Sue Mecham, Ph.D. (NALA Membranes)

Overview

Sue Mecham, Ph.D., is a prominent figure in the field of polymer chemistry and a co-founder and CEO of NALA Membranes, a cleantech startup based in North Carolina. She is known for her innovative work in developing chemically resistant membranes for reverse osmosis, which are designed to address global challenges in water purification. With a background in polymers and organizational management, Mecham has over 25 years of experience in industry and academia, contributing significantly to advancements in materials used for water treatment and other applications. Her work at NALA Membranes focuses on creating cutting-edge solutions to reduce the environmental impact and operating costs of water purification systems.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Sue Mecham's contributions through NALA Membranes have garnered significant attention for their potential to revolutionize the water treatment industry. Here are some key developments:

Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (2024): Mecham led NALA Membranes to win a prestigious global award for their game-changing chlorine-tolerant membranes, which promise significant cost reductions in water purification processes.
Partnerships and Funding: NALA Membranes secured $1.5 million in funding in 2022, with investments from several venture capital firms and angel investors. This funding supports the company's efforts to commercialize their innovative membrane technology.
Accelerator Programs: In 2024, NALA Membranes was selected for FourthWave's accelerator program, which supports women-led tech startups in scaling up their operations and enhancing leadership skills.
Technological Expansion: Under Mecham's leadership, NALA Membranes has expanded its operations internationally, including a subsidiary in Singapore, focusing on pilot testing and scaling up their membrane technology for global markets.
NSF Grants: The company received multiple grants from the National Science Foundation to develop, test, and market their innovative membrane products, emphasizing their scientific credibility and potential impact.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Sue Mecham
Born	Not publicly available
Nationality	American
Occupation	Co-Founder & CEO of NALA Membranes
Known For	Chemically resistant reverse osmosis membranes
Net Worth	Not publicly available
Education	Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech

Early Life and Education

Sue Mecham pursued her undergraduate and doctoral studies at Virginia Tech, where she developed her expertise in polymer chemistry. Her academic journey was steeped in interdisciplinary research, preparing her for a diverse career in both academia and industry. During her doctoral studies, Mecham was involved with Virginia Tech's Macromolecules Innovation Institute, where she collaborated with leading scientists, thus shaping her passion for polymer science and innovation.

Career and Notable Achievements

Sue Mecham's professional journey is marked by significant milestones:

Founder and CEO of NALA Membranes (2018-present): Co-founded with her mother, Judy Riffle, NALA Membranes focuses on developing innovative chlorine-tolerant membranes for water treatment.
Research Professor at Virginia Tech: Mecham contributed to various research projects focusing on polymer development, working alongside renowned scientists like Jim McGrath.
Industrial Experience: Her career spanned roles at Acadia Polymers and Polymeric Insights, where she honed her skills in materials science and applied these in industrial settings.
Recognition and Awards: NALA Membranes, under her leadership, received the 2024 Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination, recognizing her groundbreaking work in sustainable water treatment technologies.

Current Work and Impact

As CEO of NALA Membranes, Sue Mecham continues to drive innovation in the field of water purification. Her work has significant implications for reducing the environmental impact of water treatment processes and making clean water more accessible globally. NALA's membranes help in minimizing biofouling and energy consumption, which are critical in addressing the global water crisis. This work positions NALA Membranes at the forefront of clean technology innovations.

Conclusion

Sue Mecham remains a pivotal figure in the field of polymer chemistry and water treatment technology. Her innovative work with NALA Membranes has not only contributed to advancements in sustainable water purification but also set a benchmark for environmentally-friendly industrial solutions. As she continues her work, Mecham is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of water treatment technologies, ensuring their accessibility and efficiency on a global scale.