2027

Jen BenArye

Artificial Intelligence

Hi everyone, I'm Jen. I am an Israeli student majoring in 6-4. Serving in 8200 I developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship, I am interested in ML and aim to found a startup in the field. I love solo traveling and scuba diving.

Julia Camacho

Class of 2025

Julia Camacho

Computer Science and Cognition

I'm deeply interested in civic tech, public policy, and UI/UX design. Since 2020, I've been working on building GrassrootsGov.org, a digital platform for everyday political engagement and activism. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, searching for new books on Goodreads, and going on long walks.

Corona Chen

Class of 2027

Corona Chen

Chemical-Biological Engineering

Hi! My name is Corona, and I am a 27 interested in biotech, sustainability, and AI/ML!

Samuel Chen

Class of 2027

Samuel Chen

Computer Science and Finance

Hi everyone! I'm Sam, a current freshman interested in the intersection of finance and computer science. I am thankful to be a part of StartLabs and have a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Outside of StartLabs, I play on the MIT basketball team and enjoy trying new restaurants in Boston.

Vivian Chinoda

Class of 2025

Vivian Chinoda

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

I am passionate about entrepreneurship and its intersection with sustainability and engineering. I am also strongly drawn to writing. My team and I are currently working on an e-ride hailing social enterprise in Zimbabwe. I centre all my ventures on the "unhu ubuntu", a southern African social philosophy that translates to "I am because we are" or "humanity towards others".

Evan Comiskey

Class of 2025

Evan Comiskey

Mechanical Engineering

I am working with a small group of StartLabs members on redefining the way athletes use velocity based training equipment by making it simpler and more engaging to use, as well as cheaper for the average athlete. I have previous experience in the both hardware and software development of small rockets and autonomous drones.

Caroline Cuningham

Class of 2024

Caroline Cuningham

Compuer Science and Engineering

I am a junior studying 6-3 interested in healthcare, education, and tech for good. After MIT, I hope to go into the technology industry and develop impactful products. In my free time, I love to run, play racquet sports, and explore Boston.

Jamil Dellawar

Class of 2024

Jamil Dellawar

computer science, data science, and economics

I'm a sophomore working on my own start-up in the music technology and business space. I'm personally into data management, machine learning, and social entrepreneurship.

Neil Deshmukh

Class of 2024

Neil Deshmukh

Computer Science and Engineering, 15-2

I'm a senior from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and I'm dedicated to developing comprehensive solutions to societal problems, by incorporating novel technologies and community involvement. In my free time, though, you can find me with friends, biking, playing Overwatch, or attempting to cook.

Dylan Dong

Class of 2024

Dylan Dong

Computer Science, Data science, and Economics, Mathematics

Hi! I'm Dylan, a sophomore passionate in ML and data science. I'm focused on bringing and providing value and making an impact in the things that I do. Currently interested in ed-tech and blockchain.

Michael Ewing

Class of 2027

Michael Ewing

Mechanical engineering and entrepreneurship

Hi my name is Michael Ewing. I am extremely interested in the creative design process and technology that makes a positive social impact. I am particularly passionate about advancements in the health and wellness sector.

Veer Gadodia

Class of 2025

Veer Gadodia

Computer Science and Engineering

I'm an aspiring tech entrepreneur passionate about fin-tech, ed-tech, and healthcare. I am currently working on building an ed-tech platform that facilitates live 1 on 1 AI and Data Science classes by connecting students with experienced instructors.

Luc Gaitskell

Class of 2026

Luc Gaitskell

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

I grew up in the ocean state! I'm fascinated by electronics and its application to computer science, especially for machine learning. Outside of class, I build controls systems for the MIT Formula SAE team.

Cerine Hamida

Class of 2024

Cerine Hamida

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hello, my name is Cerine! I am passionate about using AI/ML and computational sciences to develop technologies and tools that address environmental and social challenges. I am currently founding an EdTech startup that aims to democratize high-quality and personalized education.

Renee Hong

Class of 2027

Renee Hong

Computer Science and Mathematics

Hi everyone!! My name is Renee Hong, and I’m currently studying Math and CS. I’m passionate about utilizing math and technology to solve real world challenges.

Anka Hu

Class of 2024

Anka Hu

Mathematics, Computer and Cognition

I'm a sophomore passionate about using problem-solving for telling effective and meaningful stories through technology.

Felix Huang

Class of 2025

Felix Huang

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mathematics

My name is Felix Huang and I am a third-year here at MIT. Career-wise, I'm very interested in computer science, quantitative trading, and biotechnology. However, in the future, I hope to get involved in the startup space, either as a founder or early contributor. Currently, I am working on my own startup, Celerity Athletics, along with my co-founders Bradley Bunch and Evan Comiskey.

Ritika Jeloka

Class of 2024

Ritika Jeloka

Computer and Cognition

I'm interested in using computational neuroscience, machine learning, and medical devices to help learn about and limit neurodegenerative diseases. Entrepreneurially, I hope to someday lead a group that can work towards this mission.

