Team
Julia Kirshner, Ph.D.
Co-founder & CEO
I'm Julia, co-founder and CEO of Fantastic Voyage Labs. As a scientist, educator,
and entrepreneur I have focused on making science engaging, accessible, and
practical. My career began at the City of Hope National Medical Center, where I
completed my Ph.D. in cancer biology. After completing my training as a postdoctoral
scholar at the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and the University of Alberta, I
joined Purdue University as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Biological
Sciences. At Purdue I directed a research program studying the mechanisms of cancer
development and metastasis. My work, funded by the National Institutes of Health and
the Department of Defense, has been published in prominent journals such as PNAS,
JBC, Cancer Research, and Blood. In 2014, I founded zPREDICTA, a biotechnology
startup focused on developing human 3D cell culture models for cancer drug testing
identifying new compounds most likely to benefit cancer patients. I took the company
from an early-stage concept (Y Combinator S15 batch) to a successful
multimillion-dollar exit.
Throughout my career, I have prioritized teaching and mentoring, training many students from high school through graduate level. I’ve taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Purdue University, Santa Clara University, and California State University, emphasizing active learning strategies. Most recently, recognizing the growing demand for effective hands-on training, I founded Fantastic Voyage Labs, an education technology company dedicated to creating interactive and adaptive learning solutions that prepare a future-ready workforce.
Throughout my career, I have prioritized teaching and mentoring, training many students from high school through graduate level. I’ve taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Purdue University, Santa Clara University, and California State University, emphasizing active learning strategies. Most recently, recognizing the growing demand for effective hands-on training, I founded Fantastic Voyage Labs, an education technology company dedicated to creating interactive and adaptive learning solutions that prepare a future-ready workforce.
Sergey Kirshner, Ph.D.
Co-founder & CTO
I am Sergey, co-founder and CTO of Fantastic Voyage Labs. I am a machine learning
expert with 20 years of experience as an educator, scientist, and an engineer both
in industry and academia. Over the past decade, I was primarily developing
recommender systems for e-commerce, improving product search recommendations for
hundreds of millions of online shoppers at Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. I also
built a platform for online ad campaigns at Walmart and worked on one of the first
enterprise machine learning platforms at Skytree. Prior to that, I was a
tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Department of Statistics at Purdue
University where I taught, supervised, and mentored undergraduate and graduate
students while directing multiple projects including a study where I collaborated
with atmospheric scientists to build statistical models to forecast precipitation.
My research has been published in top machine learning venues and atmospheric
science journals. I earned my Ph.D. in Information and Computer Science from the
University of California at Irvine back in 2005.
I'm passionate about using my expertise to build products that actually help people learn. As I observed first-hand how machine learning can be effectively applied to user interaction data to influence shoppers in ecommerce, I strongly believe that applying machine learning to the learner interaction data can be used to improve the learning outcomes. I am excited about building a learning platform that uses extended reality, learning engineering, and generative AI to help people acquire practical, hands-on skills.
I'm passionate about using my expertise to build products that actually help people learn. As I observed first-hand how machine learning can be effectively applied to user interaction data to influence shoppers in ecommerce, I strongly believe that applying machine learning to the learner interaction data can be used to improve the learning outcomes. I am excited about building a learning platform that uses extended reality, learning engineering, and generative AI to help people acquire practical, hands-on skills.
Pavel Koutcherina
VR Engineer
I'm Pavel Koutcherina, a Senior Unity and Unreal Engine developer based in Krakow,
Poland. I've been working in the tech industry for over eleven years, with the last
six specifically dedicated to creating immersive XR experiences. I've developed XR
solutions for everyone from small startups to industry giants like Amazon and
Philips. My work has ranged from training apps and photorealistic CG videos for
computer vision training to rapid prototyping and internal tool support,contributing
to a number of award winning projects including a medical simulation which was
recognized at the Telly Awards for the "Best Use of Interactivity" (gold winner), at
the 13th Annual Lovie Awards in the "Web3 and XR Best Use of Technology" category
(gold winner), and at the Horizon Interactive Awards (silver winner). I'm proficient
in Unity, Unreal Engine 5, C#, VR/AR hardware, procedural modeling, and much more.
I'm passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in XR merging
technical expertise with creative vision to craft innovative experiences. At
Fantastic Voyage Labs, I’m building Destination Lab, a VR application for hands-on
training for biosciences and clinical Labs, including animating Celly, a virtual
instructor, who guides learners to mastery of a multitude of laboratory procedures.
