Our Team
Raul A. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Co-Founder & Principal Scientist
With a mix of academic and water industry expertise, Dr. Raul A. Gonzalez co-founded H2O Molecular to produce actionable water microbiology data. As the principal scientist, he brings over a decade of experience in advancing a molecular biology program at a water utility, where his group utilized molecular methods to investigate man-made infrastructure and surrounding waters, including establishing the CSI-MST methodology.
Dr. Gonzalez’s tenure is marked by a deep understanding of nucleic acid-based markers, with applications ranging from identifying compromised sewer infrastructure to quantifying pathogen removal efficacy. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal. He expanded his group’s research and laboratory capabilities, ushering in new environmental microbiology methodological approaches.
He received his B.S. in Biology from UCLA, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from UNC Chapel Hill. Dr. Gonzalez’s postdoctoral endeavors at UNC further solidified his expertise in public health microbiology. He is an author of high-impact publications and served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Wastewater-based Infectious Disease Surveillance ad-hoc committee.
Dr. Gonzalez has been recognized with Bio-Rad’s Positive Droplet Award for his contributions to Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and named a ‘Top Forty Under Forty’ by Inside Business. His vision continues to propel H2O Molecular towards new horizons in water quality and public health. For a detailed view of his scholarly work, visit his Google Scholar profile
Allison Larson
Co-Founder & Director of Lab Operations
Allison contributes a vast and varied background in microbiology to H2O Molecular. She earned her microbiology degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and began her career at a wine analysis laboratory in Napa Valley. Transitioning from wine to wastewater, she played a key role in pioneering environmental molecular biology research and development at a water utility.
Here, she was instrumental in developing and implementing a digital PCR workflow for diverse applications including stormwater, recreational water, water reuse, wastewater, biosolids, and shellfish. Notably, she spearheaded the development of an early molecular workflow for a SARS-CoV-2 wastewater study at the onset of the pandemic. Following her move back to the west coast, Allison employed PCR-based methods to detect bioterrorism agents. Her extensive experience enhances her management of lab operations and supports the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, actionable data in water microbiology.
Under her leadership, the lab maintains strict standards across a wide range of environmental conditions, affirming H2O Molecular’s reputation for excellence and integrity in environmental and water quality research.
TinaMarie Haskell
Microbiologist
Tina brings diverse experience in environmental and water-related fields. While earning her degree in Marine Environmental Science from SUNY Maritime College, she also trained for a USCG Third Mate Unlimited license. Throughout her maritime career, she worked various sailing jobs, including serving as Captain on a contracted safety vessel for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project and as a relief mate on the R/V Fay Slover. During her time aboard the research vessel, she dabbled in a variety of sample collection and data logging methods.
With a strong foundation in meteorology and oceanography from her undergraduate studies, Tina pursued graduate school to further her education. She earned a Master’s in Ocean and Earth Sciences from Old Dominion University, followed by a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership.
Tina transitioned into a technical role at a wastewater utility, focusing on fieldwork and sample collection, while also gaining experience in the molecular biology lab. There, she developed her first microbiology skills and became proficient in bacteriophage analyses, along with other microbiology techniques. Her diverse background strengthens the team’s capabilities in fieldwork, sample processing, and lab-based analyses.
