Meet The Team

Kelly and Santanu Das, USC Viterbi alumni and seasoned entrepreneurs, promote student innovation to shape the future of life in the City of Angels. Santanu is Bentley Systems' Chief Acceleration Officer, and Kelly leads a real estate company.

Burcin is a globally recognized innovator working at the intersection of the built environment, machine intelligence, and systems thinking. Her interdisciplinary work spans engineering, design, computer science, psychology, and architecture. She has received several prestigious awards, including MIT Technology Review’s TR35, NSF CAREER Award, and the Rutherford Visiting Fellowship at the Alan Turing Institute. She is also a member of the National Academy of Construction.

With a focus on entrepreneurship and maker skills, Brad has been instrumental in launching several student startups at USC. Starting his career at NASA’s JPL, he moved into product design at Richard Holbrook Design and BMW Designworks, collaborating with top companies and leading diverse, award-winning projects across multiple industries.

As Assistant Director of Student Services at USC Viterbi, Maral drives student innovation, coordinating the Das Family Competition. She provides crucial support and guidance, transforming educational experiences and empowering future innovators.

Daniel Druhora, an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of an international production company, blends innovation with storytelling. Having worked on major studio films at Warner Brothers and in independent world cinema, he helps student innovators engage investors and customers through compelling narratives.

With 20+ years in tech, Ralph Lin, has co-founded tech startups and led IoT projects in India for the Gates Foundation. He advises startups in multiple industries and has designed systems for MoMA and the Federal Reserve, driving innovation to address global challenges.

David Gerber's career spans architecture and engineering, with stints at Zaha Hadid and Gehry Technologies. He specializes in computational tools for sustainable design, has been part of several startups, and advises student teams on taking ideas from zero to prototype.

Anabel Diaz plays a crucial role in supporting student startups at USC. She manages administrative tasks, student services, and research labs in CEE, working closely with faculty and students. Anabel acts as a vital liaison with Viterbi and USC central administration, ensuring seamless operations and fostering an environment where student startups can thrive.