Human Physical Performance Engineering.

Background

Steven holds degrees in Engineering Management and Industrial Engineering. He competed in collegiate tennis at both the United States Military Academy at West Point and Michigan State University prior to entering the workforce where he has worked on foundational technologies for the Federal Government and supporting industries through various high-tech integrations.

Technical Foundation

His approach to problem solving is rooted in systems thinking, foundational research, and integrated technologies. His specializations are systems modeling and optimization modeling.

Career Path

Steven’s career spans public service, applied engineering, and private enterprise.

• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Business ownership and independent ventures

Applied Engineering Work

At the USDA, Steven developed near-infrared (NIR) quality testing systems for apples—technology that continues to support processing operations in Clarksville, MI and other apple processing facilities nationwide.

During periods of declining milk prices, he worked as an Energy Auditor supporting Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) members—helping farms upgrade milk cooling systems and electrical infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

Steven worked with an industry-leading food manufacturer to process production line waste-oil into biodiesel and then constructed an automated biodiesel reactor for the facility to use onsite capable of processing about 40 gallons of waste oil in about 4 hours with 15 minutes of labor.

He later directed research and operations at the Aquaculture Research Corporation in Tecumseh, Michigan, with a focus on eliminating operational risk. An automated feeding system that observes fish behavior while feeding to minimize feed waste improving system biochemical stability. This work enabled aquaculture facilities to obtain farm insurance—significantly improving their viability and attractiveness to investors.

FITNDEX

In 2020, Steven began developing FITNDEX.

The underlying mathematical system was built quickly—but adoption proved to be a different challenge. He recognized that the fitness industry does not respond to theory alone, especially when that theory challenges established norms and is presented by an industry outsider.

So he chose to validate the system the only way that would matter: through performance.

Proof Through Performance

Steven entered his first powerlifting competition at the Michigan State Championships in 2021. He was disqualified after failing to meet squat depth standards.

Rather than abandon the effort, he used the failure as a signal—shifting focus toward understanding movement quality at a deeper level.

• 2023 — Michigan State Champion
• 2025 — USA Powerlifting National Champion (Drug-Tested Division)
• 2025 — Silver Medalist, IDFPA World Championships (Seoul, South Korea), representing Team USA

Current Focus

Steven is not competing in 2026.

His full focus is on bringing FITNDEX to market and establishing a new standard for how training systems are built, validated, and applied.

Background

Ajit Srivastava is a professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE). He was cited for career contributions that have made a significant impact in advancing global engagement and strategic programs in international scholarship and student experiences.

Leadership

In addition to serving as BAE department chair for nearly 18 years, Dr. Srivastava was a founding codirector of the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI), funded by a $25 million grant from the USAID Global Innovation Lab.

Areas of Expertise

• Machinery Systems for Food Production and Processing
• Dimensional Analysis and Similitude
• Bioenergy / Supply Chain of Feedstock