Meet the board
The founder of LOISAT, Dr. Gary Prézeau, grew up in Canada the son of Haitian immigrants. He was a WUSC volunteer in Malawi, where he was a physics professor at Chancellor College in Zomba for two years. After getting his PhD in physics, he worked at Hampton University/Jefferson Lab, Caltech, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He has published articles on dark matter, astrophysics, neutrinos and nuclear physics. While at JPL, he published a paper on the existence of dense dark matter hairs around planets that was featured in a NASA press release. He was laid off from JPL in 2016 for lack of funding after a proposal to measure subatomic electric dipole moments using a novel method was rejected by JPL. Scientists have tried to measure these for 74 years because they go to the heart of the existence of matter. He went on to self-finance that experiment, with the support of LOISAT co-founder, Kerry Prézeau, using part of the proceeds from the sale of their house supplemented with thousands of hours of private tutoring, something he thoroughly enjoyed. He tutored high school, college and graduate students, as well as career professionals in mathematics, physics and engineering. Simultaneously, he founded LOISAT, and timed the public release of the first non-zero measurement of a subatomic electric dipole moment with LOISAT’s first fundraising campaign to bring maximal attention to its mission.
Dr. Claire Ilo is an accomplished educator, organizational psychologist, and engineer committed to fostering inclusive excellence in STEM education by creating pathways that support underrepresented populations and students with learning differences. Her work unites industry innovation, academic research, and community engagement to promote achievement and equity across educational systems.
Dr. Ilo began her professional journey as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer and served with Siemens, where she developed a strong foundation in systems management, innovation, and problem-solving. Guided by a passion for education and human development, she transitioned into teaching and leadership, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and multiple California teaching credentials in Science, Special Education, and Career Technical Education (CTE). Her CTE expertise spans management, finance, and scientific disciplines, allowing her to design interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Within the Los Angeles Unified School District, Dr. Ilo integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with culturally responsive and antiracist instruction. She has led enrichment programs in robotics, environmental science, and engineering design that close opportunity gaps and nurture innovation among underrepresented youth.
Dr. Ilo holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and advanced doctoral work in Global Leadership and Change. Her research focuses on multicultural competency, leadership systems, and organizational equity. She also holds a Micro-Credential in Antiracist Instruction, reflecting her ongoing commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive learning and workplace environments.
In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Ilo works to dismantle systemic barriers that restrict professional advancement, supporting individuals and organizations through mentorship, development initiatives, and equity-centered consulting.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ilo brings strategic insight, technical acumen, and a holistic understanding of education and workforce systems. Her leadership embodies the belief that equitable access to STEM education and mentorship transforms lives, strengthens communities, and builds sustainable futures for generations to come.
Dr. Varoujan Gorjian obtained his undergraduate degree in Astronomy at Caltech in 1992 and his Ph.D. at UCLA in 1998. He then went to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Spitzer Space Telescope project (2003-2020) and he has been there ever since. His research interests range from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies to planets orbiting around nearby stars. He is also very involved with education and public outreach and does research with high school science teachers from across the country which has ignited a deep passion to make science accessible to all.
Kerry Prézeau holds a Social Work degree and has experience in business ownership, community outreach and event organization. Kerry is also a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster youth, certified Wellness Coach, and Fitness Instructor to populations facing physical and mental health challenges.
Working with foster youth and Title I students revealed to Kerry the detrimental effects of education inequality. She found that many of the children face immense challenges that hamper the learning experience in a regular school setting.
The mission of LOISAT is one that holds special meaning to Kerry. By providing a unique learning platform and addressing historical inequalities LOISAT enables youth to take control of their academic journey. Creating a positive and supportive learning experience is key to igniting the power and promise of our future youth.
Kerry lives in Los Angeles with her husband Dr. Gary Prézeau and their two children.
