Meet the team
Priscilla Prem
Priscilla Prem founded Pittsburgh Coastal Energy to transform the U.S. wave energy industry through innovative energy conversion technologies. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Pittsburgh where she invented the company’s core technology - the polar ionic nanogenerator (PING). As an engineer and inventor at heart, she is committed to pushing scientific boundaries and revolutionizing how we harness and utilize ocean wave energy. Known for forging her own path, Priscilla embraces challenges and confronts difficult obstacles head on, thus making her uniquely fit to lead the Pittsburgh Coastal Energy team in their ambitious mission. Her prior experience in the U.S. Navy drives her dedication to enhancing national security and prosperity. This focus has led Pittsburgh Coastal Energy to prioritize technological solutions specifically for the U.S. defense sector.
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Theophilus Human
Theophilus Human joined Pittsburgh Coastal Energy to drive innovation in energy solutions that enhance both exploration and security. He is currently pursuing a PhD in physics at Yale University. Throughout his life, Theophilus has cultivated a deep connection to the sea. His professional journey began in the US Nuclear Navy, where he gained expertise in energy engineering and developed a lasting affinity for the open ocean. After his naval service, he earned a degree in physics with a minor in mathematics from the University of California, San Diego, where he often reflected on ocean physics at La Jolla Shores. With his leadership, physics, and engineering background, Theophilus brings a forward-thinking approach to aligning market energy needs with Pittsburgh Coastal Energy’s cutting-edge platform.
Chief Strategy Officer
Bobby Karnavas
Bobby Karnavas joined Pittsburgh Coastal Energy to lead mechanical design and oversee energy converter testing efforts. He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Before attending college, Bobby served as a submarine reactor operator in the U.S. Navy, where he built a strong foundation in engineering principles and energy systems. In his free time, Bobby volunteers at his local makerspace, repairing machines and crafting parts in the machine shop. Inspired by the immense power of water, he is committed to advancing Pittsburgh Coastal Energy’s mission of harnessing the ocean’s untapped energy potential.
Chief Technology Officer
Carlan Gray
Carlan joined Pittsburgh Coastal Energy with a clear ambition to support the start-up’s growth beyond its technical capabilities. Leveraging his experience from various consulting engagements, he has gained in-depth knowledge of the operational challenges faced by start-ups and smaller businesses. His broad skill set equips him to help the team capitalize on a market full of potential that remains largely untapped.
Business Development Manager
Connor Leckie-Ewing
Connor Leckie-Ewing holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and joined Pittsburgh Coastal Energy to provide an electrical perspective on converting polar ionic nanogenerator (PING) outputs into usable power in external systems. He has pursued engineering and innovation challenges during his education and beyond. He was excited and motivated by the prospect of developing a new way to harness untapped energy in the form of ocean waves. Connor brings his engineering background to help develop PINGs into a real, useful, energy source for marine systems.
Electrical Systems Engineer
Patrick Bales-Parks
Patrick Bales-Parks holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Computer Engineering, with a focus on Embedded Systems. He is currently a Senior Software Engineer working in the aerospace industry. Patrick joined Pittsburgh Coastal Energy upon hearing of the innovation of the polar ionic nanogenerator (PING). With a passion for finding creative solutions to engineering problems, Patrick is dedicated to advancing the company's mission of harnessing ocean wave energy. He brings a strong technical background and an innovative, forward-thinking approach to solving engineering challenges. His experience includes software engineering, embedded systems, and electronic circuit design.
Circuit Design Engineer