REACTIVE SURFACES - Key Persons
Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021 and is now a lab technician at Reactive Surfaces. She previously taught environmental education and conducted research on stream fishes and coastal biodiversity, now focusing on carbon capture coatings.
Beth McDaniel received her BBA in finance from the University of Texas in 1988, and JD in law from South Texas College of Law in 1996. She has been with Reactive Surfaces since 2006, both as a director/advisor and officer of the company. Beth has 25 years of business experience and 17 years of legal experience with an emphasis on contracts, licensing and business operations. Mrs. McDaniel serves as President and Chief of Administration for Reactive Surfaces, assisting in implementing ongoing company business, business transactions and office management.
Job Titles:
- Intellectual Property Agent
David holds more than 33 years of combined industry and IP consulting experience. He has been a Registered United States Patent Agent since 1998. In his role as a Patent Agent, he specializes in analysis, cultivation, protection and invalidation of patent matters.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Technical Consultant
- Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi
James W. Rawlins is a professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he has directed an 11-member research group focused on Surface Coatings and Circular Materials since 2004. The five research pillars are in Advanced Surface Coatings Materials, Mechanochemical Processing of Waste Plastics, Protein-Derived and Bio‑Based Polymers, Early Corrosion Quantification & Characterization, and Natural Product & Functional Films as Value-Added Materials. Rawlins has published 61 peer‑reviewed articles and holds 17 U.S. and European patents. Earlier, he served as technical director at Highland International and held R&D and European technical marketing roles at Bayer (now Covestro) in Pittsburgh and Leverkusen.
Jazz earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of the Pacific in 2022 and joined the Tracy Pilot Plant as a plant's Lead Technician in 2023. In this role, she focuses on process development, data analysis, and the invention of new procedures to support research and development efforts.
Josie Mexquitic has been with McDaniel & Associates and Reactive Surfaces since 2023, efficiently managing executive support, administration, HR, and client relations. Her organizational skills help ensure smooth operations for the company, which specializes in carbon capture technology and carbon capture surfaces.
Rodrigo Salgado is a self-employed contractor. He has worked in almost all areas of construction, with specialization in all types of metal fabrication and installation, and has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Chief Innovation Officer
- CIO
- Founder
Steve McDaniel, PhD, is the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Reactive Surfaces, an award-winning innovation company operating in the paint, coatings, and specialty chemicals industries for the past 20 years. With expertise in organic and polymer chemistry, and molecular biology, amongst other degrees, he holds a Bachelor's of Science in Biology, a Master's in Genetics, a PhD in biochemistry, and a JD in law. Dr. McDaniel has led his team at Reactive Surfaces to develop solutions to some of the world's most existential challenges, such as climate change, the spread of infectious diseases and viruses, and bio-based functional coatings.
Job Titles:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Assistant Professor in Arizona State University 's Environmental
Taylor Weiss is an assistant professor in Arizona State University's Environmental and Resource Management program, specializing in carbon-capturing algae consortia for sustainable bioproduction. With a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, he has conducted research on enzymatic bioremediation, algal ultrastructure, and photosynthetic algae-bacteria consortia. His work focuses on engineering novel platforms to quantify algae in the environment and advance sustainable technologies.
Thomas earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Microbiology (Summa Cum Laude) from William Carey University and contributes to research on photobioreactors and chemical-based coatings. Working at the research lab in Hattiesburg, he conducts experiments, analyzes samples, and processes data. His interests include biotechnology, biochemistry, genetic engineering, and computer science.
Tyler joined the Reactive Surfaces team in 2014. Tyler holds a Bachelors and Master's of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Ph.D. in Microbiology. Tyler develops molecular and microbial assays and oversees microbial aspects of antimicrobial, antiviral coatings, and in-can preservation development.