About Us
Pioneering the future of scientific instrumentation through innovative AI-powered solutions and cutting-edge research.
From Idea to Impact
At IRIS, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications. Our team of scientists, engineers, and developers work collaboratively to transform complex theoretical concepts into real-world solutions. From AI-powered microscopy to advanced instrumentation design, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in scientific technology.
Expertise You Can Trust
With decades of combined experience in machine learning, computer vision, mass spectrometry, and optical systems, our team brings deep technical expertise to every project. We've published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, hold multiple patents, and maintain strong connections with leading academic institutions. This foundation of knowledge enables us to tackle the most challenging problems in scientific instrumentation and automation.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
- Pushing the boundaries of what's possible through innovative technology
- Bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications
- Empowering the next generation through mentorship and education
- Creating solutions that amplify human capability rather than replace it
- Building lasting partnerships with clients, universities, and the community
Our Focus
Innovation Through Collaboration
We believe the most powerful solutions emerge when human expertise combines with advanced technology.
Education & Mentorship
Growing the next generation of innovators through hands-on experience and real-world problem solving.
Practical Impact
Transforming theoretical breakthroughs into tools that solve real problems and improve lives.
Community Connection
Building strong roots in Boone while maintaining global partnerships and perspectives.
Our Team
Dr. Zachary Russell
Founder, CEO and Director of R&D
Research specializing in novel scientific instrument design and research development efforts utilizing machine learning, computer vision, compressive sensing, smart automation, and advanced data analytics. Specifically focusing on the application of these techniques to widely used micro-analytical tools. Highly involved in professional service and passionate about science communication and education.
Dr. Mathieu Therezien
Director of Software Development
Chemical engineer with over 20 years of experience in software development, mathematical modeling, compressive sensing, computer vision, and machine learning. In addition to my technical expertise, I also have extensive experience in grant writing and submission, project administration, reporting, budgeting, and management of large (>$1M) development efforts.
Tommy Damian
Director of Operations
Problem-solver across multiple disciplines including management, sales, engineering and manufacturing. Applications engineering background with experience in new product development, commercialization, marketing, operations, intellectual property, contracts, strategy and M&A.
Dr. Chris Thaxton
Industry-Academic Liaison
Electrical engineer and professor of physics with 10 years of industry experience and workforce development. Research specializations include boundary-layer modeling, granular systems, and instrumentation. Current focus is on student internships, academic policy and program management for entrepreneurial endeavors, and industry/agency partnership development.
Dr. Kevin Sparks
Entrepreneur in Residence
Retired Director of Advanced Technology from Corning Incorporated, where he spent 19 years leading optical communications development from Hickory, North Carolina. He holds multiple U.S. patents in optical fiber technology, including innovations in UV tuning methods for Mach-Zehnder interferometers, microstructured optical fibers with low bend loss, and optical monitoring systems.
Dr. Michael Paolino
Research Scientist
At Iris-Inc I serve as a research scientist focused on development and design of custom optical microscope systems. I also oversee the sample prep laboratory space and biological sample preparation. I serve as the intern mentor for the optical team. I am passionate about microscopy, spectroscopy and applied optics in general.
Bek Rachal
Laboratory Manager
Interned at Ion Innovations in 2025 with a focus on 3D-Printing, 3D CAD modeling, designing custom 3D-printable optical components, and laboratory design.
Current Interns
Maggie Stevens
App State Master's in Engineering Physics, Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration
Interned with Ion Innovations during the Summer of 2025 and worked with 3D modeling and printing as well as lighting systems
Ian Wharton
App State Physics Bachelor's Student, Automation and Instrumentation Concentration
Interned at Ion Innovations last summer, focusing on CoreXY motion systems, sensor engineering, and 3D modeling.
Will Allport
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on electrical engineering, and advanced circuitry.
Hunter Corman
App State Systems and Automations Master's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on automation, 3D printing, and modeling.
Lily Pratt
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on electrical engineering, and advanced circuitry.
Ethan Humphries
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on vacuum systems.
Eli Niederman
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on electrical engineering, and advanced circuitry.
Ian Orrell
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on electrical engineering, and advanced circuitry.
Shaun Go
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2024 working on electrical engineering, and advanced circuitry.
Kaden Rogers
App State Physics Bachelor's Student
Interned with Ion Innovations during the summer of 2025, working on vacuum systems, 3D printing, and modeling.
Contact
Address
482 State Farm Road
Unit #1
Boone, NC 28607
Get In Touch
Ready to discuss your next project or learn more about our innovative solutions? Contact us today to see how Ion Innovations can help transform your technologies.