ABOUT US
Our Background
InSpec Technologies is a student-led entrepreneurship venture that ensures water safety by using cutting-edge spectrometer technology. Here's how our journey began:
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The vision for InSpec sprang from a personal encounter and visit to the town of Tula De Allende, Mexico, a community north of the Mexican capital, struggling to keep their communities afloat with their only water source, the Tula River, virtually unusable due to water contamination. For centuries, contaminated water from Mexico City — a megalopolis of more than 22 million people built on a lakebed with no water outflows — has been poured into the Tula without treatment, with little thought of the consequences downstream. Unable to afford current water monitoring machines, which 1) commonly utilize liquid and gas chromatography (very high skilled, with wait times for results up to 6 hours), 2) are often complex and byzantine in design, and 3) expensive (costing upwards of $10K), there was little they could do except wait for another solution. It's not just them. Current solutions are not only impractical for field use and real-time decision-making but also inaccessible to lower-income countries. Their voices are heard and represented by our product.
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Our team, known as 'The 3 Frontierers,' comes from all corners of North America. Having worked together since late 2022, we have honed our teamwork, utilizing our strengths to be awarded North American 2nd place and Most Popular Team Award at the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Competition (GYEC). With a diverse range of skill sets and strengths, we are genuinely able to bring a comprehensive and innovative edge to what we do.
The Team
Sabrina Zhang, Advisor
Currently a freshman at the Wharton School at UPenn, Sabrina has been supporting the team through the project's technical and business aspects. As an avid debater, activist, and businesswoman, she founded her very own company, Foreage, which has received over $30K in funding and support from academic and public institutions, alongside international recognition by the George Olah foundation, a nobel-prize winning grant. With a deep love for ESG and environmental sustainability, she's ran her own blog and podcast focusing on these topics. With her experience and expertise, InSpec is able to affirm its presence and potential in the world.
Sanja Jing, CEO
Mater Dei Catholic High School | San Diego, CA
Hi, I'm Sanja Jing, currently a Junior at Mater Dei Catholic High School. My passion for problem solving and innovation has long been a part of my life. Whether it is working with an Harvard Innovation Labs' startups as well as conducting my own scientific research, I am deeply passionate about the applications of technology and business. From my past project of partnering with various medical Institutions, such as Kaiser Permanente to develop AI chatbots to provide real-time translation services to immigrant families to finding my own student-led service organization, I see an opportunity to leave an impact everywhere I go. Outside of school, I find joy in writing, baking, and music, which keep me energized and creative in all my endeavors.
Judy Ma, CMO
John Randolph Tucker High School | Richmond, VA
Hi! My name is Judy Ma, and I am responsible for overlooking the financials and marketing of InSpec. I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship that impacts the community. In the past, I’ve created Phylirah, a paper company that recycles textile waste. I founded a 501c(3) nonprofit, Stitchin’ for Good, which donates handmade goods to various communities. I also co-founded Henrico Innovation Challenge, a program that provides mentorship for underprivileged students to learn about entrepreneurship and funds student experiences such as trips to the Houston Space Center. I am currently a senior enrolled at JR Tucker High School and will be attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 2024.
Edwin Zhao, CTO
Appleby College | ON, Canada
My name is Edwin Zhao, and I am a Junior at Appleby College. In addition to my role in the technology area of InSpec, I achieved distinction in the AMC12 math competition, qualifying for the AIME as the top 5% of students nationwide. I'm also the founder of Wonder, a company that not only supports environmental agencies through unique bracelets inspired by natural 'wonders' like the Amazon rainforest, which earned recognition by ranking in the top 15 out of 4000 companies in a competitive event. My technological endeavors also include contributing to an AI-driven chatbot that provides real-time medical translation, and designing my own apps. Some of my hobbies include hockey, guitar, and rock climbing.