Meet the Crew
Hassan Sharaff
THE
FOUNDER
Hassan founded HydroHouse Farms in 2016 with the intention of bringing quality, sustainable, responsibly grown food back to local communities. Previously he had worked in the financial service, digital media, non-profit, and hospitality sectors.
Through his various experiences he noticed a growing need for high quality food production and agricultural education. HHF was created to meet those important needs. Hassan graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. In his spare time he enjoys making music, playing sports, and running around with his dog.
Danny Preslar
DIGITAL
CREATIVE
Danny is a multidisciplinary creative with a background in digital product design, brand identity, and visual design. At HydroHouse, he manages any and all visual needs, from logo and website to print materials and anything in between.
Whether designing digital experiences, sketching, or running with his dogs, he finds satisfaction with an active mind and body.
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Danny and Hassan met as fellow Commodore undergraduates at Vanderbilt University.
Michelle Carrow
CULINARY
DIRECTOR
Michelle is a chef with over a decade of experience in various sectors of the hospitality industry. Her enthusiasm for hyper-seasonal vegetable-forward cooking is reflected in the food she creates and grows.
At HydroHouse Farms, she hosts events and educational gatherings in the hopes of bridging the gap between farmer and consumer. When Michelle's not cooking she's tending the garden or hanging with her cats.
Alex Sheldon
SUSTAINABILITY & OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Alex is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Environmental Sociology, Earth and Environmental Science, and Climate Studies, with a minor in Business. She is a student-athlete on the Vandy Cheer team and an active member of Plant Futures and SPEAR.
Alex also works as a Teaching Assistant in the Biological Sciences Department and helps maintain the Tower Gardens across Vanderbilt’s campus.
Julia Ahn
SCIENTIFIC ANALYST &
OPERATIONS
Julia specializes in crop cultivation and data-driven agricultural production. She also works as a Cancer Biology Research Assistant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, contributing to translational oncology research.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University (Class of 2025), Julia holds degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Health, and Society. She has a strong interest in all aspects of health, from cellular mechanisms to nutrition and diet.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys baking desserts as the co-owner of Café Manaja, cooking new recipes, and taking walks with her dog Einstein.
Emily Qian
SCIENTIFIC ANALYST &
OPERATIONS
Emily Qian is a current medical student at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, having graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2025 with a dual background in Environmental Sociology and Molecular & Cellular Biology. As president of Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility (SPEAR) — the university’s largest student-run environmental organization — she led campus-wide sustainability initiatives through student education, institutional partnerships, and collaboration with Nashville community groups.
Driven by a commitment to better understand and improve food systems, Emily actively supports sustainable agriculture through her work with HydroHouse Farms, where she has been involved since summer 2025.
Evan Malone
PHILANTHROPY
DIRECTOR
Raised on Long Island, New York, Evan Malone has worked with Crisis Response International for over 13 years, leading disaster relief missions in the Philippines, Nepal, and the U.S. Southeast and Midwest. When not in the field, he helps with training events and now serves as the Partnership and Communications Director.
With over six years in real estate, Evan balances multiple professional roles. He lives in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, where he enjoys hiking with his dogs and paddleboarding. Currently, he is pursuing Advanced EMT certification and firefighter training. Evan supports HydroHouse through philanthropic engagement and strategic communications.
Sherry Berry
HEAD OF
SECURITY
Sherry is also our HR manager. While she's not allowed in any of our grow areas (for obvious sanitary reasons), you can usually find her running around the property chasing deer and playing with neighbor dogs.