Marko Mirosevic
Principal Engineer
Hi, I'm Marko, a software developer with more than ten years of experience in the video
game industry. I've worked on published titles for both mobile and PC platforms,
primarily using Unity, though I've also had the opportunity to build with custom
in-house engines and development environments.
My expertise includes system architecture, optimization, AI, physics, networking, and multiplayer systems, as well as VR solutions for both commercial and entertainment applications. Having contributed to projects in both small indie teams and larger studios, I enjoy adapting to different environments and I'm excited to apply my skills in the impactful world of science and education.
My expertise includes system architecture, optimization, AI, physics, networking, and multiplayer systems, as well as VR solutions for both commercial and entertainment applications. Having contributed to projects in both small indie teams and larger studios, I enjoy adapting to different environments and I'm excited to apply my skills in the impactful world of science and education.
Daniel Yu
Founding VR Engineer
Hi, I'm Daniel, a VR engineer from Hungary. I've been immersed in the world of VR
development for over ten years, and it's been an incredible journey. I've had the
chance to work on all sorts of projects, from my own puzzle game, PathCraft (which
you can find on the Meta Quest Store!), to more recent work in simulations. For the
past five years, my focus has been on creating realistic simulations, everything
from visualizing real estate walkthroughs to large-scale training simulations for
train and truck operation. Now, I'm thrilled to be part of the team at Fantastic
Voyage Labs, where we're building life-like VR simulations for bioscience lab
procedures. It's exciting to apply my experience to help people learn complex skills
through hands-on virtual practice.
Taras Voznyi
3D Environment and Props Artist
Hi, I'm Taras Voznyi, a 3D environment and props artist based in Lviv, Ukraine. I’ve
been working in the 3D and XR space for nearly a decade, creating everything from
realistic environments to stylized assets for interactive experiences. My interest
in 3D began back in high school, blending my love for video games with my studies at
the local School of Fine Arts. I later pursued a degree in architecture, where I
started creating 3D visualizations.
In 2016, I began my professional journey as a hard surface artist at a game outsourcing company, focusing on detailed models of armored vehicles. Over time, I expanded my skillset, freelancing on projects ranging from mobile AR apps to stylized environments for businesses. Eventually, I joined a creative studio producing immersive VR/AR applications and interactive visual solutions across various industries. I contributed to everything from concept design and asset creation to animation and engine integration, including a VR training platform for industrial technicians. Now, I’m excited to be part of Fantastic Voyage Labs, where I’m building life-like 3D environments, props, and characters for Destination Lab, a hands-on VR training platform for bioscience labs.
In 2016, I began my professional journey as a hard surface artist at a game outsourcing company, focusing on detailed models of armored vehicles. Over time, I expanded my skillset, freelancing on projects ranging from mobile AR apps to stylized environments for businesses. Eventually, I joined a creative studio producing immersive VR/AR applications and interactive visual solutions across various industries. I contributed to everything from concept design and asset creation to animation and engine integration, including a VR training platform for industrial technicians. Now, I’m excited to be part of Fantastic Voyage Labs, where I’m building life-like 3D environments, props, and characters for Destination Lab, a hands-on VR training platform for bioscience labs.
Connor Gore-Rodney
VR Engineer
I’m Connor, a software engineer from London, United Kingdom, who enjoys building
systematic simulations, giving talks on immersive technologies, and meeting
like-minded people. I have dedicated the past 6 years to improving the rate of skill
acquisition and retention of information through the use of immersive technologies.
My development journey started as a teenager with a 1000-page C++/DirectX9 book and
dreams about fully interactable virtual worlds. I joined Fantastic Voyage Labs to
inject an interactive component into training of laboratory personnel.
Sergiy Putiak
VR Engineer
My name is Sergiy Putiak, and I am a Unity developer based in Lviv, Ukraine. Over
the past ten years, I have worked in both game development and the XR interactive
industry. I built a foundation in both 3D modeling and programming early in my
career studying precision devices and systems at the university. I actually started
out on my current path as a 3D artist, contributing to several AAA racing games.
Working closely with game engines sparked my curiosity to go beyond just creating 3D
models. I wanted to bring them to life in the virtual worlds! That's what motivated
me to dive deeper into programming, and Unity in particular. As a Unity developer,
I've focused primarily on VR learning platforms and other interactive VR
experiences. I’m really excited to join Fantastic Voyage Labs to work with such a
great team on creating a state of the art learning platform.
