Founder, President and CEO

Dr. Aquino’s expertise lies in optimization, computational science, and inverse problems, spanning PDE-constrained optimization, finite element methods, and large-scale simulation for high-consequence engineering applications.

For more than fifteen years, he has served as a consultant and lead architect of scientific software with Sandia National Laboratories, where he has built production-grade computational capabilities used across national security and energy programs.

At Axolotis.AI, he brings this background to bear on the AxHydro Platform, which applies rigorous physics-based modeling and mathematical optimization to help hydropower operators improve flow-to-wire efficiency and extract greater value from their existing assets.

Senior Technical Consultant

Dr. John Brigham provides technical leadership across the Axolotis platform, overseeing model development, algorithm design, and the scientific rigor behind its technologies. He is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, where his research spans advanced materials, imaging technologies, and data-driven engineering solutions. An award-winning educator and researcher, Dr. Brigham is recognized for translating complex technical concepts into practical, impactful innovations.

Senior Analyst / Developer

Nicholas provides quantitative modeling, data analysis, systems integration, and software development support for the company’s analytical solutions. He specializes in transforming complex data into actionable insights through statistical modeling, optimization, and scalable software tools.

Nicholas holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University, where he focused on quantitative finance, risk analytics, machine learning, and portfolio optimization. He has conducted advanced research in mathematical optimization and risk management and completed Ph.D. qualifying examinations in Quantitative Finance.

Senior Developer for Embedded Systems Consultant

Egon Levy is a computer engineer who operates at the intersection of software and hardware. He specializes in designing high-performance hardware systems and optimizing compute-intensive and HPC workloads to meet demanding latency, security, and regulatory requirements while maximizing efficiency.

As a Senior Engineer and Technical Lead at Cisco Systems, and later as an independent consultant, Egon has led large-scale initiatives spanning performance engineering, systems architecture, embedded systems, IoT, hardware-level telemetry, and applied AI. His work has supported clients across the energy, financial services, government, and technology sectors, where reliability, scalability, and operational rigor are paramount.

Head of Finance and Business Operations

Darla is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and finance executive helping founders build and scale successful businesses. She leverages her deep experience in startup operations and venture-backed companies to help build the foundation for long-term growth and success. She has served as CFO and strategic advisor to numerous early-stage and growth companies, supporting fundraising, financial strategy, operational growth, and business transformation. She received her BBA from Baylor University. 

Corporate Advisor

Dr. Neal Simmons is an energy industry leader, engineer, entrepreneur, and educator with deep expertise in hydroelectric generation, renewable energy, and innovation. He has held senior leadership roles at Eagle Creek Renewable Energy and Cube Hydro and served as a Duke University engineering professor for more than 25 years, where he helped establish Duke's Energy Engineering program.

Dr. Simmons has founded successful engineering companies, holds more than 30 U.S. patents licensed worldwide, and has authored over 100 technical publications. He brings extensive experience in power systems, hydroelectric project rehabilitation, automation, and energy technology innovation. He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University.

Corporate Advisor

Dr. Kristina Johnson is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, engineer, and energy leader. She co-founded Cube Hydro Partners, deploying over $630 million in capital and generating top-tier investment returns, and has founded six technology companies. She currently serves on the boards of Cisco, DuPont, MTI, and Infleqtion.

Previously, Dr. Johnson served as U.S. Under Secretary of Energy, where she managed an $11 billion energy portfolio and helped launch ARPA-E. A member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, she holds 45 U.S. patents and received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2025. She has also served as President of The Ohio State University, Chancellor of SUNY, and Dean of Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering.

Corporate Advisor

Ben is a clean energy executive, investor, and board advisor with deep experience spanning venture capital, energy infrastructure, fintech, and corporate strategy. He currently serves as Venture Partner at Clean Energy Ventures, Fractional Chief Commercial Officer at Rebound Technologies, Senior Advisor to Ndustrial, and a Board Member of Joules Accelerator. He is also a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (New Jersey Chapter), where he focuses on strategy, governance, capital raising, and sustainable projects.

Previously, Ben held leadership and advisory roles with Electrada, Braemar Energy Ventures, Duke Energy, Aquilon Energy, and Broadscale Group. Earlier in his career, he worked in energy investment banking with Goldman Sachs and held commercial, trading, and corporate development roles at Cinergy and Enron. Throughout his career, Ben has focused on accelerating energy innovation, scaling growth companies, raising capital, and advancing clean energy technologies.

Board Member and Corporate Advisor

Grant founded Global Frontier Investments, LLC a long-term oriented global equities fund and serves as its portfolio manager.  Grant focuses on frontier technologies across the technology and healthcare sectors. Grant previously served as the CFO of Infleqtion, a leading quantum technology company where Global Frontier was a seed investor.

Grant received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, with majors in Analytical Finance, Management & Strategy, and Accounting. He received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. 

Board Member

Heriberto Diarte is a seasoned investor and operating executive with deep expertise across energy, infrastructure, and industrial technology. As Founder and CEO of Schneider Electric Ventures, he led the firm's $1.2 billion venture platform, delivering strong returns across a global portfolio. He later served as a Partner at Quantum Capital Group and has held board roles with innovative companies including Claroty, AutoGrid, and Aro Homes.

Prior to his investment career, Heriberto spent 18 years in senior leadership roles with leading industrial and energy companies, driving business growth, operational improvement, and large-scale acquisitions. Having lived and worked across nine countries, he brings a global perspective on technology commercialization, scaling businesses, and value creation. He holds a BS from ITAM, an MBA from Stanford University, and an MPA from Harvard University.