Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Raymond brings more than seven years of entrepreneurial experience with a strong focus on go-to-market strategy, creative leadership, and government compliance. A graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, he further developed his expertise through the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) program.

A Department of Defense incubator graduate, Raymond’s entrepreneurial path is shaped by a deep respect for service and innovation, influenced by his family’s military background. His combined experience in marketing, strategy, and policy helps guide BluCore’s broader mission to transform industrial waste into a domestic source of critical minerals. He is passionate about advancing technologies that strengthen national resilience and accelerate America’s clean energy independence.

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Jacob brings over a decade of experience in leadership, capital formation, and strategic development, along with more than thirteen years designing leadership programs for emerging STEM scholars. A graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, he further developed his expertise through the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) program.

Grounded by a family legacy of military service, Jacob’s approach to leadership reflects a commitment to integrity, purpose, and national advancement. His expertise in business strategy, IP licensing, and organizational development allows him to bridge innovation and impact. At BluCore, Jacob focuses on scaling sustainable systems that strengthen the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and economic security.

Technology Inventor

Dr. Kimberley Cousins is an accomplished chemist and professor with over 30 years of academic and applied experience. As the co-inventor behind the patented lithium extraction process at the core of BluCore Minerals, Dr. Cousins provides unmatched technical expertise and mentorship. Throughout her career, she has helped secure nearly $20 million in STEM research funding, advancing scientific innovation, research infrastructure, and educational opportunities. Her dedication to scientific rigor and educational excellence continues to guide the development of this technology with integrity and precision.

Lead Engineer

Krystelle is a recent Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a strong foundation in fluid systems, separation processes, and sustainable design. At BluCore, she supports the development of the modular pilot system, contributing to design strategy, systems integration, and hands-on testing. Her academic work, combined with practical experience in quality assurance and collaborative engineering projects, brings a fresh perspective to the team. She’s especially passionate about clean energy and scaling innovative technologies for real-world impact.

Research & Innovation Fellow

Emily is a recent Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a strong foundation in separation processes, process design, and analytical chemistry. At BluCore, she supports the development of the company's extraction technology, contributing to experimental design, process testing, and performance analysis. Her academic work, combined with hands-on research in emulsion liquid membrane systems for lithium recovery and field experience in water quality analysis, brings a rigorous, data-driven perspective to the team. She's especially passionate about advancing critical mineral recovery in ways that protect water resources.  

Research & Innovation Fellow

Kamran is a recent graduate of the M.S. Chemical and Nano Engineering program at UC San Diego, specializing in energy systems and advanced electrochemistry. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, with a Chemistry minor and a Semiconductor Device Certificate, and brings research experience from Purdue's Solar Energy Research Group working on next-generation photovoltaic materials.

At BluCore Minerals, Kamran works on direct lithium extraction through liquid-liquid extraction, contributing to chemistry and characterization, design of experiments, and process simulation in Aspen Plus, alongside customer and market discovery efforts. Fluent in English, Azerbaijani, and Turkish, he is passionate about advancing domestic critical mineral recovery and supporting the technologies that will power America's clean energy future. Outside the lab, he serves as GPSA Departmental Representative at UCSD and founded Azerbaijani Student Associations at both Purdue and UCSD.

Research & Innovation Fellow

Melissa is a Chemical Engineer with a Master's degree from the University of California, Davis. At BluCore, she contributes to research and development on lithium extraction from brine and wastewater sourced from oil and gas, geothermal, and desalination operations, collecting and analyzing customer data to assess extraction feasibility. She works closely with the CEO and COO, translating technical findings into clear, actionable insight, and collaborates with cross-functional science and engineering teams to help commercialize the patented lab-scale extraction process for industrial deployment. A Fulbright Finalist and Semifinalist in Education and Sustainability Research, Melissa combines strong technical grounding with a talent for communicating complex science to a wide range of audiences. She's especially passionate about applying engineering to solve real-world resource challenges and building a more sustainable, circular approach to critical minerals.

Research & Innovation Fellow

Linh is a Master of Business Analytics student at the University of California, Riverside, with a foundation in Finance & Banking from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. She brings two years of product development experience, having worked as a Management Trainee and later a Product Specialist at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam. At BluCore, she supports market research and financial modeling.

