Meet The Aquagga Herd
and solutions to the World's biggest challenges around water.

Nigel Sharp
Co-Founder & CEO
Serial entrepreneur, technologist, and Techstars Alum, Nigel Sharp has held successive Entrepreneur in Residence roles at the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Alaska successfully spinning out CU Boulder IP previously attracting SBIR and Venture Capital through multiple rounds of funding.
Brian Pinkard, Ph.D.
Co-Founder & CTO
Dr. Brian Pinkard has previously spearheaded efforts at the University of Washington to develop mobile hydrothermal systems for the destruction of bulk chemical weapon stockpiles. Brian is a widely published expert in the field of hydrothermal processing.
Chris Woodruff
Co-Founder & COO
Chris Woodruff has a wide breadth of engineering experience spanning the aerospace, consumer electronics, and construction industries. His volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders piqued his interest in projects geared toward making a social and environmental impact.
Alex de Marne
Head of New Product Engineering
Alex de Marne began his engineering career at Boeing, where he working on designing detail parts and large assemblies for airplane interiors. Over his career, Alex has designed parts that are flying on airplanes around the world, optimized manufacturing systems, and developed electromechanical systems in lab and production environments.
Haleigh Reed
Environmental Impact & Communications Specialist
Haleigh previously served in the Alaska Fellows Program (AFP) with Launch Alaska.
Mike Czerski
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Mike is a mechanical engineer with a well-rounded technical background in aerospace and startup environments. He has worked on projects ranging from airplane hydraulics, to football helmet design, to consumer product design, and to the design of an experimental combustion reactor for studying particle formation in flames.
Michaela Isaacs
Marketing Specialist
Michaela is a current student in the University of Washington's Business Administration program
Cody Thomsen
Mechanical Engineer
Cody is a recent graduate from the University of Washington Mechanical Engineering program, currently working to complete his Master's while supporting Aquagga's technical development efforts
Bryan Yembiline
Mechanical Engineer
Bryan is a current student in Georgia Tech's Mechanical Engineering program
Saorise Freyholtz
Social Media Communications Specialist
Saoirse Freyholtz has helped hit rock bands make it to the top of the UK charts with a broad set of marketing and design skills. Passionate about making an impact and actively connected to the co-working community in Tacoma, WA.
Hilary Joyner
Senior Marketing Director