The Optomem Team

Dr. Harry Ruda - Inventor
Dr. Harry Ruda is Director of the Centre for Advanced Nanotechnology, the Energenius Chair in Nanotechnology, and Professor of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. He earned his PhD from MIT in 1982. Professor Ruda has published over 200 publications in international refereed journals, co-authored 4 books and has 14 patents. His research interests focus on the fabrication and modeling of quantum functional nanostructures with applications in the fields of nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.

Dr. Carlos Fernandes - Inventor
Dr. Carlos Fernandes is a Research Associate at the Centre for Advanced Nanotechnology (CAN) at the University of Toronto, Canada’s first nanotechnology centre. After receiving his Ph.D. from University College London (Dept. of Chemical Engineering) for work on the numerical simulation of combustion chemistry, Dr. Fernandes joined CAN. At the Centre, his work has included experimental investigations of the role of radio-frequency and microwave plasmas on the reduction of pollutant concentrations in flue gases as well as the development of models describing processes within the plasma. This work has led to the development of microplasmas – their generation and characterization.

Dr. Darren Lawless - Director of Research and Development
An accomplished senior research and development executive, Dr. Lawless has a strong track record of moving technology from concept to market. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Concordia University. Dr. Lawless is the recipient of numerous awards from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. His experience brings advanced expertise in research, new product commercialization, new product development, funding, writing, and general business management and development for the water, environmental and chemical industries.

Antonio Liberatore - Director of Business Development
Mr. Liberatore works closely with the team on all aspects of the Optomem business. Antonio has over 10 years experience related to business start-up, commercialization and market development of chemical related products for corrosion protection and water treatment. He has participated as an industrial leader on several national standards councils for new emerging technologies. Antonio is constantly seeking joint partnerships to further develop Optomem’s featured sensor platform technology.

Samuel Leung - CFA, Director of Business Planning & Analysis
Mr. Leung works closely with the business team to assist in the development of business and financial plans and support strategic initiatives. Sam has over ten years experience in senior roles with manufacturing, financial services and technology companies and has expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, financial reporting, and technology commercialization. He holds an MBA and is a CFA charterholder.

Brett Johnson - Director of Marketing
Mr. Johnson has responsibility for Optomem’s branding, market analysis, go-to-market strategies and demand creation. Brett is a veteran of technology marketing, having held management positions at GE, Nortel and Accenture. He holds a B.Eng. and an MBA.