Driven by her passion for beauty and science, Camille A Martin, PhD has committed over ten years to transforming the personal care industry with innovative strategies and technologies.
INVENTOR
Martin’s research has led her to design bio-inspired consumer goods, good for humans and nature.
Dr. Martin’s research began at Andrews University where she completed eight academic semesters of research, two National Science Foundation-sponsored Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Virginia Commonwealth University and Western Michigan University, and one summer internship at MeadWestVaco (now WestRock).
At Northeastern University she pursued a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry and Biomaterials Design and in September 2019, successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Sensors, Sunscreens, Shirts—Design and Characterization of Biomimetic Materials Inspired by Cephalopods.” Dr. Martin’s graduate research has resulted in the publication of four peer-reviewed articles and two patents.
ENTREPRENEUR
Martin founded Seaspire Inc. in 2019 and has already raised $3.6 million in capital.
Dr. Martin built Blend, focused on developing reef-safe and tinted sunscreens to provide protection against UV-rays without the undesirable white reside characteristic of many mineral sunscreen products. In 2018, she was awarded the IDEA Prototype Grant to develop the first iteration of the product line.
In 2019, Dr. Martin founded Seaspire Inc. alongside Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Leila Deravi. She then identified partnerships with the IP Co-Law and positioned Seaspire to be taken as a client for courses “Branding Law and Practice” at Northeastern University School of Law and “Entrepreneurial Growth Strategy for Technology Ventures” at D’Amore-McKim School of Business. To date, Seaspire has raised $3.6 million in capital from Boston-based venture funds.
MENTOR
Martin actively supports the NextGen of diverse innovators in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Martin is committed to supporting the next generation of diverse innovators pursuing careers in STEM. As a graduate student she mentored ten undergraduates. Seven out of ten of these students were women and four out of ten were Black.
Her commitment to supporting diversity in STEM and entrepreneurship continues today through her mentorship platform—Alexandria Growth Brands—which provides resources and coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to launch technology driven companies.
IN THE NEWS
“We’re taking a multifaceted approach to protective skincare beyond sunburn addressing other concerns with a single ingredient. We imagine being the next hydraloronic acid, the next vitamin C, the next AHAs.”