THE FACES BEHIND THE INNOVATION.

RenewCO₂ comprises a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and MBAs who are committed to developing technologies to address climate change.


  • Amber is an experienced industry professional with a wealth of knowledge and skills. She has a track record of success in developing and operating chemical processes and a keen eye for detail in testing. In addition, she serves as both a laboratory and safety manager, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and implementing best practices for a safe and efficient working environment. She collaborates with the team to achieve common goals and promote best practices in research and development.

  • Antigona is a skilled Chemical Engineer currently focusing on separations. Before her current position, she worked as a research intern at RenewCO₂, where she collaborated with electrochemical engineers to enhance the design of electrolyzer cells and conducted product analysis using GC and HPLC. She then broadened her experience as an Operations & Materials Engineering Intern, where she actively contributed to operational efficiency initiatives. With an established history of success in driving innovation and process optimization, Antigona is poised to make pivotal contributions to the RenewCO₂ process development and scale-up.

  • Drew received his BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Ph.D. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Chemical Engineering. His main focus areas are electrochemical device modeling, design, and testing, including previous work with regenerative fuel cells based on halogen chemistries and methanol electrolysis.

  • Holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Emily has been instrumental in developing and optimizing processes for carbon dioxide conversion. With over four years of experience in the chemical industry, she has a demonstrated history of designing and implementing carbon utilization solutions, hydrocarbon upgrading, and hydrogenation processes. Emily's expertise in process demonstration, system integration, and catalyst performance assessment, along with her passion for environmental stewardship, makes her a vital asset to the RenewCO₂ team.

  • Jaquill has a background in chemistry and a passion for synthesis. He has a Master's degree in Chemistry of Material Science from William Paterson University, where he studied the fundamentals of chemical reactions and the properties of materials. He is experienced in performing and analyzing chemical reactions and is skilled in using various laboratory equipment and techniques. In his current role, Jaquill synthesizes catalysts used in RenewCO₂'s R&D and pilot. He works closely with a team of scientists and engineers and can apply his knowledge of chemistry to scale up catalyst synthesis that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes.

  • Jeff is a talented electrochemist with significant experience in designing and investigating catalysts and sorbents for electrochemical CO₂ capture and/or conversion into value-added products. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Boise State University and went on to obtain a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining RenewCO₂, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. At RenewCO₂, Jeff works on catalyst and cell development for enhanced methylglyoxal production.

  • Before joining our team, Tess had extensive experience in environmental consulting and project management. Her professional journey has been marked by a focus on research, data analysis, reporting, and effective management practices. During her consulting years, she played a pivotal role in the development of renewable solar energy initiatives in multiple counties across New Jersey. This experience ignited her passion for clean technology, driving her commitment to sustainable practices. Tess holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Dickinson College. Her undergraduate studies were enriched by numerous research opportunities in diverse locations such as Alaska, Australia, and Hawai’i, laying a solid foundation for her career in the environmental sector.

  • Vedasri is a highly skilled professional with a wealth of experience in CO₂ electroreduction, batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, and other related fields. With a strong background in both national labs and startups, she brings a unique perspective to any project she works on. Her Ph.D. research focused on the mechanism of urea electrochemical oxidation, demonstrating her ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis in her field. Her technical expertise is complemented by her collaborative spirit, as she has proven an influential team member in academic and industry settings. With her background in cutting-edge electrochemical technologies and a commitment to sustainable innovation, she is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the field.

  • Orlando's career began as a lab technician and transitioned into the carbon capture industry in 2012, specializing in concrete sequestration. In his current role, Orlando collaborates with engineers and scientists to transform designs into functional prototypes, assembling and integrating various components into complete prototype systems.

  • Shengyuan is an accomplished electrochemist with extensive experience in designing and developing catalysts and electrolyzers for CO₂ reduction into valuable products. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California Irvine, with a focus on CO₂/CO electrolysis. Prior to joining RenewCO₂, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. At RenewCO₂, Shengyuan is dedicated to developing, building, and utilizing tools and techniques for evaluation of catalytic activity and device performance including MEA fabrication for CO₂ electroreduction.