Meet the Team
Our highly skilled and diverse group of professionals are super excited to take on the challenges of this sustainable farming endeavor. Welcome to our team!
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President and CEO
Lawrence, a native of Brooklyn, New York, grew up with his parents, older brother, and younger sister. His early interest in math and physics led him to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. After gaining initial work experience in new product development for a company that specialized in direct injection two-stroke engine systems for recreational vehicles, Lawrence pursued further education and obtained his Master of Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. His time at RPI was both challenging and rewarding, and it contributed to shaping his perspective on sustainable product development. With over 15 years of experience in product development and machine design, Lawrence now focuses on applying his detail-oriented engineering skills to benefit companies seeking his mechanical engineering services. Additionally, he is actively involved in addressing environmental issues in his local community, particularly related to watershed pollution, soil depletion, and atmospheric CO₂ concentration, by promoting sustainable farming practices utilizing Duckweed for product development. Lawrence currently resides in Southern California with his young family and two dogs, Cooper and Ella. He is open to discussing any of the above topics via email at LDirks@DirksProducts.com
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Research & Design Associate
Originally from San Pedro, CA, Savannah Smith is currently studying Environmental Science and Policy at California State University Long Beach. She is very passionate about preserving the natural beauty of our planet and is excited to be a critical member of the Dirks Duckweed venture. Savannah will be contributing her knowledge of biology and environmental policy as well as her formidable artistic skills to this project. Through her research, the goals of understanding the growth characteristics and product potential of different variants of Lemnaceae will be realized. There are high hopes placed on Savannah for making the world a better place.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THOMAS DANAHY
Director of Business Development & Strategy
JEFF DWYER
Director of Technology & Acquisitions
CHRISTINE WHITCRAFT, Ph.D.
Director of Biological Research
SOFIA SMITH
Director of Online Sales & Marketing
CONTACT:
board@dirksduckweed.org
AUXILARY SUPPORT
LEIGH SMITH
Webmaster & Media Advisor
CARLOS ERRANDO Industrial Systems Engineering Consultant
Special thanks to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for making our startup process much more manageable.
Also, a special thanks to Octavio of the SBCC for his willingness to engage us in our efforts to foster community within the South Bay.