ABOUT US

Our Company

Gold H2 is a pioneering clean energy company revolutionizing hydrogen production by utilizing innovative subsurface biotechnology to convert depleted oil reservoirs into sustainable hydrogen sources.

Beyond technology, Gold H2 is committed to supporting communities and partnering with stakeholders. Ensuring that its transformative work not only drives a cleaner future but also empowers people within the energy landscape.

With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, Gold H2 is setting a new standard for clean technology.

Our vision is to upend the energy industry and boldly lead the clean energy revolution.

Gold H2 Team

Abbie Booker

Business Development Principal

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Abbie Booker is the Business Development Principal at Gold H2, where she applies her expertise in biotech, energy technology, and sustainability to drive strategic growth. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Grand Valley State University, initially drawn to scientific research before discovering a passion for the energy and sustainability industry.

With a background in Public Speaking and Policy Debate, Abbie successfully transitioned into the business side of biotech, expanding her knowledge of corporate processes and business development. She is particularly intrigued by the intersection of energy technology and biotech and enjoys tackling challenges that push her beyond her comfort zone, testing her ability to rapidly acquire new skills.

At Gold H2, she appreciates the company’s emphasis on professional growth, valuing the opportunities to attend industry events and conferences to expand her network and stay ahead of emerging trends. She finds great fulfillment in witnessing daily achievements that contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

Outside of work, Abbie enjoys adventuring with her rescue dog, spending her free time hiking, camping, and taking beach trips. Passionate about innovation, business development, and the future of sustainable energy.

Daniel Gittins, Ph.D.  

Research Scientist II

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With a passion for subsurface microbiology and geochemistry, Daniel Gittens has built a career at the intersection of science, innovation, and commercial application.

He holds a B.Sc. in Geography from the University of Sheffield, UK, and an M.Sc. in Petroleum Geochemistry from Newcastle University, UK. His early work as a geochemist at APT in Norway sparked an interest in deep biosphere microbial dispersal, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Calgary, Canada. By integrating metagenomics, geophysics, geochemistry, and microbiology, his research laid the foundation for the commercialization of innovative technology, culminating in the co-founding of Tracera Biotech Inc.

Following a postdoctoral research role at the University of California, Berkeley, where he explored microbial diversity in subsurface hydrogen metabolism, Daniel transitioned to Gold H2, where he continues to bridge fundamental science with real-world energy solutions. He thrives on problem-solving, leveraging science to tackle global challenges in the energy transition.

At Gold H2, he has expanded his expertise beyond research, gaining valuable insights into the commercial aspects of science while collaborating with an exceptional team.
Outside of work, you’ll find Daniel enjoying Texas BBQ with his family or training for a triathlon—always pushing limits, whether in the lab or in life.

Renata Goncalves, Ph.D.

Research Scientist II- Microbiology

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With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology and nanotoxicology, Dr. Gonçalves is a powerhouse in aquatic toxicology, specializing in freshwater and seawater microorganisms. Her expertise extends to in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and environmental microbiology. Renata says that she loves all animals being biologists.

Holding a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Dr. Gonçalves is one of our accomplished research scientists at Gold H2. Her exceptional attention to detail and dedication to safety drive innovation and precision in our lab production.

She is dedicated in all areas of her life—whether it’s pushing boundaries in her career or training for marathons. A proud Brazilian woman, she finds the most rewarding moments in science when she proposes an experiment, analyzes the results, and sees her hypothesis validated.

It is exciting when your predictions match the results of the experiment.” Renata Amanda Goncalves, Ph.D.

Her journey is a testament to perseverance, both in the lab and on the track. Science and running have one thing in common: discipline, endurance, and the thrill of reaching a goal.

Jessica Kates

CFO

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Jessica Kates is the Chief Financial Officer of Gold H2. Ms. Kates is an accomplished CFO and finance strategist with over 20 years of experience supporting companies across diverse sectors including ClimateTech, CleanTech, FoodTech, AgTech, BioTech, and Synthetic Biology. She has successfully raised over $400 million in capital over the past five years, helping companies scale through strategic financial guidance and robust capital raising efforts.

