Our Team

  • James Lewis - Lead Software Engineer

    James Lewis - Lead Software Engineer

    James Lewis received his degree in Mathematics from UCLA with a Specialization in Computing. He has worked on various projects including SBIRs for USAF and STTRs for NASA. On top of this, he has worked on multiple SmallSat missions for HSFL (HiakaSat & NASA HyTI) as a Flight Software Engineer. He is currently working as Lead Software Engineer for Interstel™ where he has designed and implemented many of the aspects of COSMOS’ multi-agent system software. In his free time, he likes reading, writing, and making interesting things.

  • Scott Ginoza - Software Tools Lead

    Scott Ginoza - Software Tools Lead

    Scott Ginoza graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and has had a degree of interest in space. He has been involved in various space projects as a Junior developer using COSMOS at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa since 2020. Currently, he works as Interstel™’s Software Tools Lead. His musical tastes include classical, jazz, and various electronic genres. He drinks coffee black.

  • Lynzee Hoegger - Software Engineer

    Lynzee Hoegger - Software Engineer

    Lynzee Hoegger received her Bachelor’s in Astronomy from UH Mānoa and is now a graduate student of the University of Colorado’s Aerospace Engineering Sciences Program. She began her research as a NASA Space Grant recipient in 2020. Following this research, she was selected as an Akamai intern where she worked for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST). She is now working part-time as a Software Engineer for Interstel, focusing on the iCOSMOS-Swarm™ tools. She holds dual US and UK citizenship.

  • Julian Lafond - Software Engineer

    Julian Lafond - Software Engineer

    Julian Lafond recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in Computer Science. He worked with the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory team to optimize satellite trajectories within iCOSMOS-Swarm. Currently, he is involved in the design proposal for integrating a Mission Planning and Scheduling Tool and working on refining the UI for Icosmos swarms. Furthermore, he played a role in assisting CEO Trevor Sorensen in launching the latest version of Star Fleet II: Krellan Commander™ by introducing new features. In his leisure time, Julian enjoys playing tennis, surfing, and expanding his expertise in the fields of software and aerospace.

  • Briana Lee - Programming Intern

    Briana Lee - Programming Intern

    Briana Lee is studying for a B.S. in Computer Science in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. She is an undergraduate intern working for Interstel Technologies, Inc to develop iCOSMOS-Swarm tools. Briana has been involved in the Native Hawaiian Science and Mentorship Program and Nā Pua No'eau's seasonal teaching team. In her spare time, she likes to explore different art mediums and digital creations.

  • Maya Chang - Programming Intern

    Maya Chang - Programming Intern

    Maya Chang is an undergraduate B.S. Computer Science student at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. She has worked as a student tech assistant for the Center for Chinese Language Education at UH and is currently one of the student mentors for the UH Mānoa RIO, ICSpark, teaching HTML, CSS and JavaScript to 6-12th graders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and cooking. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to be able to travel around Europe in the future.

  • Kara Kanetis - Programming Intern

    Kara Kanetis is a junior pursuing a B.S in Astrophysics and a B.A in Computer Science. She is currently the Chair of the Student Activity and Program Fee Board at UH Manoa and works on smaller research based python coding projects as a hobby. Prior to Interstel, she worked at the Orange Coast College Planetarium developing shows to educate the public on various astronomy subjects. In her free time she enjoys surfing, hiking, and designing 3D models.

  • Jordan Calantoc - Programming Intern

    Jordan Calantoc - Programming Intern

    Jordan Calantoc is working towards a B.A. in Computer Science at the University of Hawaii (UH) at Mānoa. He has worked both as a Teaching Assistant and Learning Assistant at UH, leading labs and assisting students in the introductory computer science in Java courses. Additionally, he assists with professor research on students' AI usage in a software engineering course. As a board member for the Grey Hats at Mānoa, Jordan enjoys growing his knowledge of cybersecurity. Jordan is also the current President of the International Student Association (ISA) at Mānoa, helping organize social and cultural events each semester. His hobbies include trying out new places to eat, listening to all kinds of music, and social networking with others.

  • Evan Kawasaki - Programming Intern

    Evan Kawasaki - Programming Intern

    Evan Kawasaki is a junior at Assets High School interning at Interstel Technologies as a 3D modeler in UH Manoa Innovation Center. Before Interstel, he worked at Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory. He learned how to test certain parts of the cube satellites and run orbit simulations. He is interested in studying game design, programing, art, and or science in the future. Has an interest in astronomy, art, science, and game design. He was inspired by his friends many of them being artist, one being a 3D modeler, and two being programmers. Enjoys drawing, 3D modeling, playing video games, sharing ideas with his friends, and traveling.

  • Marina Cleavenger - Office Administrator / Business Development Intern

    Marina Cleavenger - Office Administrator / Business Development Intern

    Marina Cleavenger is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and International Business. She is currently studying in Tokyo, Japan at Sophia University (Spring 2024). Marina will come back in Fall 2024 and continue her role as the Business Development Intern. She is a direct admittance program student and Shidler Global Leader scholarship recipient who has fulfilled her time at the university by holding numerous leadership positions in different clubs, creating outreach to increase the number of undergraduates in the Shidler College of Business graduate pathway programs, and studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She is passionate about the power of public speaking and giving back to the Earth. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, snorkeling, trying new foods, playing with cats, and watching horror movies.

  •  Marisa Van Duyne - Deputy Office Administrator / Business Development Intern

    Marisa Van Duyne - Deputy Office Administrator / Business Development Intern

    Marisa Van Duyne is an undergraduate at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Business, Marketing, and Accounting, with a minor in Chinese. As a Shidler College of Business Direct Admittance Program student, she has received the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, and has consistently been on the Dean's List. Marisa is an active member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an exclusive business honor society. Additionally, she contributes to Delta Sigma Pi, a national business fraternity committed to professional development, community service, brotherhood, and scholarship. Marisa also studied abroad in Taiwan over the summer. Marisa is a figure skating coach and enjoys painting, drawing, and music appreciation.

  • Zachary Sonnleitner - Business Development Intern

    Zachary Sonnleitner - Business Development Intern

    Zachary Sonnleitner is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, pursuing his bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems. Since moving to Hawaii from California, he has been very active around the Shidler College of Business, taking on leadership roles and participating in community service. He is interested in technology, cybersecurity, and the video game industry, which he is pursuing a career in. In his free time, Zach enjoys hanging out with close friends, exploring the island, and trying new foods.

  • Carter Suen - Business Development Intern / Webmaster

    Carter Suen - Business Development Intern / Webmaster

    Carter Suen is currently an undergraduate student at University of Hawaii at Mānoa double majoring in Management Information Systems and Management. Carter is interested in learning more about cybersecurity and seeking opportunities to connect alongside students and professionals around the world. He was born and raised in Oahu but spent 3 semesters studying abroad in Korea as an exchange student during 2022-2023. In his free time, Carter enjoys staying at home or eating good food with friends.

  • Adrian Abcede - Business Development Intern

    Adrian Abcede - Business Development Intern

    Adrian Abcede is an undergraduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), pursuing his bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Marketing, Management, and Human Resources with a minor in Communicology. He is a member of the leadership team for the UHM Rainbow Warrior Marching Band and serves the Katipunan Club at UHM as the treasurer. He also served as a Manoa Peer Advisor for the Information and Computer Science department. Through these opportunities, he has reached out to countless students and community members to help plan events, coordinate outreach in teams of varying skill sets, lead peers, and help recruit for all three of these organizations. He plans on gathering as much professional experience as possible before his graduation and entrance to the workforce. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, playing video games, going outside, listening to or making music, and karaoke.