Board Members
Carolyn Coia
Carolyn Coia
Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee
Carolyn Coia is the Vice President of Real Estate for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (managing entity of Research Triangle Park) and leads the real estate development activities of the Foundation (RTP proper, Frontier, Boxyard, and Hub RTP – the future downtown of RTP).
Carolyn’s experience also includes work with a group of companies owned by private equity, where she was heavily involved in acquisition pro forma work, budgeting/forecasting (P&L, BS, CF) and miscellaneous financial modeling.
A Pennsylvania native, Carolyn holds a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Dina Requena
Dina Requena
Chair, Development Committee
Dr. Dina Requena is a Research & Development Operations Executive, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Adjunct Professor with over 25 years of experience managing technology product strategies from conceptualization to full market implementation for multibillion-dollar technology and biotechnology corporations.
Adept at driving business growth and sustainability, identifying and securing business opportunities, supervising global cross-functional teams, streamlining policies and procedures, securing necessary start-up funding, reporting to senior management, and fostering beneficial partnerships, Dina currently works as an Executive in Residence & Professor at Duke University. She is an Active community contributor through her involvement in in numerous organizations that promote STEM education such as education both in the US and globally.
Dina holds a B.S. in Engineering from Universidad Agraria, Peru, an M.S. in Engineering from Louisiana State University, and Ph.D. in Engineering from North Carolina State University, and a master’s certificate from the George Washington University School of Business. During her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with her family.
Julian Berla
Julian Berla
Julian Berla is excited to join the Board and to serve the RTHS school community. A 2018 graduate of RTHS, Julian will provide a unique perspective on how the school can best achieve its mission and vision of increasing access to STEM education in the Research Triangle and beyond.
In 2023, Julian earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from NC State University.
Julian currently works as a Controls Engineer and Developer for Brock Solutions, a leading provider of airport automation technology, where he designs, programs, and commissions state-of-the-art baggage handling systems for some of the largest airports in the US.
He also volunteers his time as a business mentor for RTHS’s nationally recognized robotics program.
Kelly D. Broccio, Ph.D.
Kelly D. Broccio, Ph.D.
Kelly D. Broccio, Ph.D. is Senior Director of Trait Pipeline at The Traits Company, where she leads research and development programs focused on agricultural biotechnology. Over the course of her career, she has built and led multidisciplinary research teams, managed multimillion-dollar R&D portfolios, and helped translate scientific discoveries into practical agricultural innovations. Her experience spans molecular biology, genetics, plant biotechnology, and strategic program leadership.
Kelly earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology from Boston University. She completed postdoctoral research at Duke University and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences before moving into leadership roles in the biotechnology industry.
As a first-generation scientist, Kelly is passionate about expanding opportunities for students and helping them discover the possibilities that STEM education can provide. Throughout her career, she has mentored high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees, and she enjoys helping young people develop the confidence and skills to pursue ambitious goals.
Kelly joined the Research Triangle High School Board of Directors in June 2026 and serves on the Academic Excellence Committee. She is honored to support the school’s mission of providing an exceptional STEM-focused education and is committed to helping ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in college, in their careers, and in their communities.
Michael Dwomoh
Michael Dwomoh
Vice Chair
Michael Dwomoh is a PhD-qualified Mechanical Engineer with experience in financial services. Since 1999, he has worked across three continents with two global banks. Dr. Dwomoh focuses on risk management and process improvement across the First and Third Lines of Defense.
Dr. Dwomoh is versed in business continuity and resilience practices, data analysis, strategy development, and internal auditing.
His specialties include Business Continuity Planning, Client Relationships, Team Building, CBCP, Disaster Recovery, Crisis Management, Risk Management, Risk Assessment, Operational Risk, Enterprise Risk Management, Data Analysis, and Strategy Development.
Phoebe Thermitus
Phoebe Thermitus
Board Member
Phoebe Thermitus is currently the Vice President, Digital Solutions Chapter Leader at Fidelity Investments. For over 20 years, Phoebe has worked in the technology industry, leading teams to effectively work together to deliver results and has worked across several areas, including product development, product operations, marketing, and digital transformation.
Phoebe is passionate about leadership and helping others to appreciate their unique value. She does this through coaching, training, mentoring, and even in her volunteering. Phoebe is originally from New Jersey and has called North Carolina home for over 16 years.
Phoebe holds a B.S in Math & Computer Science from Rutgers University, a M.S in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. Her daughter, Alexis, is a Sophomore at RTHS and she is excited to serve on the RTHS board.
Steven Hunter
Steven Hunter
Board Chair
Dr. Hunter retired as an IBM Fellow and Executive in 2018 after 35 years and has been an NC State University Adjunct Professor for 25 years. He had a career in IBM in the Network, Systems and Research organizations and was the Executive Champion for the NCSU/IBM Pathfinder and the North Carolina STEM Programs during this time.
Steve received his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, his master’s degree from NC State University, and his Ph.D. degree from Duke University, all in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Steve is the recipient of several IBM awards, was named an IBM Fellow in 2011, and elected to the IBM Academy of Technology soon after. Steve has been a licensed North Carolina Professional Engineer since 2002 and was named to the NC State University Electrical and Computer Engineering Hall of Fame in 2019.
Steve enjoys the outdoors by biking, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and running. He organizes a Neuse River kayak trip from Raleigh to New Bern (Capital to Capital) every April.