Meet Our Team

Our team of polymer chemists and engineers are dedicated to solving the worldwide plastics problem together. Throughout their academic careers, the team has published nearly 50 peer-reviewed papers that have been cited more than 4000 times. Deimos Materials is an independent company committed to supporting its employees as we grow.

David J. Goldfeld, PhD

Founder and CEO

David received his PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2020, where he worked with Prof. Marc Hillmyer as a part of the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers. After completing a postdoctoral research position with Prof. Craig Hawker at the University of California, Santa Barbara, David became the CTO of Phoam Labs, where he commercialized the world's first compostable floral foam, a product he had invented during graduate school. In 2025, David founded Deimos Materials to bring new sustainable plastics to traditional consumer products. David is an avid curler and film connoisseur.

Darren Smith

Co-founder

Darren received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and then started a 25+ year career at General Mills. Working his way from Assistant Department Manager to Plant Manager, Darren served as the head of Global Safety and Environment before taking over as Director of Supply Chain Solutions, where he was the head of worldwide contract manufacturing and strategic cost savings. Darren retired in 2019 and spent several years as a consultant specializing in manufacturing operations and people management. Darren co-founded Deimos Materials in 2025, bringing his expertise to the sustainable resin market. In his free time, Darren is an active farmer and fisherman.

Deborah Schneiderman, PhD

Co-founder

Debbie received her PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2016, where she worked with Prof. Marc Hillmyer as a part of the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers. Her work included the synthesis of novel monomers with a focus on sustainable polyester elastomers. Debbie completed a postdoctoral research position at the University of Chicago working with Prof. Stuart Rowan before returning to the Twin Cities to join 3M. She would later spin-off as a part of Solventum, working on resins for the medical industry. Debbie is a gardener with various crops and has a full flock of chickens in her backyard.

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