About KSEF
Created under the Kentucky Innovation Act of 2000 as an initiative of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation mission is to serve the Kentucky spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation by encouraging the growth of scientific and engineering excellence through investments in R&D in emerging technologies and human resource development.
We invest in R&D in Kentucky
microAwards
to facilitate the submission of SBIR/STTR applications
Programs
to position applicants for SBIR/STTR success
Consulting & Resources
to navigate SBIR/STTR and early-stage business processes
Networking
Business training, and conferences for startups and small businesses.
Mission & Vision
We remove barriers to funding and increase capacity for R&D at startups and small businesses to build a pipeline of new ideas and technologies that drive the technological and economic growth of the commonwealth.
The KSEF Team
Maria Labreveux
Executive Director
Maria Labreveux is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC). She leads strategic efforts to advance Kentucky’s research and innovation competitiveness where she develops and spearheads programs to foster scientific excellence, science-derived technology commercialization and entrepreneurial growth across the commonwealth.
With a career spanning public research, higher education, and nonprofit leadership, she has helped secure more than $30 million in competitive funding for research, workforce development, and innovation initiatives. Maria has a PhD in Plant Science and takes a special interest in AgTech, STEM education, and creating pathways for research to translate into real-world impact.
Kay Lee
Associate Director of Innovation, Human Factor
Kay Lee serves as the Associate Director of Human Factors at KSEF, where she brings a strong background in social science research and innovation strategy. Prior to joining KSEF, she held research positions at Virginia Tech and Purdue University as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Research Scientist. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University.
Kay specializes in research design, intervention evaluation, grant writing, and grant management. With a passion for advancing Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, she is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small businesses across the commonwealth.
Ellie Derbyshire
Associate Director of Innovation, Environment and Materials
Ellie Derbyshire is an Associate Director of Environment and Materials at KSEF. She supports individual clients in their pursuit of Federal funding to support Research and Development in Kentucky and loves learning about all the amazing technology within our state.
Ellie has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Biosystems and Ag Engineering, a BA in History, and brings ten years of startup experience as an innovator and researcher including experience in grant writing, patents, machine design and build, customer discovery, fund raising, and accounting.
Emilie Clemmens
Associate Director of Innovation, Health and Biosciences
Dr. Emilie Clemmens, Ph.D., Associate Director of Innovation, Health & Biosciences, is an experienced scientist, grant writer, and entrepreneurial support specialist. She holds a doctorate in bioengineering from the University of Washington and draws on her background as a Scientific Review Officer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, as well as her experiences as a small business owner, to support entrepreneurs in the healthcare, biotechnology, and related sectors.
A Kentucky native, Emilie is both a former student and faculty member at the University of Kentucky and a lifelong fan of Wildcats basketball.
Bradley Irvin
Associate Director of Innovation, Defense
Bradley Irvin serves as the Associate Director of Defense, where he evaluates technologies and provides support in engaging with the Department of War (DoW) to secure SBIR/STTR funding. Prior to joining KSEF, Brad was a Principal Research Scientist at the University of Kentucky's Institute for Decarbonization and Energy Advancement and the Center for Applied Energy Research. He brings extensive experince in scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration and securing competitive funding. Brad holds a BS and MS in Physics from the University of Kentucky.
In addition to his professional work, Brad is a 13-year veteran and active reservist in the U.S. Navy, currently serving with the U.S. Tenth Fleet.
Alana Morgan
Impact Strategist
Alana Morgan serves as the Impact Strategist at Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation where she supports data tracking and impact reporting efforts to demonstrate the value of KSEF’s programs and initiatives.
She brings experience in program evaluation, data analysis, and grants management and reporting, applying a detailed-oriented and analytical approach to her work.
Alana holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky.
Hunter Brogna
Lead Software Engineer
Hunter Brogna is the Lead Software Engineer for Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation, where he presides over the CAPTIVATE-KY project. His role entails creating the web portal and databank to house datasets from Kentucky researchers.
His background is in full-stack development with creating websites and instituting cybersecurity measures into various systems.
Hunter graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Cybersecurity.
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Katie Jo Doerfler
Systems Strategist
Katie Jo is the Systems Strategist at KSEF, specializing in streamlining workflows and ensuring projects remain aligned with strategic goals. Drawing on an extensive background in technical communications, product management and product marketing, she leverages her expertise to drive efficiency and maintain momentum across complex initiatives. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, Katie Jo earned a BA in English with a minor in history, focusing on 20th century European literature and Middle Eastern history.
Beyond her corporate background, Katie Jo owns and operates outrageGIS mapping, a small cartography business that specializes in trail maps for Kentucky's state and national parks.