Our Team

With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Minor in Finance from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, Lars blends analytical rigor with an unrelenting drive to pioneer new frontiers. His past experience in equity research and financial data analytics taught him how real-time data can transform entire industries, further applying those insights to cannabis. Together with his dedicated team, Trak+™ will soon debut as Canova’s first product, promising a groundbreaking way to quantify cannabis consumption and offer unprecedented control. Driven by the company’s core values of transparency, social impact, and progress, Lars envisions Canova becoming a global catalyst for responsible, tech-driven cannabis usage. His leadership style reflects a passion for constant evolution, making Canova a beacon of possibility in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Gavin graduated in 2024 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Gavin has demonstrated a strong aptitude for design and technological innovation throughout his academic career. Through a range of specialized courses and hands-on projects, he has developed proficiency in both 2D and 3D CAD modeling, which he applied to the design and development of Canova’s first product from its inception. Currently, Gavin is starting his professional career as a Transmission Data Management Engineer at PPL Electric Utilities. His diverse experience across various engineering disciplines displays his ability to adapt swiftly, his commitment to learning, and his creative problem-solving skills. These attributes position him as a promising engineer capable of making significant contributions to any team or project he undertakes.

Aditya is completing his Master's in Computer Science at the University of South Florida (graduating May 2025), building upon his Bachelor's degree in the same field. His technical journey has evolved from backend engineering to AI/ML development, where he now applies his expertise in recommendation systems and retrieval-augmented generation through freelance consulting. Aditya has developed sophisticated solutions including a hybrid recommendation engine that reduced API token usage by 90% while improving accuracy, and an Ethereum-based conversational AI that simplifies blockchain interactions. He has also engineered data pipelines incorporating vector search with adaptive hybrid methodologies, demonstrating versatility across various AI applications. Aditya's approach to engineering embodies his philosophy that results should speak louder than promises – when he commits to a project like Canova, he invests himself fully in its success and growth, letting his technical contributions demonstrate his value rather than overcommitting and underdelivering.

Frederick Sion from Queens, NY is a senior software engineer at Canova. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Minor in Mathematics in the Spring of 2023. Frederick currently works as a Software Development Engineer on Amazon's Cloud Authorization team, where he has been since July 2023. In addition to his full time industry experience, Frederick has had numerous other achievements throughout his college career. Some of these include placing #2 in Penn State's 2022 Nittany AI Challenge through his team SchizophrenAI, placing #1 in the Bardusch Idea Makers competition contribuiting to his team's website "WeAreHousing" and interning on Capital One's Data Engineering team. Frederick has a diverse skillset and brings professional level of quality to every product he has worked on.

Cameron graduated in 2024 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. During his academic career, Cameron honed his skills in creative strategy and brand development through a combination of coursework and hands-on experience. While at Oxygen Digital Agency, he worked as a Graphic Design and Social Media Assistant, where he crafted impactful logos, advertisements, and event materials, laying the foundation for his passion for innovative marketing solutions. Cameron further expanded his expertise as a Brand Management Intern at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he contributed to the successful launch of the Hyatt Vacation Club during a major brand merger. Currently, Cameron serves as an Account Coordinator at Oxygen Digital Agency, managing client relationships and crafting tailored strategies that align with business objectives. Cameron’s passion for creative problem-solving, commitment to delivering client success, and drive to elevate brand narratives make him an integral part of the team, bringing fresh ideas and strategic expertise to every project.

Akinade Peter-Koyi, a Bronx native, is set to graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Penn State. Akinade’s research includes modeling fish school dynamics using machine learning and designing CubeSat-compatible devices for vibration measurement, showcasing his ability to merge hardware design with data-driven solutions. His professional experience includes internships at Michael Baker International, where he designed EV charger conduit pathing and lighting systems for highways, and Xerox Holdings, where his designs improved printer efficiency. Akinade’s personal projects, such as an FPGA-based Omni-Keyboard and delay-optimized adder circuits, reflect his ingenuity and technical expertise. With a strong foundation in programming, circuit design, and CAD modeling, Akinade combines creativity with precision to tackle complex challenges. He is poised to make significant contributions to advancing hardware innovation and engineering solutions.

Brandon is a senior at Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in International Business. With a strong foundation in financial analysis, operational strategy, and leadership, Brandon brings a dynamic business mindset to Canova. He has held financial analyst and operational roles at Outback Presents, CFOWorx in Sydney, Australia, and Simwell Consulting & Technologies Inc. where he led projects in valuation modeling, investment due diligence, and revenue forecasting for international operations. At Canova, Brandon oversees financial planning, operational execution and investor relations - building systems to support scalable growth while spearheading pitch development and strategic partnerships. His blend of entrepreneurial drive, analytical expertise, and global perspective supports Canova’s mission of innovation and expansion in the cannabis technology space.