Our Team

Adam founded his first company, Agile EndoSurgery in 2010 which focused on development of a laparoscopic surgical device. This experience made starkly clear the need for better micro-scale manufacturing technologies and served as the inspiration for the invention of RIPL, the technology behind Trio Labs. To date Adam has over 80 pending and issued patents.

Dave Folarin joined Trio Labs in 2021 as one of its earliest employees and now serves as Head of Engineering, leading multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, materials, process, and software engineering. He plays a key role in designing and scaling the company’s micro-metal manufacturing platforms, with hands-on contributions to machine control systems, custom electronics, and internal software infrastructure. Dave’s expertise spans industrial motion control, embedded systems, and advanced data and compute pipelines. Prior to Trio, he supported technical initiatives tied to programs with DARPA, NIH, and C5ISR.

Scott has several decades of experience launching new businesses with emphasis in Advanced Manufacturing. Having spent 18 years at HP, he worked most recently as business leader for the launch phase of HP’s 3D Printing Division. Scott serves as a mentor for the Seattle chapter of Creative Destruction Lab, a non-profit accelerator for STEM ventures.

Dakota Dunne brings extensive experience leading financial strategy for high-growth, technology-driven companies. He has held CFO roles across sectors including blockchain-based financial infrastructure and clinical research, guiding organizations through rapid scaling, capital raises, and strategic transactions, including a successful sale to DTCC. Dakota has led private equity raises from $5–50 million and built scalable financial, HR, and IT systems to support growth. He holds a degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

Shontera Gillespie-Coleman is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience driving organizational growth and employee development. She has served as Chief People Officer for multiple organizations and as a senior HR Business Partner for global companies, including a notable tenure at WakeMed Health & Hospitals. Shontera holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations/Human Resources from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is an active member of the Raleigh-Metro Society of Human Resource Management and is passionate about community engagement and advancing best practices in the HR field.

Rachel Pate bridges the gap between engineering and customer needs to support innovative medical device solutions. She brings a multidisciplinary background spanning product design, 3D printing, optics and photonics, biomechanics, and quality assurance. She holds a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Hamza Mohamed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and began his career in medical device manufacturing, where he has developed a strong foundation and lasting interest in the field. Since relocating to Minnesota in 2019, he has continued to grow his career while contributing to innovative manufacturing efforts. Outside of work, Hamza enjoys staying active through kayaking, biking, and playing volleyball, and spending time with his wife and their four dogs.

Stephen is an industry veteran with four decades of professional experience. He was a member of the pioneering R&D team at HP that developed inkjet technology and the first inkjet products. Stephen led many of HP’s innovations and business creations in the printing space. As President of 3D printing, Stephen established HP as a leader in 3D plastic printing with HP Multi Jet Fusion and launched their Metal 3D printing business using HP Metal Jet.

Alan Colner has more than 30 years of experience as a successful private equity investor and fund manager covering more than $2.5 billion of invested capital. He has helped build numerous private and public businesses as a Board director, company founder, senior executive, and strategic advisor. As Managing Director, Private Equity Investments, at Moore Capital Management (a global investment manager) he led venture, growth capital, and buyout investments, including within the healthcare and technology sectors. He was also a Managing Director of Corporate Partners, a private equity fund affiliated with Lazard Freres.

Cathy has an MBA and over 35 years of executive management experience including: Manufacturing plant manager at Procter & Gamble, CEO of AmeriCom Bank, Director of Small Business Center, and management consultant to over 15 small companies and start-up ventures. Cathy has extensive experience in rapid product development and implementation, manufacturing operations and a broad background in finance and business consulting.

Mr. Hawkins is the retired Chairman and CEO of Medtronic and has had a long and distinguished career in the Medical Devices Industry. He currently serves on several public, private, and non-for-profit boards, including the Duke University Board of Trustees, and is Chairman and Co-Founder of the Medical Device Innovation Consortium and past president of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and is an AIMBE Fellow. Mr. Hawkins has a B.S.E.E. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and an MBA from the Darden School of Business, UVA.