Clean air for people and the planet

Carbon Reform is a Philadelphia and Delaware based climate tech startup founded by Jo Norris and Nick Martin in early 2020. Our team of engineers, scientists, and creatives are dedicated to democratizing access to carbon removal solutions, decreasing building energy costs, and improving indoor air quality.

Awards and recognition

Backed By

We envision a future where the buildings we live in and occupy every day become active participants in environmental stewardship and personal health. We recognize that communities facing financial hardship often have the highest indoor air quality concerns and emission rates because of low budgets and outdated systems.

Our mission is not just a fight for clean air, but the ability for underserved communities to have access to climate technology where they normally would not. Clean air is a fundamental right, and we empower communities to take ownership of their air quality, democratizing the tools and knowledge needed to breathe freely.

Featured By

Health

People spend 90% of their time indoors, and while many perceive indoor spaces as havens from external pollution, indoor air can pose a significant risk to productivity, cognitive performance, and general human health. We help buildings manage indoor CO₂ levels, amongst other contaminants, to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

Climate

The built environment is responsible for a staggering 40% of global emissions. On the path to Net Zero, we’ve developed practical solutions that deliver a significant climate impact right now.

Equity

We know that underserved communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and poor air quality, outdoors and indoors. We offer affordable solutions that utilize existing infrastructure and qualify buildings for incentives around clean air and energy reduction.

MEET THE TEAM

JO NORRIS

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Jo is the co-founder and CEO at Carbon Reform, and a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. She’s passionate about using her art and science background to bring novel products from concept to reality. Jo has spent her career and academic journey focused on technological and community solutions to environmental issues. She led R&D at a company building aquatic robots for surface water remediation, and she spent several years at the University of Delaware researching biodegradable materials for detecting and filtering heavy metals from water. She holds an M.A. in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and a dual B.S./B.A. in Sustainability Studies and Economics from Hofstra. Jo loves coffee, painting, animals, and hiking anywhere with a view.

Nick Martin

CO-FOUNDER & COO

Nick is the co-founder and COO at Carbon Reform, and a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. His background is in chemical engineering, solar energy, and biofuels. Prior to joining Carbon Reform, Nick spent 8 years working in research, consulting, team building, technology leadership across the themes of energy innovation, education, and access. An entrepreneur and advocate, he spent several years devoted to the local effort to enrich STEM education for underserved populations and organizing for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Nick holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. In his spare time, he loves eating at new restaurants and cafes, listening to podcasts, and playing the saxophone.

Chuck Pierson

  • Chuck Pierson is a 30-year veteran of the mechanical, HVAC, hydronics and building controls industry. Specializing in custom energy efficient equipment designs, he has focused on bringing emerging IAQ technologies to the commercial, institutional and healthcare markets. Chuck holds a B.S. in Economics from Penn State University and is currently pursuing an MBA.. Experienced as a manufacturer’s representative providing application-specific building solutions and business development strategies, he brings a passion for training others and maximizing carbon dioxide removal while minimizing energy consumption. When he is not in the office, he is gardening, albeit begrudgingly.

MEAGHAN MCKIERNAN

  • Meaghan is the Marketing Manager at Carbon Reform, with a background in social media marketing and arts management. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology/ Management from DeSales University in Center Valley PA.

DASEUL JANG

  • Daseul Jang is a senior chemical engineer and materials scientist with a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Delaware. Her research during her Ph.D. was centered around applying nature's design principles to create multifunctional materials for soft actuators and smart textiles. Daseul holds a B.S. and M.E. in Chemical Engineering from Inha University, South Korea. She is passionate about developing advanced and environmentally-friendly polymeric materials and exploring process-structure-property relationships. When she's not in the lab, she loves to travel, cook, play board games, and dance.

PAUL MARTIN

  • Paul is the Supply Chain and Logistics Manager at Carbon Reform, with a background that spans multiple sectors including mechanical & electrical engineering and aerospace. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business with computing from University of Ulster. Paul loves exploring the Irish countryside with his partner and their German Shepard as well as staying active in the gym.

Adam fletcher

  • Adam holds a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and a bachelor's in Materials Science Engineering. His experience includes materials research in radio frequency (RF) sputtering and electrical controls development of industrial scale RF sputtering chambers. In his free time, Adam enjoys reading, traveling to new places, and big dinners with friends.

Mina Bhandare

  • Mina is a product engineer on the mechanical team. Her background includes research in human-robot interactions and the development of electro-mechanical payloads for rockets. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science from Temple University. In her free time, Mina likes to learn languages, make art, and try new food.

Jamie Watson

  • Jamie’s background is in forensic biology and chemistry. He has a variety of research and mentorship interests including undergrad research at Delaware State University focused on spinal muscular atrophy in mice. He enjoys working with kids in STEM outreach including at the Dover airforce base as a summer mentor and teacher. Jamie likes to travel and experience new things, going to the beach, listening to music, and spending time designing sneakers.

Roberto leon

  • Roberto is a laboratory technician on the research and development team. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Widener University. His experience includes undergrad research on cancer immunotherapy. In his free time, Roberto likes to spend time with animals, learn graphic designing, edit videos, and go thrifting.

Mick Woods

  • Mikesha (Mick) is a Mechanical Technician at Carbon reform. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Mick has accumulated six years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Her aspirations include furthering her knowledge and expanding her skill set within the field. Mick aims to pursue an engineering degree at a local college or university in Philadelphia to advance her education and professional journey.

    Beyond her career goals, Mick is passionate about mentoring and advocating for underrepresented and underprivileged children, particularly in STEM education and economics. She believes in equipping them with the tools, skills, and knowledge for a healthy lifestyle and positive mindset. Mick's personal interests include reading, writing poetry, listening to podcasts, and playing tennis. She also has a deep appreciation for arts, culinary endeavors, and cultural activities.

Board & Advisors