Nathan Leo
My Timeline
PhD researcher and serial entrepreneur bridging computational mechanics, AI, and ecosystem innovation, from creating new machine learning frameworks to advancing quantum computing and sustainable technology.
Experience
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Project Green Thumb
Current - Flagship Project
Building the world's most comprehensive ecosystem platform.
EcoSphere
The world's most comprehensive, openly accessible species database documenting plants, animals, insects, fungi, and more.
Learn more →NatureVision
Advanced AI technology for intelligent plant identification and selection with industry-first multiple possibility matching.
Learn more →PlantSense
Create thriving ecosystems with AI-powered modeling, natural language chat, and 3D visualization tools.
Learn more →GreenProjects
A collaborative workspace where users can create and refine landscape designs, upload 3D scans, photos, and leave comments.
Learn more →Minecraft Server Owner, Community Manager & Lead Developer
2018 - 2021
Built and managed a thriving gaming community from the ground up, learning everything through self-directed study.
Key Responsibilities & Innovations:
- Self-Taught Development: Learned Java programming, server architecture, and plugin development entirely through independent study and experimentation
- Technical Infrastructure: Managed Linux servers, implemented automated backup systems, and optimized performance for concurrent users
- Community Development: Created engagement strategies that grew the player base exponentially
- Product Development: Designed custom game modes and plugins using Java, enhancing user experience and retention
- Team Leadership: Built and led a staff team of 18+ moderators and administrators across different time zones
Iron Nova
May 2025 - Present
Started as an open source RL project, now taking it to the next level.
At Iron Nova, we're building a system to classify and predict satellite maneuvers, giving operators an information and energy advantage in contested orbital environments.
Anomaly Detection
By analyzing historical orbital data, we detect significant deviations that may indicate maneuver events—flagging them for further review.
Threat Classification
Operators can manually tag and assess threat levels, enabling downstream logic to adapt based on mission priorities and asset ownership.
Energy Analysis
Our system estimates orbital maneuvers and energy between the observing satellites to assess strategic advantages.
The Idle Killers
January 2024 - August 2024
🏆 1st Place National Competition Winner - Revolutionary Airport Operations Optimization
Developed a system that optimizes tarmac operations on runways for taxiing aircraft to and from terminals, automatically managing everything to reduce fuel usage up to 30% in some cases. Used Dijkstra's algorithm and reinforcement learning approach for our unique solution.
Project ended due to IP and patenting issues with the university.
Leo & Biancarelli
May 2023 - Present
Digital styling company specializing in AI-powered creative services and future-forward design solutions.
Comprehensive consulting and design services from website designs, to clothing, to video creation all using cutting-edge AI technologies. Specializing in tools and design for the future, we've achieved over 500k page impressions in a month for client pages using our custom in-house processes.
Services:
- AI-Powered Design Tools: Custom development of AI design workflows and automation
- Future-Forward Consulting: Strategic guidance on emerging design technologies and trends
- Multi-Media Creation: Video, web, and fashion design using proprietary AI processes
- Performance Optimization: Delivering measurable results with advanced analytics and optimization
Professional Experience
PhD Student
Engineering Science and Mechanics • 2024 - Present
PhD student in Engineering Science and Mechanics studying wave propagation, material science, machine learning, quantum computing, and numerical methods. Conducting advanced research at the intersection of computational mechanics and intelligent systems.
Internship
Nittany AI Advance • 2023 - 2024
Build and utilized a visual transformer network to capture information off of highschool transcripts. Worked on professional and collaboration development skills within a scrum base team system.
Research Assistant
Beam Lab • 2021 - 2023
Used a convolutional neural network, MASK-RCCN library, to detect and predict structural cracks, for automated structural health monitoring. Used photogrammetry, Autodesk ReCap Pro, for mapping cracked structures, effectively overlaying them on pre-existing structural models.
Structural Researcher Intern
Reuther+Bowen • Summer 2022
Developed and implemented Dynamo programs into Autodesk Revit to automate processes, significantly reducing work time.
Projects
Coming Soon
Exciting projects are currently in development. Check back soon for detailed showcases of my latest work!