As Co-founder of MBDC, I have been working with our green chemists to encourage products that are safer and healthier for a Circular Economy for more than two decades. Jay and the rest of the team will utilize their knowledge as creators of Cradle to Cradle Certified™ to work alongside your company to assess and optimize your products and processes.”

Jay Bolus is one of the most authoritative speakers on the human and environmental impacts of products and materials. Using his extensive knowledge of Cradle to CradleDesign™ applied to products and materials, Jay has the unique insight required to understand how to work with a company’s global supply chain to inventory, assess and optimize products.

Jay works closely with product development teams to add business value through a better understanding of what products are made from and how to optimize them thorough continuous improvement. As one of the original authors of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program, Jay has the ability to integrate his know-how to fit the client’s area of business and make a technical subject understandable.

Peyton is a project director who brings wide-ranging research experience to the team — from psychological flexibility to developing bio-based resins. Her understanding of the human interface between decision-making and consumer-level chemistry engagement are a particular asset to Cradle to Cradle assessments and optimization. Peyton supports MBDC clients behind the scenes with research, material assessments, supply-chain inquiries and certification project streamlining.

Ieva joined MBDC as a Senior Project Manager after graduating from the University of Virginia with a MSc in Environmental Sciences. Her graduate research focused on coastal ecology, specifically examining ecosystem metabolism and carbon cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change impacts. She was also part of the Science Policy Initiative at UVA, worked with stakeholder groups, NGOs, and policymakers on climate-relevant issues and engaged in peer leadership, representing graduate students on the school’s Graduate Council and University Judiciary Committee. She has also earned a certificate in Sustainable Business from McIntire at UVA. Ieva earned an undergraduate degree in biology and environmental science at Miami University. At MBDC, she focuses on General Assessments but is especially looking forward to bringing her expertise to the Clean Air & Climate Protection and Water & Soil Stewardship pillars in Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program.

Kolton joined the MBDC team after graduating from the University of Virginia with a Master’s in chemistry with a focus on environmental application and inorganic synthesis. While studying for his master’s, Kolton worked as a graduate lab student researcher and a TA for UVA’s organic chemistry lab where he led in the academic advancement of future undergraduate students in the field of chemistry. Kolton also holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and has worked as a licensed EMT.

Lauren joined MBDC’s team after receiving a Master of Science from the University of Virginia in energy relevant inorganic catalysis. Her interest in research began during her undergrad career at Virginia Commonwealth University where she worked in an analytical chemistry lab utilizing electrochemical techniques. With a passion for teaching, Lauren also served as a chemistry tutor at VCU and later as a teaching assistant in various chemistry classes at UVA. During her graduate career, Lauren contributed to the Charlottesville community as a member of L.E.A.D. at UVA (Learning through Experimentation, Awareness, and Demonstration), in addition to getting three academic papers published. In 2019, she presented her research pursuits at the ACS National meeting and won a Division of Inorganic Chemistry travel award. After graduate school, Lauren worked as a brewer at Blue Ridge Kombucha, which was her first experience with a small business working hard to create a sustainable environment with their no-waste model.

Michelle brings a diverse skill set to the MBDC team, backed by 12+ years of experience in project and client relationship management. She started out on her professional journey as a financial analyst in commercial real estate and was exposed to USGBC’s (then) new LEED rating system. She was instantly motivated by the intrinsic value of sustainable design. A few years later, as product manager in the textile/durable goods industry, she encountered the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program. It was a tipping point in her life, and soon thereafter she moved to Chicago, where she earned her M.S. in Environmental Management and Sustainability from Illinois Institute of Technology. Since moving back east in 2012, Michelle has supported and advised on numerous projects for a diverse portfolio of clients in the public and private sector.

Ben joined MBDC as a Manager after graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s of Science in chemical engineering. As a student Ben tutored other chemical engineering majors, as well as local high school students, and completed an internship with Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. He is also a recipient of David Lee Preddy Award for Chemical Engineering Design. Ben is particularly interested in sustainable engineering practices and how they can help the development of clean, renewable energy technologies to meet increasing demand.

Kendall joined MBDC as a Manager after graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Fiber Science and Apparel Design and minors in Business and Environmental Science. As a student, Kendall studied a variety of fibers, polymers and textiles, including looking closely at their chemistries and properties. Her undergraduate research included analyzing the chemical makeup of children’s car seats. Kendall is particularly interested in advancing circular design and completed an internship with Accelerating Circularity, an organization focused on creating a circular supply chain for the fashion industry.

Celeste has an extensive background in Cradle to Cradle and sustainable design, having worked for Philadelphia-based sustainable architecture firms for over 15 years. She manages MBDC’s graphics, branding and overall visual identity. Celeste is a LEED Green Associate and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University.

Katherine joined MBDC as a Communications Associate after graduating from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communication studies and a concentration in public relations. She has a background of interning for a PR agency and running social media accounts on behalf of JMU’s psychology research lab. Katherine uses her writing, editing, and social media skills to create content on behalf of MBDC and its clients, and to raise awareness around Cradle to Cradle Design™ for the Circular Economy.