Meet the Team

Founder

Changmin Shi

Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University. Nominated as a Sigma Xi Full Member, recipient of the Inventor of the Year Award, Central New York 40 under 40, and the Nano Research Energy Young Star Researcher Gold Award.

Chief Strategy Officer

Michael Zheng

Michael leads WATT’s global growth initiatives, bringing experience in data engineering, AI applications, and technology venture building. He oversees the company’s AI strategy, branding, market expansion, and strategic partnerships, helping transform advanced battery research into scalable commercial solutions.

Ying Wang

Senior Engineer

Ying is a Senior Engineer with extensive expertise in battery technology. With a proven track record in designing, developing, and optimizing a wide range of battery systems, Ying brings deep technical mastery and hands-on experience to driving innovative energy storage solutions.

Founder

Indaria Jones

Buisness Advisor

Responsible for the advisement and scaling of startups securing over $128M in cumulative funding. Award-winning CEO and ecosystem builder with a 10+ expertise in leveraging academic, government, and philanthropic capital to incubate and scale small businesses to startups throughout the US. Founded the Creators Lounge (acquired 2023).

Currently leading Whitman’s Couri Hatchery Incubator at Syracuse University, overseeing venture development for a diverse portfolio of student and alumni founders, while also supporting local business owners.

Also serving as Chair of GenNEXT on Syracuse Mayor-Elect Sharon Owens’ transition team. Recognized by Forbes the Culture, received the Black Legislative Caucus Economic Champion Award, and was previously named to Central New York's 40 Under 40 in 2018.