Justin Phillips
Intern, QA and Marketing
Hi, I'm Justin, a business administration student from sunny California. As an intern at
Fantastic Voyage Labs I split my time between QA and social media marketing. On the QA
side I test new features, document and track issues, and work with the engineering team
to reproduce and resolve bugs so our VR simulations work reliably across multiple
headset models. On the marketing side I help craft content, manage our posting calendar,
and analyze engagement to make sure our outreach resonates with instructors, lab
managers, and training leaders. I'm excited about the intersection of learning and
technology and enjoy translating user feedback into improvements that make training
safer and more effective.
Elizabeth Pollard
Advisor, Strategy
Elizabeth is a Silicon Valley C-suite veteran, with a track-record in industry and
government. She has extensive global experience scaling businesses, establishing public
and private partnerships, and building highly specialized technology, from concept to
market, primarily to enable biotechnology. She is recognized as a strategy creator and
implementor, advising companies and serving on corporate boards. Elizabeth served on the
YPO Global Board from 2020-2024, and was appointed the organization's first female
finance chair from 2022-2024.
In 2018, Elizabeth and her husband moved to Oklahoma from San Francisco because they were attracted to the transformation occurring around economic development and the values embodied in the Oklahoma Standard. Upon arrival in Oklahoma, she was introduced to government service. Because of her background in RNA and DNA technologies, she played a key role in Oklahoma's Covid-19 testing strategy. In 2020, she was appointed Cabinet Secretary of Science and Innovation for Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. In this role, she published Oklahoma's Science & Innovation Strategic Plan and testified for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. As a Cabinet Secretary, she worked across key technology sectors important to the state that include One Health, Advanced Mobility, and Energy. She also served as Chair of Oklahoma's Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology - helping the agency grow from $17M to $225M AUM, establish a venture fund, and prominent accelerator programs.
Today, Elizabeth is focused on enabling new innovation, leaders, investment in economic development, and the future of technology. In addition to her board and advisory work, she is a Venture Partner with iGrow Venture Partners, an international venture capital firm focused on pre-seed through series C investments in high growth transformative markets - Health, Advanced Mobility, Energy, Fintech, and AI. In her role, she scouts the globe for disruptive technologies for the firm's investment.
Elizabeth previously served on the advisory board of zPredicta, founded and led by Dr. Kirshner, marking a successful collaboration that culminated in the company's exit.
In 2018, Elizabeth and her husband moved to Oklahoma from San Francisco because they were attracted to the transformation occurring around economic development and the values embodied in the Oklahoma Standard. Upon arrival in Oklahoma, she was introduced to government service. Because of her background in RNA and DNA technologies, she played a key role in Oklahoma's Covid-19 testing strategy. In 2020, she was appointed Cabinet Secretary of Science and Innovation for Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. In this role, she published Oklahoma's Science & Innovation Strategic Plan and testified for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. As a Cabinet Secretary, she worked across key technology sectors important to the state that include One Health, Advanced Mobility, and Energy. She also served as Chair of Oklahoma's Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology - helping the agency grow from $17M to $225M AUM, establish a venture fund, and prominent accelerator programs.
Today, Elizabeth is focused on enabling new innovation, leaders, investment in economic development, and the future of technology. In addition to her board and advisory work, she is a Venture Partner with iGrow Venture Partners, an international venture capital firm focused on pre-seed through series C investments in high growth transformative markets - Health, Advanced Mobility, Energy, Fintech, and AI. In her role, she scouts the globe for disruptive technologies for the firm's investment.
Elizabeth previously served on the advisory board of zPredicta, founded and led by Dr. Kirshner, marking a successful collaboration that culminated in the company's exit.
Steve Ritter, Ph.D.
Advisor, Learning Engineering
Steve Ritter is Founder and Chief Scientist at Carnegie Learning. Dr. Ritter earned
a doctorate in cognitive psychology at Carnegie Mellon University and was
instrumental in the development and evaluation of the Cognitive Tutors for
mathematics. Dr. Ritter is the author of numerous papers on the design, architecture
and evaluation of adaptive instructional systems and is recognized as an expert on
educational analytics and on using Artificial Intelligence in education. He is lead
author of an evaluation that is one of the few to be judged by the US Department of
Education’s What Works Clearinghouse as meeting their standards without
reservations. He has received several awards, including the Best Paper award at the
International Conference on Educational Data Mining. At Carnegie Learning, Dr.
Ritter leads a research team devoted to using learning engineering to improve the
efficacy of the company’s products. Current funding focused on such issues as
algorithmic bias in educational AI, support for teaching math to struggling readers
and the UpGrade tool for supporting rigorous field tests of educational software.