Nova Quest, LLC
Experienced Systems Engineering Consultants
Bringing clarity to complex systems and multi-disciplinary teams
Our Approach
We are systems engineers with a niche in working on first-of-a-kind technologies during the phase between the proof of concept lab scale through early adopter units.
We focus on the interfaces to quickly identify areas of confusion, then work to clearly identify and define scope in order to maintain efficiency across organizations.
Core Capabilities
System Architecture and Requirement Definition
We work with you to implement tailored processes that improve engineering rigor including system architecture definition, trade study research, and blank sheet requirement generation.
FMEA and Root Cause Analysis
We are experienced in leading FMEAs, fault trees documentation for high risk items, and HAZOP reviews.
Through data analysis we present test results and offer next steps for testing to determine the most likely cause of failures in a system.
Integration, Testing, and Data Analysis
We adopt the motto, “test early, test often.” We generate integration and test plans with clear expectations and goals for a more streamlined and effective verification and validation phase.
Teaching and Mentoring
We support reviews of engineering artifacts and designs. We also work alongside your team and collaborate directly, equipping your staff with the skills and knowledge to sustain and build on the work once our engagement ends.
Beyond direct engineering engagement, we offer professional development courses related to engineering and critical thinking, and K-12 STEM workshops through project-based learning.
Our Team
Kevin DiGenova
Co-Founder
Kevin has over 17 years of experience developing complex, inter-disciplinary technologies. His work spans grid-scale flow batteries, robotics, fuel flexibility for gas turbines, organic Rankine cycles, process plant efficiency, and fuel-free compressed air energy storage. Kevin has led systems engineering efforts from initial architecture definition and requirements allocation through integration and verification testing.
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he now serves as a Lecturer in Instrumentation and Measurement.
Kevin has been closely involved in the development of compliance standards for energy storage systems. He is a member of the Standards Technical Panels for UL 9540, Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, and UL 1973, Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications.
Kyra Holmquest
Co-Founder
Kyra has over 13 years of experience as a systems and electrical & controls engineer, working on new technologies that have transitioned from the lab to the field. Her work spans grid-scale energy storage systems, underwater and UAV robotics, educational robotics, quadcopter drones, and high-power CW and pulsed laser systems. She is enthusiastic about STEM education and has been a mentor for interns and junior engineers. She is driven to apply systems engineering principles to establish clear goals and expectations, helping organizations operate more efficiently and effectively.
Kyra holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University and an M.Eng. in Systems Engineering from Cornell University.
Outside of work, she’s happiest snowboarding, camping, and spending time with her family.
Cristi DiGenova
Partner
Cristi is a software engineer with over 14 years of experience building scalable applications and integrating software with complex systems in the biotech industry. Her work combines hands-on development, architectural design, and a thoughtful, systems-oriented approach to problem solving.
Cristi has led engineering teams and developed software platforms supporting laboratory automation, biological synthesis, and scientific data visualization, including web applications that interface with laboratory robotic systems, as well as internal tools for process monitoring, data flow, and manufacturing execution.
Cristi holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from MIT, where she focused on artificial intelligence and modeling system safety. That foundation in systems thinking continues to shape her work today—bringing clarity, structure, and traceability to the design and implementation of complex technical systems.
Outside of work, Cristi enjoys ice hockey, knitting, and teaching her kids and their classmates to code.