Jessica holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, equipping her with a strong foundation in financial strategy, corporate governance, and investment analysis. Ms. Kates also holds FINRA licenses Series 82, 63 and SIE.

Beyond the boardroom, she is a passionate Animal Welfare Advocate, enjoys walking her dog, Lola, and loves SCUBA diving and beach vacations.

Toya Levi

Executive Assistant / Social Media Manager

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At the forefront of executive assistance, Toya Levi has mastered communication, project management, and problem-solving, playing a pivotal role in maintaining efficiency and driving success for C-suite executives. Her entrepreneurial journey has further sharpened her skills in strategic business development and creative marketing, allowing her to seamlessly blend operational excellence with innovative strategy.

With experience spanning executive support, business ownership, and large-scale commercial marketing campaigns, Toya brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and innovation. She has a deep passion for marketing and social media, having witnessed firsthand the power of strategic campaigns in driving business success.

At Gold H2, she thrives in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment, where her voice and perspective are valued. She finds immense fulfillment in supporting a high-performing team, helping them grow, move forward, and achieve excellence together.

Outside of work, Toya enjoys spending time with her daughter and immersing herself in music.

Driven by strategy, fueled by creativity, and committed to excellence!

Justin Mower

Director of Innovation

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Dr. Justin Mower holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences from Baylor College of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University. As a research scientist, he is passionate about big data, machine learning, and extracting meaningful insights from complex datasets. He thrives on exploring new scientific fields and tackling intellectual challenges, whether through puzzles, critical thinking, or innovation.

Justin first joined Gold H2 as an Advisor before transitioning into his current role as Director of Innovation, where his strong leadership qualities drive forward cutting-edge advancements. He enjoys working across teams, from science to operations, and finds excitement in solving problems alongside a talented group of colleagues.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys reading, woodworking, and gardening. He is also a certified scuba diver and a first-generation college graduate, achievements that reflect his drive for exploration and lifelong learning.

Brittany Pitlik

Chief of Staff

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Brittany Pitlik holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and a bachelor’s degree in bioscience and political science. With a diverse background in business management, operations, project and change management, human resources, and strategy, she is dedicated to making people’s work lives better.

At Gold H2, Brittany finds the most rewarding part of her role to be her ability to contribute to the culture and growth of the team. Over the past year, she has played a key role in improving workplace dynamics and ensuring continuous growth and development. She enjoys knowing there is always something to learn and to do.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys running, exploring all types of music, and trying to keep houseplants alive. She has a deep love for Middle Eastern food and any kind of potato, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves getting lost in a good book.

Raja Ramanathan, Ph.D.

Senior Subsurface Engineer

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Dr. Raja Ramanathan is a seasoned energy industry professional with a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. With extensive experience in R&D across diverse energy fields, including flow assurance, applied microbiology, and hydrogen, he’s a true innovator in the energy sector.

Raja is deeply passionate about his Indian heritage—its vibrant food, soulful music, and rich traditions. Having lived in the United Arab Emirates, India, and the USA, he brings a global perspective to every aspect of his life. Professionally, Raja embraces challenges with enthusiasm, constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. His curiosity and commitment to self-improvement drive him to excel in every new endeavor he undertakes.

He has expertise with both analytical and commercial reservoir simulation tools in conventional and unconventional fields. Beyond his technical acumen, Dr. Ramanathan excels in project management, collaborating seamlessly with external clients and partners to drive impactful results.

Michael Samuel

COO

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With over two decades of experience in commercializing and licensing novel biotechnologies for the energy industry, Michael has played a key role in enhanced oil recovery, environmental remediation, and renewable energy solutions. His expertise lies in transforming bench-scale innovations into global commercial deployments, designing the essential equipment and processes to make it happen.

Michael holds an MBA from Rice University and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Iowa. His passion for problem-solving and innovation extends beyond the workplace—he thrives on challenges that push him out of his comfort zone.

In his free time, you’ll find Michael exercising or tackling DIY projects. Interestingly, back in high school, he surprised everyone by winning a weightlifting competition against football players—while still proudly carrying the “nerd” title on campus.

At Gold H2, he values the people he works with and is eager to continue growing with the company. Drawing from his experiences, he aims to bridge generational communication gaps, ensuring that innovation continues to thrive across all levels.

