Software for a wiser future
Kernion Cognitive Labs LLC is a family business founded by Mark and Ben Kernion. We make software products to support a wiser future, where people are more fulfilled. Our first product is TYay.AI, a science and math focused AI grading and feedback assistant for educators, serving people like Mark, who is a 40-year veteran in teaching Chemistry.
If you have any interesting ideas you want to see in the world, or just want to reach us for any reason—we'd love to hear from you.
[email protected]The people behind the products
Mark has been teaching chemistry professionally since 1986. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. degree in Ceramic Science and Engineering in 1981. While at Penn State he won the Xerox Research Award for the most outstanding thesis in Material Sciences in his senior year. Following the attainment of his degree, he worked for 4 years as a Research Engineer for Harbison-Walker Refractories Co. developing materials for use in high-temperature industrial applications. He was awarded three U.S. patents for his work.
During that time, he took education classes at the University of Pittsburgh attaining his Pennsylvania teaching certificate in Chemistry and Physics. He earned his Master's degree in 2001 at Duquesne University in Liberal Studies, focusing on the history of science. In 1986 he began his public school teaching career with the Mt. Lebanon School District located near Pittsburgh, PA. He began teaching A.P. Chemistry in the 1998–1999 school year.
While teaching at Mt. Lebanon High School, he was honored with induction into the Cum Laude Society in 2006. The Cum Laude Society is analogous to the Phi Beta Kappa Society but at the secondary level as opposed to the university level. In 2007 he was given the Yale Educator Award which recognizes educators from around the world who have inspired and supported their students.
He began teaching an online AP Chemistry course through PA Homeschoolers in 2019 after retiring from his public school job, having taught chemistry for 33 years, at the age of 60. He is the co-author of four books: Barron's SAT Subject Test: Chemistry, Chemistry the Easy Way (6th edition, July 2019), Barron's Science 360: Chemistry (September 2021), and Barron's Chemistry Practice Plus (July 2022).
He is also the founder/owner of Chemistry-Prep LLC, which produces laboratory kits for AP® Chemistry and publishes a laboratory manual written by Mr. Kernion. You can hear him discuss Chemistry and Physics with his twin brother, a physics teacher also offering classes through PA Homeschoolers, at MyScience-Prep's podcast page or on most streaming services offering podcasts.
Ben Kernion is a musician and creative with a unique vision that intersects the worlds of art, technology, business, and philosophy wrapped in a spiritual orientation as the guide. He graduated from SAE Institute of Technology with a diploma in audio technology in 2011. He worked professionally as an audio engineer both in the studio and live throughout the 2010s while additionally producing popular community shows.
His main pursuit though is the cultivation of wisdom through the cascade of real insights known as the flow state. This endeavor is what informs his music which he releases under the moniker Sonic Acrylic, his studious nature of multiple subject matters, and his programming/product design behavior.
Ben believes in the goodness of reality and the beauty of the truth. Ben believes that includes you too.