Team Lead / Scientist
Rafael Menarez
With a PhD from Harvard in both mathematics and astrophysics, Menarez is intellectually brilliant, yet has a unique talent for drawing people to him. He sees his team as family, working to overcome his innate shyness to become the leader they needed. His heart is devoted to his wife Joann, and he struggles with the loss of his only child Elizabeth. Menarez is a detailed strategist and thrives on challenge. He discovered his love for facts and science at an early age when he won first place at his school’s science fair in 2nd grade. He’s a second generation American, with some of his family still working as cacao growers in Ecuador. His Tio Carlos introduced Menarez to his three vices – his favorite chocolates (To’ak Sauternes Cask Aged), cognac (Courvoisier XO) and cigars (Davidoff Seleccion 702). Menarez is meticulous in all areas of his life, including his indulgences – allowing himself a square of chocolate, a snifter of cognac and a cigar once a week. He is an unassuming hero.
Curator
Joanne Menarez
An art history major from Harvard, Joann works at the National Museum of Art. She is a complex character with strong emotions and at times fights the demons of depression after a life haunted by death – that of her mother and her daughter. She has a strong connection to her father who is an EMT. She has built a family of Menarez’s team. She is a personality in flux, still growing and dealing with the tragedies in her life, struggling to become the strong wife Rafael needs at his side. She finds comfort and peace through gardening. Her backyard is worthy of a Better Homes and Garden spread.
Scientist
Scott Miller
Rafael’s best friend and second in command for the team. Scott is a physicist who is a fatherly figure for many on the team. He was a rock for Rafael during the loss of his daughter. His parents, who were missionaries, had a profound effect on his formative years, and he is grounded in his beliefs. His confidence has led him to become a calming influence for the team. His parents are now part-time adjunct professors at a local seminary. Scott is in his late forties and is fit and athletic, enjoying rock climbing, tennis, and the mountains. A one-word description of Scott is “solid.”
Scientist
Rebeccah Miller
Scott’s wife and Joann’s best friend, Rebecca was born into money, but chose to be a scientist over a socialite. She has a passion for aviation, like her father and grandfather, and is a licensed pilot. Her ideal vacation is to the beach. She’s a sand-between-her-toes kind of girl. She has her PhD in astrophysics. Her big struggle is juggling her passion and commitment to her work versus her responsibility to her child. And though her daughter is a successful grown woman, Rebecca still feels torn between her two callings.
Scientist
Carl Johnson
The foremost authority on electromagnetism, Carl is an introvert. Shy and unassuming, he has hidden insights and talents. Raised in one of the city’s projects, his parents worked numerous jobs to give their boys a better chance. Though he excelled in academia, Carl was smaller in stature, and fell into the shadows of his older athletic brother and domineering father. Even though his mother encouraged him, he couldn’t overcome the stigma of being smaller framed, not athletic and smart. He retreated into his studies and into himself. Being part of Menarez’ team has given him confidence and friends. His constant companion away from work is his Australian Shepherd Foster.
Scientist
Lauren Newman
A Harvard classmate of Menarez’, Lauren has her PhD in Gravitational Wave Astrophysics. She had a perfect life, growing up in an academic family where her dad was a High School principal, and her mom was a teacher. She excelled in school. Her cheerful attitude and girl-next-door prettiness made her popular and smoothed her way in most endeavors. She is burdened by a past relationship fiasco that robbed her of her Joie de Vivre that drew people to her. Being part of the team has helped, and Lauren is once again becoming a vibrant, assured woman.
Scientist
Hui Ying
A 34-year-old nuclear physicist. He was born in the United States but raised in his family’s native Taiwan after his father was offered the Department Chair at a prestigious university. His mother is also a professor. Hui, unsurprisingly, was a child prodigy, graduating college at 16 and receiving numerous fellowship offers. He speaks multiple languages, loves learning, and dotes on his nieces and nephews. He would like a family of his own but is devoted to his science. He loves the idea of family, but work consumes him. Luckily for Hui, Menarez’ team is enough of a family for now.
Scientist
Yani Mattu
A graduate of George Mason University with a PhD in quantum field theory. Yani adheres to his family’s Pakistani religion and traditions. Inspired by his sport hero, Pakastani Shahid Afridi, Yani became an avid cricket player. He was a genuine all-rounder, both batting and bowling for the GMU cricket team. His dad works for the State Diplomat Department as an envoy to Pakistan. He is married and expecting twins. His wife is in Pakistan to care for her mother who is ill.
Scientist
Nicholas Taylor
With a PhD in Quantum Computing and Evolutionary Computation, Nick is their resident computer guru. From Boston, he is a huge 80’s rock fan and ardent Red Sox fan. For a geek, he is quite the rebel, with longer hair and tattoos. His renegade style extends to more than his physical appearance as he is quite outspoken on his political views. With a father who was in the military, he is patriotic and feels it is not only his right but his duty to question the leaders and their policies. Nick tends to “push the envelope” on most topics.
Doctoral Student
Dan Vanden Rae
A doctoral candidate in Quantum Computing. Dan has a mixed Dutch & Puerto Rican heritage that is uniquely combined in his Rastafarian style. Dreads and science don’t usually blend, but after his older brother was arrested for hacking, Dan decided to use his skills and talent with computers to better himself. He is competitive and athletic and excels at all sports and academics. His parents own a ballroom dance studio, and his dad took him and his brother to Tae Kwon Do to bond and keep their “macho” intact. Dan now combines his dance and martial arts in a Capoeira. Dreads, science, karate and dance – Dan is an interesting mashup of styles, intellect and cultures.
Doctoral Student
Matthew Carmichael
A doctoral candidate in physics. A southern charmer who never feels out of place. Matthew is the true ladies’ man, never getting too involved with a girl to lose his heart. He keeps relationships at arm’s length due to a dysfunctional family life. And yet he is a likeable character because his intentions are pure and innocent – fun and laughter for a time, nothing serious. That’s his personal life. His professional life is another matter. He is good at what he does, and his easy-going personality has paved the way to future success. He and Menarez have formed a close bond. His relationships within the team are the closest thing to a healthy family life he has ever experienced.
CEO of Great Minds
George Blair
CEO of GreatMinds, the think tank where Meneraz and his team work. He has backed Menarez for years. Intelligent and innovative himself, he has found various technologies to promote and incorporate into a growing governmental research facility that is fast becoming a powerhouse. Blair himself has become a philanthropic dynamo. He has been a mentor to Menarez since they met, helping him build the powerful team that is the shining star of GreatMinds. He has a large network of friends but no immediate family of his own.