Our Team

Dr. Xiaochen Shen is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of WaterUS LLC. An expert in electrochemistry, flow batteries, and fuel cells, he leads the company's research and technology development efforts. Dr. Shen previously conducted postdoctoral research at the U.S. DOE's BEES EFRC at Case Western Reserve University and has developed multiple patented technologies. With more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and over 1,900 citations, he brings deep scientific expertise and innovation leadership to advance WaterUS's mission of delivering sustainable water and energy solutions. 

Dr. Zhenmeng Peng is the President and Co-founder of WaterUS LLC. He is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina and previously served on the faculty of The University of Akron from 2012 to 2022. An internationally recognized expert in electrochemical engineering for energy and environmental applications, Dr. Peng has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications with over 10,000 citations and holds over 10 U.S. patents. At WaterUS, Dr. Peng provides strategic leadership and technical direction, leveraging his expertise in electrochemical processes, system design, and water treatment technologies to advance innovative and sustainable solutions for water softening and purification.

Dr. Yanbo Pan is the Chief Business Officer of WaterUS LLC. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Akron and an MBA from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. His career spans advanced manufacturing and data science. In the semiconductor industry, he developed new purification technologies that improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. He later built production machine learning systems as a senior data scientist in the self-storage industry, with deep expertise in causal inference and Bayesian modeling. At WaterUS, Dr. Pan leads commercialization strategy, market analysis, and business development, helping turn new water treatment technologies into practical solutions with real market impact.

Mr. Jing Li is the Chief Operating Officer of WaterUS LLC. She holds an M.S. in Accountancy from The University of Akron and a B.S. in Business from the University of Science and Technology of China. With experience in accounting, financial operations, procurement, and business administration, Jing brings strong expertise in operational management, vendor relations, and process improvement. Her professional background supports WaterUS's commitment to efficient operations and sustainable growth. 

Peng's Lab research electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The group develops advanced catalysts, materials, and electrochemical processes to improve reaction efficiency, selectivity, and system performance. Research efforts integrate catalyst design, electrode engineering, reaction process control, and mechanistic studies to advance technologies for water treatment, electrochemical water softening, fuel cells, water electrolysis, hydrogen production and storage, and other energy conversion systems. By combining electrochemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering, the group seeks innovative solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges.

Mr. Tyler Tatum, Board of Advisors, has over 25 years of experience in technology focused startup ventures, including 20 years in a management/leadership role. Tyler’s core strength is his ability to turn customer needs into marketable products by facilitating communication between business leaders, current and prospective customers, and technology developers. Over the last several years, Tyler has helped clients raise over $30M in SBIR/STTR funding.

Mr. Kyle Salazar, Board of Advisors, brings more than a decade of experience in small business growth and development and technology commercialization. He serves as a Principal at Ripple Technology, LLC focused on SBIR/STTR funded company growth, development, and commercialization and as Associate Director of Technology Commercialization for USC where he has successfully transitioned more than 52 technologies from university to industry.