CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Alexia Akbay founded Symbrosia to pioneer seaweed-based technologies that blend scientific rigor with human-centered innovation. With a background in chemistry and a Master’s in Environmental Health from Yale, her career spans hormone-disruption research, blockchain-based carbon accounting, and regenerative agriculture consulting. At Symbrosia, she leads a multidisciplinary team advancing American biomanufacturing under the pillars of the blue economy, Indigenous autonomy, and natural resource stewardship. Her leadership has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, the Blue Climate Initiative, and UNICEF Innovation 30.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING

Luigi holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and brings a strong background in civil design, having previously worked for RM Towill Corporation. His engineering skillset lends itself perfectly to designing and executing the expansion of Symbrosia’s facilities, supporting the company’s mission to scale innovation with global impact. Drawn to Symbrosia for its people and commitment to innovation, Luigi is excited about the company’s growth and future potential. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family.

DIRECTOR OF DATA & SUSTAINABILITY

Claire has grown with Symbrosia over the past 5 years from intern to Director of Data & Sustainability, leading the company’s data strategy, carbon crediting, and regulatory compliance. Over her five years, she has built expertise in algal biotechnology and is a named inventor on U.S. Patent USPP34510P2 for a novel strain of A. taxiformis. She has also spearheaded major initiatives in sustainability reporting and innovation in data systems, establishing Symbrosia as a leader in science-driven impact.

HEAD OF CULTIVATION

Hoku is an algae expert with 11 years of experience at OTEC, the science and technology park where Symbrosia is based. Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, he began his aquaculture career at Taylor Shellfish, where he supported the development of the “Kona Blue” clam strain through selective breeding. Now as Symbrosia’s Head of Cultivation, he leads the production of Asparagopsis taxiformis and is dedicated to leaving both the planet and people better than he found them. Outside of work, Hoku enjoys pickleball and time at the beach with his two dogs.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REP

Katie is a fifth-generation cattle rancher from Lone Pine, California, where her family runs a multi-generational cow/calf operation. She holds dual degrees in Agribusiness and Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University, along with a master’s in Agricultural Communications. Katie’s commitment to sustainable agriculture took root during a semester as an exchange student at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and deepened through an internship with the California Rangeland Trust. Since then, she has implemented regenerative practices on her own ranch. She has now come full circle as she works to expand the use of SeaGraze™ across ranches, feedlots, and dairies. When she’s not on the road connecting with producers, Katie can be found horseback riding, refining her yoga flow, or reading the newest BookTok recommendation.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Originally from Oʻahu and raised in Japan during her early education, Mari has lived in South Kona for the past 17 years. She has worked locally as a bookkeeper and is currently pursuing her Associate’s degree in Accounting at Palamanui Community College. With a love for nature and exploring new places, she finds it rewarding to be part of a startup with a strong environmental mission rooted in the local community. The challenges of working in a growing company have provided valuable experience and opportunities for professional growth.

LEAD AUTOMATION ENGINEER

With deep family roots along the Pacific Northwest coast, Andrew moved to Hawaiʻi over two decades ago to work at some of the world’s largest telescopes, spending twelve years on the mauna. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona and brings forty years of experience in circuit design, programming, electronics manufacturing, sensors, and controls engineering. Drawn to Symbrosia’s mission long before a position opened, Andrew joined the team to apply his expertise toward solutions with real impact for the planet. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, photography, visual astronomy, telescope making, and astrophotography.

HEAD OF APPLIED R&D

Martin is passionate about exploration and discovery, a drive that first connected him with Symbrosia as an exchange student during his last semester of engineering school in California. He began as a remote intern, fell in love with the mission, and later moved to Hawaiʻi to become a Research Engineer. He holds a Master’s in Industrial and Environmental Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Outside of work, Martin deepens his connection to the ocean through surfing, spearfishing, hiking, and exploring the island—experiences that inspire his commitment to sustainable ocean stewardship.

ENGINEERING LEAD

Born and raised in Toppenish, Washington, Juan holds a technical certification in wind turbine technologies. Before moving to Hawaiʻi, he spent more than three years in the telecommunications industry as a tower technician and construction worker. In Hawaiʻi, he gained over four years of experience working on marine vessels and residential construction before joining Symbrosia. As Engineering Lead, he ensures the company’s facilities and systems operate reliably while bringing his passion for inventing and building to the role. Outside of work, he enjoys outrigger paddling, golfing, and continues to work as a handyman.