Advisor, Go-to-Market Strategist

A serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience building, scaling, and exiting companies across B2B SaaS, arts and entertainment, D2C retail, and e-commerce. Her track record includes founding a global, multi-million-dollar Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company, authoring an Amazon Bestselling book, and mentoring hundreds of founders worldwide. Heidi is known for her efficiency, data-driven mindset, and ability to transform operational chaos into profitable growth. For BluCore, Heidi will advise on go-to-market strategy, bringing her proven expertise to position the company for successful market entry, rapid adoption, and long-term impact in the clean-tech industry. She is also opening doors to valuable mentorship and her expansive network, further strengthening BluCore’s path forward.

Commercialization Expert

Dr. Long serves as the university’s Technology Transfer Officer, where she plays a critical role in fostering innovation and supporting student and faculty ventures through entrepreneurial mentorship and strategic guidance. With a deep commitment to advancing research commercialization, Dr. Long provides invaluable insight into intellectual property management, startup development, and university-industry collaboration.

Research Advisor

 While teaching at College of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA, Dr. Pellenbarg led a group of undergraduate STEM students who first defined the interactions of Li+ and certain cyclic siloxanes. This discovery was focused and expanded by Chemists at California State University, San Bernardino, and patented by the University. Previously, Dr. Pellenbarg had conducted research for the Chemistry Division and the Ocean Sciences Division at The Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC before relocating to California.  

Water Policy and Governance Consultant

Served as a Board Member for the Eastern Municipal Water District (2003–2020) and the National Water Resources Association (2008–2020), where he provided leadership on water policy and governance across key service areas including Menifee, Perris, parts of Murrieta, and Canyon Lake. For BluCore, Ron will offer strategic guidance on public water agency engagement, help navigate regulatory pathways, and leverage his statewide water industry network to support project development and site partnerships.

Workforce Development

The Executive Director and CEO of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), has led the nationally recognized organization for over 40 years. Known for launching the AERO-Flex aerospace pre-apprenticeship and creating the I-TRAIN training network, he is a leader in workforce development and industry partnerships. For BluCore, Mr. Vogel will help build workforce pipelines, expand apprenticeship models, secure funding opportunities, and facilitate statewide industry connections and networks to support growth and impact.

Quantitative Chemistry Advisor

A Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in quantitative studies, currently teaches introductory and advanced chemistry courses at San Jacinto College Central Campus in Pasadena, Texas. She co-leads the STEM Student Success Series, contributes to curriculum development for Process Technology majors, and mentors students through chemistry demonstrations. Her academic rigor and hands-on approach to learning will be instrumental in validating our technical claims.

Water Management and Engineering Consultant

The former Deputy General Manager for the Eastern Municipal Water District, brings a wealth of leadership experience in water management and environmental engineering. His career spans several high-level roles, including Deputy General Manager at the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and Assistant General Manager at Eastern Municipal before being promoted. His strategic insight and operational knowledge of water systems and engineering will help guide technology development, site selection, and testing approaches.

Energy Process Consultant

Chair of the Department of Petrochemical and Energy Process Technology at San Jacinto College Central Campus, is an Air Force veteran with over a decade of industry experience. His background includes work in utilities, distillation, and cryogenics. Prior to becoming Chair, he served as a process technology instructor, where he helped shape the next generation of process operators. He remains actively involved with the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA), ensuring our project remains aligned with industry trends and standards.

Database Development and Project Management

A CSUSB alumnus and Air Force Veteran with a strong background in project management and database development. As a retired project manager at Eastern Municipal Water District, she brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of water infrastructure. Her involvement provides BluCore with valuable insights and access to a broad network of professionals across the water district industry. Her role is vital as she will be utilizing her experience and skills to build BrineBrain, which will be BluCore’s internal tracking database.

Grant Writer

An accomplished grant writer with over 15 years of experience in workforce development, with a background spanning public, nonprofit, and social profit sectors. His work includes key roles with California’s Employment Development Department. He has secured funding at the city, county, state, and federal levels and is known for aligning proposals with compliance standards while addressing real community needs. For BluCore, Sam will lead grant strategy, develop competitive proposals, and identify funding opportunities to expand workforce training and clean-tech initiatives.

Communication Specialist

A regional business specialist with several years of experience in public speaking and professional presentations. She joins the BluCore team as the public speaking and presentation strategist and consultant. She will help with crafting clear and confident messaging for investor meetings, public pitches, and strategic communications. Her role is especially key as the co-founding team prepares to present to potential customers, MVP/test sites, and investors.