ABOUT
We aim to revolutionize the respiratory health market by developing an accessible and comprehensive solution to address current device limitations. Our device incorporates advanced sensors and user-friendly design, with interactive training capabilities. Unlike existing alternatives, we accommodate both nasal and oral breathing, offering users a holistic approach to optimizing their respiratory well-being.
Sedentary lifestyles have contributed to a global decline in cardiopulmonary health, increasing the risk of heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), and systemic infections. Our device offers a solution to these challenges, presenting an opportunity to improve the well-being of individuals worldwide.
Moreover, the device has a potential for aiding in the recovery process after respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and COVID-19. Additionally, it can enhance athletic performance for fitness enthusiasts through targeted respiratory training.
OUR TEAM
Tanya Hutter, PhD
tanya.hutter@utexas.edu | LinkedIn
Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, UT Austin. Dr Hutter has a track record of technology innovation and entrepreneurship in sensing and instrument development demonstrated by 7 patents, 50+ research papers, two startups and many prestigious awards. She lead highly multidisciplinary teams, both in academia and startups, to develop novel technologies from early conception.
Nirmalay Barua
nirmalay@utexas.edu | LinkedIn
Graduate Student, Materials Science and Engineering, UT Austin
Filippo Martellotti
fm22263@my.texas.edu | LinkedIn
With a decade of diverse work experience under my belt, I’m a payments product manager specializing in data-driven solutions. Currently at Pitney Bowes, I oversee the payments product portfolio, applying my expertise in data analytics, project management, and marketing to improve customer experience, mitigate fraud, and boost revenue. My educational background includes an MS in Technology Commercialization from Texas McCombs School of Business and an MBA in Data Analytics from UC Irvine. With roots in finance and project management, I excel at bridging gaps between various stakeholders and teams. Always on the lookout for opportunities to grow and collaborate, I thrive in environments that are aligned with my vision and values.
Mario Perez
Map89@gmail.com | LinkedIn
Bridging complex technical demands with commercial success for over 12 years. I rely on strong listening skills and a natural curiosity in science to create and deliver exceptional value to customers. Currently at Luxium Solutions a radiation detection company I lead EMEA Business Development efforts. Embedded since early stages of my career in international and multicultural environments, I learned how important is the human element of business, that which allows me to build trust and strong business relationships. Scholar background in nanotechnology and molecular engineering from Universidad de las Americas, Puebla in Mexico and pursuing a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization from University of Texas at Austin in US, I’m building up strategy skills to commercialize resilient technologies that will endure uncertainty while maximizing profitability.
Arturo Rios
arturoorios@gmail.com | LinkedIn
Arturo has bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering with over 15 years of industry experience. He is driven by the desire to improve the quality of life for society through technology. Arturo began his career at Motorola, where he worked with a small team developing a baseband System on a Chip (SoC) for 4G Wireless technologies such as WiMAX and LTE. Later, he joined Intel and held multiple roles as a System Validation Engineer, Power and Performance Validation Engineer, and most recently, as a Customer Quality Engineer supporting Global Accounts for the past 4 years. Arturo is a lifelong learner and constantly strives to stay up to date with the latest developments in his field. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Technology Commercialization from Texas McCombs business school. In his free time, he enjoys travelling with his kids.
Jay Peña
jp64487@my.utexas.edu | LinkedIn
Jay Peña has been in the technology industry for over 15 years and, has held leadership positions at Verizon, Peer1 Hosting, and has led a team during combat operations in the United States Army. Currently, he is the Director for Go-to-Market for Banking Financial Service and Insurance vertical for North America at Rackspace Technology, where he focuses on ensuring the delivery of Fanatical support to clients by creating IT solutions for multimillion-dollar projects. In his previous roles, he worked on launching IT services in Latin America by working with partners and deploying a point of presence in Mexico. He also supported sales, marketing, and technical teams and hired and trained local employees. Peña holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Development from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, and is pursuing his Master of Science in IT Commercialization at the University of Texas in Austin.
Bhari Cowlagi
bhari.cowlagi@gmail.com | LinkedIn
As a fresh undergraduate from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Bhari is an ambitious and driven individual who seeks to gain more experience in industry. With a dual business degree in Business Analytics and Social Responsibility and Sustainability, she’s passionate about exploring more opportunities at the intersection of responsible business and data analytics, and can bring a unique blend of analytical skills and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Bhari has previous experience working for global startups such as MiiCare, Ltd. in London, as well as larger corporations like the Leeds School of Business and Visa, Inc. Bhari is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Technology Commercialization at UT Austin, and is eager to contribute her enthusiasm to innovative projects that make a positive impact on the business world.
Melissa Prieto
Melissa Prieto is a distinguished Sports Performance Specialist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with international presence. She is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for professional MMA fighters competing in renowned fighting leagues such as the UFC, PFL, and Bellator, Melissa also coached elite athletes in diverse disciplines, including MMA, Major League Soccer (MLS), and tennis. She is the sole Oxygen Advantage Master Instructor dedicated to MMA fighters. Her groundbreaking methods and innovative training techniques have redefined the landscape of sports performance, setting her apart as a visionary in her field. She has also been featured in prestigious combat sport and sports science podcasts in both English and Spanish.
ADVISORS AND COLLABORATORS
Koonj Shah, MD
Chief of the Division of Pulmonology & Critical Care, and Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, UT Austin
NEWS
September 2023: Kick off meeting with undergraduate research assistants.
September 2023: We received Discovery to Impact proof-of-concept award of $25,000. During the next 6 months we will de-risk the technology and to conduct clinical testing with patients and athletes.
August 2023: First in-person meeting with the MSTC team.
July – August 2023: Our team, Nirmalay Barua, Tanya Hutter and Rolly Willis, participated in the National Science Foundation’s National I-CorpsTM program.
May 2023: The second prototype, with additional features, has been developed by undergraduate mechanical engineering students as a part of their Senior Design project.
Dec 2022: The first prototype has been developed by undergraduate mechanical engineering students as a part of their Senior Design project.