Rohan Kanchana

Class of 2025

Rohan Kanchana

Physics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

I'm interested in biotech, physics, and ML/software ' and, currently, I'm working to reduce the cost of DNA sequencing for gene editing researchers using software. I also like to play guitar, sing, get *better* at dancing, and read.

Supriya Lall

Class of 2025

Supriya Lall

Computer Science and Engineering

Hi! I'm Supriya, and I'm from the Bay Area, California. I'm interested in computer science and its intersection with chemistry and biology. Currently, I'm pursuing research at the Doyle Group. In my free time, I love to read, as well as draw and paint!

James Liu

Class of 2026

James Liu

Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making

Hi! I’m James, a freshman majoring in 6-4 and 18. I’m mainly interested in ML, and its potential to revolutionize the finance sector.

Janet Liu

Class of 2026

Janet Liu

Economics, Computer Science, and Data Science

Hi everyone! I'm Janet, a first-year at MIT studying Course 6-14: Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science; and 15-3: Finance. During the 2023 academic year, I will be serving as Co-VP Finance and Web Technologies Director for StartLabs. I'm looking forward to working and connecting with the broader MIT entrepreneurship community!

Miranda Liu

Class of 2026

Miranda Liu

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Miranda is the Co-VP of Events for startlabs, in which she is actively involved with hosting speaker events and planning entrepreneurship events for our startup community. At MIT, Miranda is planning on majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Yuval Mamana

Class of 2025

Yuval Mamana

Computer Science and Engineering

After amazing 2 years in a medical startup, I developed a great enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial world. I aspire to use technology, and specifically data science, in the medical industry.

Kevin Meng

Class of 2024

Kevin Meng

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hi! I'm Kevin, a senior studying computer science and electrical engineering. I'm interested in the multitude of ways computing can shape the way we interact with the world; recently, I've spent a lot of time thinking about building more intelligent, transparent, and practical machine learning systems.

Anish Ravichandran

Class of 2024

Anish Ravichandran

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

I'm interested in electric and autonomous vehicles, IoT, aerospace, FinTech, and robotics. No set plans yet, but I'm looking to launch a startup while at MIT with other MIT co-founders.

Arya Sasne

Class of 2025

Arya Sasne

Engineering, Computation and Cognition

I'm extremely passionate about using entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world around me, largely in the field of sustainability. At the moment, I'm working on a solo-traveling startup called BubbleBuddy. It's taught me so much, and I'm excited to continue working and learning more about entrepreneurship.

Lexi Spinetta

Class of 2024

Lexi Spinetta

Mathematics

I am largely focused on the intersection of venture capital and early-stage entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of cutting-edge research.

Ana Tejeda

Class of 2027

Ana Tejeda

Mechanical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence

Passionate about innovating consumer tech, AI, and hardware.

Anirudh Valiveru

Class of 2025

Anirudh Valiveru

Computer Science and Engineering

Hi! I am Anirudh, a first-year here at MIT studying computer science. I am interested in the application of technology to streamline daily activities and connect people. I love building products that visibly impact my peers' lives and hope to learn more about applications in cutting-edge tech (autonomous vehicles and AR) during my time at MIT.

Ella Wang

Class of 2026

Ella Wang

Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science

Hello! I'm Ella, and I'm the Marketing Director for StartLabs! I'm a sophomore from Arizona majoring in 6-14 and 15-1(?). Some of my interests include machine learning, biotech/healthtech, and venture capital. I joined StartLabs to be more involved in the flourishing entrepreneurship environment around MIT, and I'm excited to get to know more innovators in this community!

Andrew Wang

Class of 2026

Andrew Wang

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hi! I'm Andrew Wang. I'm passionate about reshaping journalism and creating new possibilities in ML. In my free time I enjoy playing basketball and poker.

Jessica Wu

Class of 2024

Jessica Wu

Mathematics

I really love to build things, and I also really love learning! I've spent the past few years studying some really incredible mathematics and on the side I love to work on projects in fun areas (recently, a combo of fintech/crypto/art). In the long term, I hope to develop tech with legacy impact.

Nicole Xu

Class of 2027

Nicole Xu

Computer Science

Hello! I'm a freshman studying computer science interested in ML/AI and social entrepreneurship. I joined StartLabs to explore the intersection of tech and entrepreneurship and get to know the startup space at MIT! In my free time, I love to paint, bullet journal, and play the violin.

Emily Zhou

Class of 2026

Emily Zhou

Computer Science and Business Analytics

Hello :) I'm Emily, and I'm currently double majoring in computer science and business analytics. I'm not only passionate about entrepreneurship and machine learning, but I have also conducted research internships in computational biology and biomedical devices. Outside of academics, I'm part of Sigma Kappa as well as an executive member of SBC and AIM Labs.

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