Green 4 Better Organization Chart
To run Green 4 Better effectively, our student team is organized into two main teams:
Operations & Management and Engineering & Research. Each team plays a key role in turning ideas into real community impact.
Dr. Allen Wu earned his Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering and M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Southern California. While he was a Ph.D. candidate, he did his research at CalTech Keck Foundation Laboratory for advanced water discharging system. He also served as the field research engineer with the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulics of University of Southern California. In that role, he was responsible for more than four hundred groundwater wells in Los Angeles County to assess water supply and conservation. Furthermore, he also has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Leveraging this extensive background, Dr. Wu will serve as a strategic mentor for Green 4 Better, guiding the team through complex technical challenges in water resource management. His unique expertise in both engineering and public administration will empower the team to develop sustainable solutions that are both technically sound and community-focused.
Dr. Tony Torng serves as a strategic advisor for our team. Drawing on his experience as a board member of the Walnut Valley Unified School District, Dr. Torng provides guidance on educational leadership and ensures our work stays aligned with academic and community standards. He also plays a key role in helping us connect with university professors and industry experts, supporting our team's ongoing development.
Dr. Xinan Wu is our technical mentor. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University and previously led quantitative research at firms like Citadel Securities and Hulu. As we build our physical prototypes and begin collecting data, Xinan is guiding us through the design of our data monitoring framework. He is teaching us how to analyze preliminary data to identify the factors that drive system performance, laying the groundwork for our future software.
Mr. John Craig is our primary technical support advisor. As the founder of WeCompost2, John brings years of on-the-ground experience in sustainable waste management and environmental innovation. His deep understanding of composting systems provides us with practical mentorship as we navigate the technical complexities of our projects and refine our environmental solutions.
Ms. Evelyn Shih joins Green 4 Better as a University Student Mentor, bringing a unique perspective from her studies in Human Physiology on the Pre-Medical track and her minor in Advertising at Boston University. For Evelyn, environmental advocacy is a pillar of preventative medicine. By leading mentorship initiatives, she is developing the communication and leadership skills essential for a future career in healthcare. At Green 4 Better, Evelyn will guide younger students in understanding how local environmental impacts influence community health, while using her creative background to amplify the organization's mission to a broader audience.
Ella Shih | Founder & Executive Director
As the visionary behind Green 4 Better, Ella oversees the organization’s strategic growth and high-level partnerships. She guides the development of the MCS-1 (Micro Compost System-1), driven by a mission to transform environmental awareness into practical, community-led solutions.
Key Focus: Strategic Planning, External Partnerships, and Competition Oversight.
Operations & Management Team
Dedicated to community outreach, professional communications, and organizational growth.
Angelina Cheng | Chief Operating Officer (COO)
The engine behind our daily operations, Angelina coordinates project timelines and cross-school collaborations. She ensures the organization meets every milestone, from internal workshops to major community events.
Key Focus: Workflow Management, Internal Logistics, and Timeline Strategy.
Vera Wang | Director of Strategic Partnerships
Vera serves as the primary liaison between Green 4 Better and our partners in both the public and private sectors. Her team is focused on expanding our network to broaden our impact within the community.
Key Focus: Partner Relations, Networking, and Resource Acquisition.
Bethiah Chen | Director of Communications & Media
Bethiah manages the public face of Green 4 Better. From producing "Behind the Scenes" documentaries to maintaining our digital presence, her team ensures our mission is communicated clearly and effectively to a global audience.
Key Focus: Social Media Strategy, Website Management, and Video Production.
Engineering and Resaerach Team
Dedicated to the technical development and scientific validation of our sustainability prototypes.
TBA | Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
A specialist in Thermal Systems Integration, the CTO manages the technical roadmap for the MCS-1. They ensure every component, from the precision thermal layering to the intricate aeration cycles, functions as a high-performance, integrated system.
Key Focus: R&D Oversight, Systems Integration, and Technical Dossier Management.
TBA | Lead, Research & Design (R&D)
The Research & Design lead directs the team focused on the structural and fluid dynamics of our prototypes. This role was instrumental in developing our signature "Fishbone" aeration system, a design that optimizes oxygen flow to ensure maximum microbial efficiency within the compost layers.
Key Focus: Prototype Assembly, Material Testing, and Structural Integrity.
Sam Lin | Bio-Science & Data Analyst
Sam bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and environmental biology. By monitoring the chemical composition of our compost, they provide the data-driven evidence necessary to validate our sustainability claims.
Key Focus: Data Collection, Testing, and Scientific Reporting for Competitions.
Junior Fellowship Program
Our Junior Fellows are 6th and 7th-grade students showing exceptional promise in sustainability. They support the core team while gaining hands-on experience in engineering and non-profit management.
Elsa Wang
Field Research Fellow:
Supports the Engineering team with daily data monitoring of the MCS-1, focusing on the science of resource recovery.
Hillary Wang
Field Research Fellow: Acts as a student ambassador, coordinating workshops and engaging peers in environmental advocacy.
Norah Chen
Digital Content Fellow: Assists the Media team by documenting our progress through photography and short-form video.