Dr. Minh Tran is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heliotrope Photonics. With over six years of expertise in materials science and advanced coating techniques, Minh’s pioneering work forms the foundation of Heliotrope’s innovative solar technology. She is an Activate Fellow and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, recognizing her leadership and impact in clean energy innovation. Minh’s PhD research at NYU earned her prestigious honors, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Graduate Student Award, the American Vacuum Society’s Nellie Yeoh Whetten Award, and NYU’s Turner Alfrey Prize.

Dr. Ryan Eriksen is the Director of Engineering at Heliotrope Photonics, where he leads prototyping and scaleup of the company’s advanced light-shifting coatings. With a PhD in Materials Science from Boston University and over a decade of experience in engineering R&D, Ryan brings deep technical expertise and a strong track record in technology development and engineering execution. Prior to joining Heliotrope, he co-founded Sol Clarity, where he led the commercialization of an electrostatic self-cleaning system for solar panels.

Conrad Caviezel, co-founder of Heliotrope Photonics, brings over a decade of strategic and business leadership from a leading Swiss sustainability company, where he directed large teams and shaped impactful initiatives. His expertise spans driving complex projects in sustainable and low-carbon transportation, combined with a strong track record in renewable energy policy and market strategy. Conrad holds an M.A. in Political Science and earned his Executive MBA from NYU Stern. In his role as Business Advisor, he continues to guide Heliotrope’s strategic growth and long-term vision.

Professor Eray S. Aydil serves as our Science Advisor, bringing more than 20 years of expertise in solar cells and coating techniques. As the Chemical & Biomolecular Department Chair at NYU and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology, Prof. Aydil’s contributions to the field are widely recognized. His accomplishments include over 225 published articles and seven patents. In recognition of his research, he has received the Peter Mark Award and the Plasma Prize from the American Vacuum Society, the Norman Hackerman Young Author Award from the Electrochemical Society, the National Young Investigator Award of the National Science Foundation, and the Camille- Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award.

John Easoz, our Industry Advisor, has worked in the solar industry since 1985 and has over 40 years of experience in energy engineering, research, photovoltaics development, manufacturing, and technical and corporate management. At Solar PV Consulting, Easoz has developed a client base of over forty solar companies, ranging from startups to well established photovoltaic (PV) firms, and covering the value chain from silicon production through installed systems. Easoz concurrently works as CEO of Direct Gain Consulting, an executive level consulting firm specializing in the renewable energy industry.