Capella Kerst, Ph.D.

Capella Kerst, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. In 2011, they worked as a Teaching Assistant for Energy Solar Tech at West Valley College. From 2012 to 2013, they served as an Assistant Researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In 2014, they began their journey at Stanford University as a PHD Candidate, conducting research in bio-inspired adhesive under Professor Mark Cutkosky's group BDML. During their time at Stanford, they also worked as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant. In the same year, they became a University Innovation Fellow (UIF) and continued their involvement with UIF until 2020. In 2020, Capella co-founded geCKo Materials and assumed the position of CEO. Capella also joined Sacred Heart Schools as an After School Homework Director in 2010, and later became a S23 Founder Member at StartX in 2023. Capella's passion for entrepreneurship and education is evident through their various roles and contributions in the university and startup communities.

Capella Kerst, Ph.D. has an extensive education history in the field of Mechanical Engineering. In 2009, they attended West Valley College where they focused on Math and Physics, although they did not obtain a degree from this institution. In 2011, Capella enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley and pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Mathematics to Mechanical Engineering. It is unclear whether they completed this degree. In 2013, they obtained a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, specializing in the field of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Capella continued their academic journey at Stanford University, where they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, which they completed in 2014. Capella's commitment to furthering their knowledge and expertise in the field is evident as they pursued another Ph.D. at Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, working towards this degree from 2014 until 2020.