About Net-Zeros Infra-Materials
Janell Prater, President
Janell Prater is a recent graduate with an M.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She brings experience in construction, design, and environmentally critical projects, particularly in achieving low-carbon infrastructure goals. Janell has technical research expertise in geopolymer materials for lunar applications, supported by NASA-KY funding. Her commitment to sustainable development technologies is reflected in her career and research aspirations. She and her team received VentureWell Phase 1 funding for their student-driven enterprise and completed regional I-Corps training at Vanderbilt University in Fall 2024.
Hye Jin Baek, Vice President
Ms. Baek has an educational background in African languages and cultures, as well as extensive work experience in the airplane industry. She will serve as the main point of contact for the company and provide marketing strategies for approaching underdeveloped countries (e.g., African nations).
Dr. Young Hoon Kim, PE, Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Kim is an associate professor with extensive experience in the construction and technology industry since 2003. He has conducted research on geopolymer and advanced concrete materials for civil infrastructure and lunar construction, with a focus on net-zero concepts. Dr. Kim has also been studying carbon nanotube-reinforced cementitious materials for over a decade. He completed regional I-Corps training at the University of Louisville in Fall 2023 and serves as a faculty advisor for Janell Prater's team. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Kim has founded a company to pursue SBIR funding, supporting the commercialization of sustainable construction technologies.
Samuel Wright, Technical Officer
Sam Wright is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a VentureWell E-Team member in the 2024 Spring Cohort. Currently, He is an undergraduate researcher for the KY NASA Space Grant at the University of Louisville.
Karen Scott, Advisory board member
Karen Scott is Principal and founder of Inspired Strategies, LLC, a certified DBE & WBE firm specializing in strategic planning, organizational alignment, team innovation, and change management strategies. Karen works with clients to develop strategic business plans that empower organizations to realize organizational transformation. After nearly 30 years of successfully leading and coaching individuals, Karen aligned her passion for strategic planning, team collaboration and organizational transformation by launching her own business to gain clarity for her clients on the strengths and deficiences in their business platform. She brings years of tangible and meaningful experience in many lines of business including aviation, mass transit, water, waste water, and energy distribution in support of business management, human resource soft skill techniques and a strong technical basis for engineering and planning. She works with her clients to provide strategic planning, visioning and collaboration services to realize organizational transformation that drives entities and their people to be innovative, effective, and totally amazing. Karen is also certified as a change management practitioner where she utilizes her skills and talents to support change initiatives for her clients.