Meet the Staff

Roberto D. Colangelo is an accomplished academic and business leader with expertise in strategy, entrepreneurship, and global marketing. As an Executive Professor at the Simon Business School, he combines professional experience with a passion for mentoring future business leaders. Roberto also leads Colangelo Innovation Group, helping companies innovate and expand into emerging markets, focusing on government modernization, biotechnology, and energy. His career includes leadership roles at Price Waterhouse, Bausch & Lomb, Xerox, Kodak, and start-ups, raising over $50 million in venture capital.

Beyond his professional work, Roberto is active in community organizations like WXXI PBS and St. John Fisher College and has coached soccer for over 15 years. He holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Buenos Aires and SUNY, along with a Master’s in Economic Development. His honors include the Clifford W. Smith, Jr. Simon EMBA Superior Teaching Award and recognition as Hispanic Business Person of the Year.

✉️ rcolang2@simon.rochester.edu
     585-520-1016

Rebecca Crocker is the Senior Department Program Specialist at the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, where she is focused on developing key programs that support the Center’s evolving vision. In her role, Rebecca collaborates with faculty, students, alumni, and business partners to create dynamic opportunities for students to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. From mentoring and pitch competitions to workshops and interactive experiences, Rebecca is dedicated to building a thriving entrepreneurial community and expanding access to the resources and support that help entrepreneurs succeed.

With a strong background in marketing and startup experience, Rebecca brings a unique perspective to her work. She has developed over 60 products in industries such as giftware and cold-chain, combining her expertise as a former product designer with a keen eye for innovation. Rebecca holds a BFA in Design from SUNY Fredonia and an MS in Educational Administration from the Warner School of Education, specializing in Higher Education. She loves collecting art ~ definitely check out her office for a mini gallery tour!

✉️ rcrocker@simon.rochester.edu
     585-519-6047

Teri has spent many years in various administrative support positions at the Simon Business School.  She is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia as well as the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development.  She is currently expanding her knowledge of entrepreneurship at the Ain Center.

In her role in the Center, she manages office operations, including administrative support for the Executive Director and Senior Department Program Specialist, assists with event planning, calendar management, and financial processing as well as involvement in the NSF I-Corps program.

Outside of work, Teri enjoys staying active at the gym, traveling, gardening, baking, and exploring regional festivals and events. Being a fairly big sports fan, she attends many Rochester Red Wings baseball games as well as attends a good deal of college football and basketball games affiliated with Syracuse University.

✉️ teri.sciarabba@simon.rochester.edu
     585-276-3408

I am a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Rochester. I was born in Mississippi and grew up in North Florida and Costa Rica before going on to receive my BS in Physics and Math from the University of Florida in 2022. I was always interested interdisciplinary science, motivating me to pursue research in high pressure and temperature materials here at the U of R. As a PhD student at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, I study the electrical and optical properties of materials at extreme conditions. My research involves extensive collaboration with a team of engineers and scientists of various backgrounds. My current projects include developing a new radiation detector and furnishing a new lab for optical experiments, as well as conducting experiments at the OMEGA EP laser facility. The results of these experiments will contribute to advancements in planetary science, stellar science, and nuclear fusion research. 

In addition to my scientific and engineering pursuits, I’m passionate about science communication and creating value for everyday people, which is why I joined the Ain Center. I’m here to provide a technical perspective on your business idea or business model and help you leverage the vast STEM knowledge at the University to make your venture successful…

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing soccer and running.

✉️ RNOW@lle.rochester.edu