The Team.

Meet the visionaries behind VIVACE technology. Our multidisciplinary team combines decades of expertise in marine engineering, fluid dynamics, and commercial development to harness the power of ocean currents.

Michael M Bernitsas, Ph.D.

Founder and CEO

Michael M Bernitsas, Ph.D.

Inventor of VIVACE and Mortimer E. Cooley Professor of Engineering; Director of the Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Awarded the Blakely-Smith Medal by SNAME for “Outstanding Accomplishments in Ocean Engineering”. Life-Fellow of SNAME and ASME. Holds 13 VIVACE patents.

Salman Sadiq, Ph.D.

Chief Technology Officer

Salman Sadiq, Ph.D.

Recent University of Michigan Post Doc and Research Scientist at the University of New Orleans. Sole designer and executor for transitioning VIVACE from a laboratory concept to a deployable industrial energy harvesting solution. Naval Architect with 23 years of diversified experience.

Nikolas Xiros, Ph.D.

Electromechanical systems & ocean technology

Nikolas Xiros, Ph.D.

J.L. Goldman Endowed Professor in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Spanning more than 20 years in industry and academia, his expertise lies in marine and electromechanical systems engineering. Consultant for Vortex Hydro Power for 15 years, optimizing the Power Take Off system for VIVACE.

Kate Drake

Administrator

Kate Drake

Kay serves as the Administrator at Vortex Hydro Power where she orchestrates the essential business functions that power our offshore energy innovations. With 12 years of experience in Engineering Logistics, Kay specializes in navigating complex regulatory frameworks for permitting and licensing.

Christopher C. Bernitsas

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Christopher C. Bernitsas

Electrical and Computer Engineer (Carnegie Mellon University). He has interned at VHP and Apple as a Software Engineer. He possesses outstanding capabilities to give VIVACE a real-world frame with his coding and electrical engineering expertise, working on the VIVACE PTO System.

William K. Jeffrey

Electrician

William K. Jeffrey

Known as Bill at Vortex Hydro Power. He serves as the lead technician for the VIVACE MHK system, specializing in electrical systems and logistics required for high-stakes dry testing. Responsible for the physical build and electrical heartbeat of our technology.

Global Collaborators

Extending our research and implementation footprint worldwide.

Hai Sun, Ph.D.

Systems Engineer / Product Developer

Hai Sun, Ph.D.

Post doc at the University of Michigan (2013-2018). Significantly contributed to developing the Virtual Damping and Spring (VCK) system for VIVACE. Expertise includes: fluid-structure coupling, experimental hydrodynamics, and controls.

Fábio Rofino

Systems Engineer / Product Developer

Fábio Rofino

Systems engineer and product development leader working on the VIVACE hydrokinetic energy platform. He bridges field requirements, system architecture, prototyping, and validation planning to support scalable deployment.

Matheus Batista

Commercial Executive

Matheus Batista

Commercial executive with solid experience across multiple companies. At VIVACE, he develops strategic partnerships to attract public and private funding, structuring market strategies focused on technology-driven competitive advantages and scalable sales.

Ajith R. Kumar

Systems Engineer / Product Developer

Ajith R. Kumar

To be Added

Eun Soo Kim

Systems Engineer / Product Developer

Eun Soo Kim

To be Added

Hongre Park

Systems Engineer / Product Developer

Hongre Park

STo be Added