Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University Libraries has selected four students as the 2024-25 Orange Innovation Scholars. This recognition highlights their dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship, exemplifying the spirit of leadership that the program seeks to promote.

Ava Lubkemann ’27 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) is studying environmental engineering with a focus on sustainable construction, design, and entrepreneurship. She founded “Sustainable Concepts,” a business selling upcycled clothing to support environmentally conscious organizations. Additionally, Lubkemann volunteers with STEM Explorer, helping local middle-school students engage in hands-on STEM learning. At Syracuse, she has been a researcher at the Dynamic Sustainability Lab, focusing on carbon capture sequestration. Lubkemann is also a recent graduate of the Invent@SU summer accelerator program.

Jair Espinoza ’25 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) is involved in several student organizations, including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Mexican Student Association, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, and the Syracuse Men’s Gymnastic Club. Espinoza brings experience in organizing large-scale events, securing funding, and promoting cultural understanding. As a software developer, his expertise includes full stack development, artificial intelligence, and mobile app development. He is also a recent graduate of the Invent@SU summer accelerator program.

Aidan Turner ’25 (School of Architecture), a fifth-year architecture student completing a minor in real estate from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, is a licensed real estate salesperson in Massachusetts. Turner has been recognized as Syracuse University Student Entrepreneur of the Year in both 2022 and 2024. He is the CEO and founder of Grater Things Threads, a premium garment design company dedicated to crafting bespoke sustainable garments.

Thomas O’Brien ’25 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) combines filmmaking with business and marketing. With experience in audience development for music artists and actors combined, O’Brien aims to revolutionize narrative filmmaking in the digital age. His work has generated millions of views on social media platforms. He is an Invest in Success Scholar, member of the ‘CUSE50 steering committee where he was emcee for last fall’s gala, and speaker at the ‘CUSE50 student summit.

Orange Innovation Scholars support commercialization programs offered through Syracuse University Libraries such as NSF I-Corps and Orange Innovation Fund along with university-wide initiatives like CUSE50. They will engage faculty members across disciplines as well as post doctorates, Ph.D., graduate students engaged in research technology commercialization venture development innovation entrepreneurship SU alumni who are founders leaders top innovation companies building pipeline telling success stories.