Always looking forward, always embracing the challenge!

Isabella Sanchez Hernandez

Research Assistant I

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Isabella Sanchez Hernandez is a University of Houston graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. With hands-on experience in bacterial research, community outreach, and educational initiatives, she brings passion and expertise to our team.

Isabella is embracing new leadership opportunities at Gold H2, where she is gaining confidence through greater responsibility and the freedom to design her own experiments and innovations. Instead of seeking approval at every step, she appreciates the support that empowers her to take initiative and push boundaries.

Isabella thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment, where challenges that seem impossible fuel her creativity. She enjoys tackling complex problems, finding innovative solutions, and proving that nothing is truly out of reach.

Outside of work, Isabella loves spending time with friends and cooking, bringing the same creativity to the kitchen as she does to problem-solving.

Her academic foundation includes Biotechnology Research Methods, Genomics/Proteomics, and Bioinformatics, making her a valuable asset in driving innovation and collaboration at Gold H2.

Prab Sekhon 

CEO

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Throughout his career, Prab has led multi-billion-dollar projects across five continents, building world-class teams to tackle complex technical challenges. His team-first leadership style is rooted in the belief that the strongest teams leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovation and success.

With his Canadian roots and deep understanding of the oil and gas industry, Prab is a strong advocate for the clean energy transition. As a leader at Gold H2, he is committed to deploying novel technologies, breaking down organizational barriers, and fostering collaboration to create sustainable energy solutions.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Prab enjoys spending time with his family and watching a good sporting event. His passion lies in solving complex problems with innovative solutions, transforming corporate culture, and maximizing employee engagement—all with the goal of leading Gold H2 into the future and beyond.

Prab holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary, a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from The Wharton School. Prab brings nearly two decades of experience across diverse industries, offering a unique perspective on leadership, strategy, and execution.

Aaron Trevino

Research Associate I

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Aaron Trevino is a talented Research Associate with expertise in microbiology and analytical chemistry. A proud graduate of Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Aaron brings strong skills in scientific writing and experimental design to our team.

Aaron is a dedicated professional at Gold H2, where he has expanded his applied knowledge beyond theory, gaining hands-on experience in a lab environment. This growth has strengthened his ability to make independent contributions to the team and drive innovation in sustainable energy.

Hailing from Houston, a city deeply rooted in the oil and gas industry, Aaron finds immense fulfillment in his work. He takes pride in being part of a greater purpose, using his expertise to contribute to environmental sustainability and a cleaner future.

Addien Wray, Ph.D.

Research Scientist II – Geomicrobiology

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Addien Wray holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Space Sciences and brings extensive experience from his work at the University of Washington and NASA Ames Research Center. A dedicated researcher, his expertise spans geomicrobiology, bioenergetics, and radionuclide chemistry.

Outside the lab, Addien enjoys strategic board games, crafting homemade baked goods, and once competed as a collegiate fencer.

Driven by a passion for tackling complex challenges and exploring unanswered questions in science, Addien thrives in collaborative environments. Over the past year at Gold H2, he has deepened his understanding of scientific methodologies and their real-world applications.

Looking ahead, Addien is excited to expand his technical skill set and grow alongside Gold H2‘s evolving technology, contributing to cutting-edge innovations and sustainable solutions.

Advisory Board

Dr. Mary Andorfer

Structural Biologist, Michigan State University

Dr. Mojdeh Deishad

Head of Subsurface Hydrogen and CCUS management of the University of Texas

Jillian Evanko

CEO and President of Chart Industries, Inc.

Dr. Martin Fowler

Petroleum Geochemist, APT

Dr. Lisa Gieg

Petroleum Microbiologist, University of Calgary

Dr. Casey Hubert

Geo-microbiologist, University of Calgary

Ryan Rice

Partner at Rice Investment Group

Working With Us

Our strength comes from our numbers. We value the power of teamwork and encourage all of our employees to strive for their personal success and growth. Build your career from the ground up with us.

Our Careers

We are always looking for the best people to add to our team. Apply today to learn how you can become a Gold H2 Team Member.

News & Media

Strengthen your skillset with Gold H2. Learn what opportunities are available for our team.