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🔈Design bunker edges, without limits. Check out the new Edgevantage now.
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Loxahatchee, FL, USA, September 2026
CapillaryFlow, the greentech company behind the world's highest-performing natural surfaces, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ryan Bearss as Director of Research & Development, effective September 1, 2026. The appointment is part of a broader expansion of CapillaryFlow's team, which also includes appointing current employees Hunter Smith as General Manager, Cory Blair as Sales Manager, and Scott Grego as Hydroponics Manager, all effective the same date.
Bearss joins CapillaryFlow from Michigan State University, where he earned his M.S. in 2020 and Ph.D. in turfgrass science in 2026 under Dr. Trey Rogers. His research focused on golf course renovation, sand-based rootzone performance, and hybrid turf stabilization. Most recently, he led and supported research projects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 turf initiative at Michigan State, evaluating temporary playing surfaces and turf management strategies across the tournament's North American host venues alongside research teams from his Alma mater and the University of Tennessee. He has delivered more than 40 presentations on turfgrass science domestically and internationally, and co-authored the public account of the research behind the tournament's playing surfaces.
As Director of R&D, Bearss will lead CapillaryFlow's agronomic research program and deepen the company's ties to its academic research partners. His early focus is building out the scientific and data foundation behind the company's AI-driven surface evaluation, so that any future automation in the Capillary Hydroponics system rests on sound agronomic science rather than guesswork.
"I'm both grateful and excited to join CapillaryFlow and contribute to the company's vision of pioneering high-performance sport systems and revolutionising sport surfaces," said Bearss.
"Ryan brings a rare combination: rigorous science and direct, high-profile field experience delivering playing surfaces under real pressure," said Martin Sternberg, Founder and CEO of CapillaryFlow. "Bringing that background in house strengthens the research foundation everything we build stands on."
Additional appointments
Hunter Smith has been promoted to General Manager, taking on broader oversight of CapillaryFlow's day-to-day operations. Cory Blair has been promoted to Sales Manager, with expanded leadership across CapillaryFlow's sales team. Scott Grego has taken on a new role as Hydroponics Manager, overseeing CapillaryFlow's Hydroponics product line and installations.
Media contact:
Martin Sternberg
Founder & CEO, CapillaryFlow
martin.sternberg@capillaryflow.com
CapillaryFlow makes it possible to design baseball fields that are able to withstand tough playing conditions as well as ensure a healthy game experience for players.
Our proprietary Capillary Material makes it possible to have a bunker liner that rapidly drain while also retaining adequate sand moisture, creating the perfect playing conditions in golf course bunkers.
The Capillary Hydroponics system enables us to grow strong and durable grass with significantly less maintenance and environmental impact
Optimal riding conditions in any weather by providing a ground material technology offering superior drainage capacity and enabling use of subsurface moisture control - for the optimal footing
Capillary Hydroponic turf lengthens the season with natural strong grass that stays healthier even with a busy schedule
Our Capillary Hydroponics solution turns hardscaped surfaces into breathable, living spaces that augment the positive effects of greenery in urban environments.
