About Mermaid Energy

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Kristi is a biological oceanographer and public health expert with over a decade of entrepreneurial experience in renewable energy and environmental innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography and a Master’s in Public Health, and has spent her entire career at the intersection of ocean science, human health, and sustainable development.

After years of research focused on Oceans and Human Health, Kristi transitioned into renewable fuel development, working with waste-to-energy technologies to solve critical environmental problems. She has founded and scaled multiple companies—both in the U.S. and the Caribbean.

While exploring sustainable waste management strategies for island communities, Kristi identified sargassum as a growing ecological and economic threat. Drawing on her coastal upbringing and deep understanding of the impacts of harmful algal blooms, she launched Mermaid Energy to transform this crisis into a regional clean energy opportunity.

Her experience supporting post-hurricane recovery efforts in St. John, USVI, further deepened her commitment to resilient infrastructure and weather-adaptive technologies. 

Today, Kristi leads Mermaid Energy with a mission to turn golden tides into dependable, renewable fuel—strengthening public health, protecting tourism, and powering a cleaner future for the Caribbean.

Dylan is an algal biotechnologist with a strong focus on sustainable innovation and circular economy solutions. He earned his PhD from Oklahoma State University, where he studied Picochlorum oklahomense in continuous culture, examining cell cycle dynamics and lipid formation under nitrogen limitation. 

His early work at the Colorado School of Mines centered on biofuel strain development and algal bioprospecting.  Dylan has served in leadership roles with the Algae Biomass Organization since 2019, including Chair of the 2024 Algae Biomass Summit, and currently serves on the ABO Board of Directors. 

He also co-founded a cannabis micropropagation and pathogen testing startup, where he applies his lab expertise to plant health and genetic preservation - helping cultivators do more with less.  

A lifelong ocean advocate, Dylan is passionate about turning environmental challenges into opportunity and he is eager to focus on Sargassum-to-value pathways that support coastal resilience and regional bioeconomies.

Peter brings over 35 years of experience at the intersection of sustainability, business development, and tourism. As CEO of Colorado CarShare, he leads one of the nation's longest-running car-sharing organizations, focusing on electrified mobility and equitable access. 

Previously, he co-founded Sustainable Travel International, transforming it into a global leader in sustainable tourism. Peter also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Global ESG Leadership Organization and the Board of Directors for the global Carsharing Association. 

At Mermaid Energy, he advises on business development, partnerships, and sustainability strategies, particularly where clean energy intersects with tourism and climate leadership.

Malika is a chemical engineer and MBA with a strong track record in commercializing deep tech and climate solutions. She has supported early-stage startups with strategic finance, techno-economic modeling, and market evaluation, particularly in emerging or complex sectors.

Her experience spans energy efficiency technologies, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. Prior to her work in startups, she contributed to the design and development of large-scale LNG infrastructure on ships, including Pre-FEED, FEED, and commissioning phases for oil majors and EPC firms.

 She’s adept at translating technical concepts into viable business models, supporting both engineering development and investor engagement.

Originally from Australia, she now lives in the Bay Area with her husband and young son. When she’s not deep in market modeling or project development, you’ll find her hiking, gardening, or exploring ways to help preserve the Earth for future generations. 

Nicole is a mission-driven finance leader with over a decade of experience working in global banks, where she advised multinational corporations on investment decisions, risk management, and financial strategy. 

She holds an MBA from Cornell University and is a CFA Charterholder, with deep expertise in financial modeling, capital strategy, and investor communications.  After years of analyzing public tech companies as an equity research analyst, Nicole shifted her focus to climate innovation, applying her financial acumen to help early-stage companies build credible, resilient, and scalable business models. 

Her work advising institutional investors and evaluating IPO readiness sharpened her ability to see around corners and bring rigor to fast-moving ventures.  A passionate advanced scuba diver and ocean lover, Nicole’s firsthand experience witnessing coral bleaching and marine ecosystem decline has fueled her commitment to climate solutions. She now channels her background into supporting climate-forward startups that can thrive in a changing world.  At Mermaid Energy, Nicole leads financial strategy — ensuring the company’s mission is backed by sound economics, capital discipline, and long-term viability. Her goal is to power a cleaner, more resilient future by aligning environmental impact with financial gain.

 Anshu is an explorer bringing unique tales to life with curiosity, heart, and a sharp eye for the truth. As an impact storyteller, she cuts through the noise of misinformation with stories that inform, empower, and connect, giving voice to the causes—and creatures—that can’t speak for themselves. 

From the halls of political power to the frontlines of climate change, Anshu’s global reporting has taken her across continents and crises—covering politics, international relations, natural disasters, and everything in between. 

Her passion? Preserving our vibrant, diverse planet, one solution-focused story at a time—with a special love for all things ocean.

She holds an MA in Television Journalism from City University of London), and has reported from foreign bureaus in Washington D.C. and Sydney, working with outlets like Sky News, SBS News, and CGTN America.

When she’s not chasing stories, you’ll find her swimming with whales, hopping between cities, soaking in Earth’s wonders—or becoming friends with all the dogs she meets. 

 With over 20 years of experience in the energy industry, this advisor brings targeted technical knowledge and a broad perspective from across the industry to the team. She worked in refining for almost 10 years, including developing and implementing a pilot program for co-processing bio feedstocks at a refinery in Europe. She is currently a senior leader in a research and development center focused on characterizing bio feedstocks and optimizing their use in refinery hydroprocessing and fluid catalytic cracker units.  As someone with a lifelong commitment to environmental protection, she is passionate about developing engineering solutions that enable society to thrive in collaboration with nature.