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Lucas Peña
Principal & Technologist Synthesist @ Futurity Studio - Engineer Designer, Researcher, and Educator.
Professional Background
Lucas Lorenzo Peña is a multifaceted professional with a passion for using technology to enhance social experiences and foster positive community engagement. As a full-stack software engineer, creative technologist, and UX designer, Lucas currently serves as the principal at Futurity Studio. His work transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on how technology intersects with trust, governance, and urban systems.
Lucas has amassed over seven years of industry experience, which includes collaborating with innovative teams ranging from small start-ups to significant corporate R&D departments and renowned academic institutions. His portfolio showcases diverse projects, from physical installations to digital platforms, highlighting his versatility and depth of expertise. Some of the notable organizations where Lucas has made a significant impact include the EU Policy Lab, Nike, MIT Center for Bits & Atoms, NASA, and Telefonica - Alpha Innovation.
Education and Achievements
Lucas's academic credentials are as impressive as his professional experiences. He holds a Master of Science degree in Cognitive Science and Interactive Media from Universitat Pompeu Fabra and a Master's Degree in Interactive Application Design from the prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design. Additionally, he earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from Florida State University, one in Computer Science and another in Criminology, both with a GPA of 3.25. His educational journey began at Lake Brantley High School, where he excelled in music performance, graduating with a GPA of 3.8.
Throughout his career, Lucas has taken on various educational roles, including serving as an Educator at both the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and IED Barcelona. These positions have allowed him to share his knowledge and skills with the next generation of designers and technologists, further emphasizing his commitment to fostering innovative thinking in others.
Achievements
Lucas’s work is characterized by his commitment to exploring the complexities of human-machine interaction, embodied cognition, and the socio-cultural impacts of artificial intelligence and machine learning. At Futurity Studio, he investigates speculative design and technology experiences that aim to understand decision-making processes in modern societies. His innovative use of technology seeks not only to enhance user experience but also to establish trust within urban systems and communities.
Over the years, Lucas has held various positions, including Principal Innovation Technologist at Ideas for Change and a standout role as a FullStack Engineer, Creative Technologist, and Product Owner at Fab Lab Barcelona. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident from his experience as the Founder and CTO at SoFitU, where he applied his technology expertise to address real-world problems and create meaningful solutions.
In addition to his technical skills, Lucas has shown remarkable leadership and mentoring capabilities. His experience as a Computer Programming Tutor and as an Assistant Percussion/Drumline Instructor at Lake Brantley High School showcases his ability to communicate complex subjects effectively to diverse audiences, guiding them to achieve their goals.
Lucas has not only made strides in the technology sector but has also contributed to the arts through his musical background. His role as the Lead Percussionist at Lake Brantley High School highlights the breadth of his interests and abilities, allowing for a holistic approach to creativity and innovation.
In summary, Lucas Lorenzo Peña stands out as an influential figure in the field of technology and design, with a well-rounded background that incorporates education, innovation, and social impact. With his experience and dedication, he continues to inspire teams and communities, driving forward-thinking solutions that resonate in an increasingly complex world.
