Dr. Jasna Jankovic is an Assistant Professor at the Materials Science and Engineering Department, and is part of C2E2 faculty focusing on clean energy solutions. She initiated the idea of the STEAM Tree to attract faculty and students of interdisciplinary backgrounds to clean energy and sustainable solutions.
Professor Chris Sancomb is an Assistant Professor in the new Industrial Design program in the School of Fine Arts with a research focus on designing socially interactive exhibits and environments. He joined the STEAM Tree project as Co-PI to explore ways design could facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and to develop an artistic clean energy installation that is accessible to the public
Dr. Cynthia Jones is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology who studies leaf shapes and plant architectures from an evolutionary and functional perspective.
Dr. Sung Yeul Park is an Associate Professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and is part of C2E2 faculty focusing on renewable energy integrations. He joined the STEAM Tree as senior personnel, and his role is to consult electrical design and interface solutions.
Dr. Stacy W. Maddern began teaching at UConn as an adjunct professor in 2014 and has recently joined the full-time faculty in Urban and Community Studies. He has previously taught at New York University, the University of Hartford, and Central Connecticut State University. His scholarly interests include community theory, social capital, citizen engagement, organizational theory, urban social movements, and the history of education Dr. Maddern will focus on studying the social interactions around the STEAM Tree
Elliot is a student in the School of Fine Arts working towards a BFA with a focus in sculpture and ceramics. His background is in production and fabrication with particular focus in wood and aluminum.For this project he is using his skills in design and manufacturing to bring the tree from a rendering to a reality.
Clayton Ehasz is an alumnus of the University of Connecticut, and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in December 2020. He participated in the design of the STEAM Tree, focusing primarily on the electrical systems.
Andela Stefanovic is a junior majoring in Computer Science and Engineering with minors in Astrophysics and Human Rights. She works under the Materials Science and Engineering Department on this project, on modelling solar cells, while also being part of the design workgroup and social media team.
Vuk Jankovic is a student at the University of Connecticut in his freshman year. He is working towards his undergraduate degree in Psychological Sciences. He joined the STEAM tree group because he became interested in clean energy and it is a great educational experience.
Dar Jankovic is a student at Edwin O. Smith Highschool. He works with the Design Team in the STEAM Tree project and helps with contributing ideas to the group.
Michelle Skowronek is an Urban & Community Studies major who is currently in the fast track program for a Master in Public Administration with a focus on Urban Planning. Michelle examines the design process of the STEAM tree so that It fosters inclusivity, equality and sustainability within the community. Michelle uses biomimetic, circular city and new urbanist principles as a basis for her approach.
Kevin Knowles is a junior in electrical engineering with interests in PCB design, RF, and the internet of things. When he’s not working on electronics for school, he enjoys amateur radio, camping, astronomy, and photography
Noorpreet Kaur is a PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department and a member of the Arboretum Committee at UConn. She enjoys walking in nature and is interested in developing clean energy resources to mitigate climate change.
Naime Gilani is a second-year undergraduate student studying Biological Sciences. Her goal is to one day work as a Public Health professional. In working on the STEAM Tree, she hopes to establish a more forward-thinking and environmentally conscious culture at UConn that emphasizes the importance of the environment on our health.
Raisa Vazquez is a junior in the school of Fine Arts’ individualized major program with a focus on industrial design. She is one of the students on the design team for the STEAM Tree.
Pablo Zarama is a Materials Science and Engineering Major from the class of 2023, and is passionate about all things STEM related. Pablo is working under Dr. Jankovic in the STEAM Tree project
Kai Vestergaard is a senior high school student at Glastonbury High School. He is part of the design team and is interested in finding ways to make solar energy more appealing.