QA LEAD

Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, Kayley spent much of her childhood exploring the tide pools near Symbrosia’s current headquarters. After earning a B.S. in Biochemistry in California, she returned home to pursue climate-focused work and began her journey with Symbrosia as an R&D intern. Today, she serves as QA Technician, where she ensures the quality of all shipments leaving Symbrosia and coordinates across certifications and departments to uphold regulatory expectations. Her attention to detail helps maintain the company’s high standards for product integrity and compliance. Outside of work, Kayley enjoys baking fun (and sometimes spooky) treats, crafting with yarn, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.

PROCESSING & PRODUCT LEAD

Evan Lam has spent the last 7 years leading, developing and managing innovation projects in recycling, cannabis, hospitality and carbon reduction. His professional focus lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and working with complexity in environmental challenges. He’s worked with the Gigatonne Challenge, Paka Products, and a wide variety of projects in primary industries. Born in O’ahu and raised in Waimea, Hawai’i Island, Evan enjoys spending time in the ocean, the outdoors and abroad. 

OUTDOOR MACROALGAE LEAD

FACILITIES ENGINEER

From the lakes of Minnesota to the beaches of West Hawaiʻi, Jake has always been a die-hard water enthusiast. He holds an M.S. in Materials Engineering and brings expertise in manufacturing, chemistry, materials science, and collaboration to his role at Symbrosia. Known as a tech wiz, Jake finds unique solutions to simplify farm labor and streamline data, often building custom tools and “robots” that help the team achieve production goals. He thrives on tackling a wide range of challenges and supporting Symbrosia’s mission through innovation and problem-solving.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

From the island of Maui, Makanahele loves playing music, surfing, shelling, diving, and spending time in the ocean. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Marine Biology and has a deep appreciation for native plants and limu. Makanahele leads a community-based limu restoration project, working to protect and revive native seaweed species while fostering cultural and ecological resilience. She also co-hosts Nā Loea Limu, a podcast dedicated to sharing stories and knowledge from practitioners, scientists, and community leaders who carry forward Hawaiʻi’s limu traditions. Passionate about bridging science, culture, and community, she enjoys connecting people to the ocean and to each other through research, restoration, and outreach.

INDOOR MACROALGAE TECH

Kelsi joined the Symbrosia team in early 2024.   Her passion for the marine environment has led her to a career based within this field.  She attended Oregon State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, a chemistry minor, and a marine option that entailed time studying abroad at James Cook University.  After a decade of work in marine mammal conservation, Kelsi has spent the past three years working with Asparagopsis taxiformis.  Her expertise lies within our seed stock and nursery cultivation.  She now heads the Indoor Lab early stage production and coordinates with the R&D team to assist with research at these early stages.  When not in the lab, you can find Kelsi outside hiking or playing at the beach with her son. 

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Lan grew up in Vietnam’s central highlands on her family’s coffee and avocado farm, where she developed a respect for food systems and sustainability. She earned a B.S. in Animal Science with a Marine Biology minor from Cornell University and gained experience through microbial genomics research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and hatchery operations at Blue Ocean Mariculture. At Symbrosia, she contributes to R&D by development improved methods for on seaweed cultivation.

PRODUCT & PROCESSING TECH

Maile holds a bachelors degree in Marine Science from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo where she focused on tropical conservation and ecology. After graduating, she worked in the dive industry until she found herself being drawn towards Symbrosia's mission to reduce methane emissions. Maile feels honored to be part of such a  passionate and driven team, working towards making a real environmental impact. Outside (and inside) of work, Maile has a seething rage towards marine debris. On the weekends, you can probably find her on a boat with a SCUBA tank, removing trash from the ocean. 

OUTDOOR MACROALGAE TECH

Born and raised in Kona, Hawaiʻi, Riley has always had a deep love for the ocean and the outdoors, spending his free time surfing, hiking, fishing, and traveling. He earned a Marine Options Program Certificate from Kapiʻolani Community College and began his career in aquaculture. Drawn to Symbrosia’s mission and its commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability, Riley is dedicated to expanding his knowledge and skills in aquaculture and marine science.

INDOOR MACROALGAE TECH

Born and raised in Moanalua, Oʻahu, Seth earned a B.S. in Agriculture with a specialty in Aquaculture from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He first joined Symbrosia as a Summer PIPES intern and now serves as an Indoor Technician. Passionate about plants and animals from mauka to makai, Seth brings this connection to his work in aquaculture. Outside of Symbrosia, he enjoys being a waterman—bodyboarding, diving, fishing, or simply spending time at the beach.

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