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AAEES HighpointsNovember 2025 | Volume 41, Number 11In this issue:
AAEES PatronsPatrons of the Academy are organizations that are distinguished by providing financial support to the Academy's programs in addition to their engagement in specialty certification of their Engineers and Scientists. They are dedicated to a collaborative effort with the Academy in pursuit of Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science. For more information, go to https://www.aaees.org/patronsprogram.  Call for Entries!
Showcase your innovation and impact in the Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science® (E3S) Awards Competition! Each year, AAEES recognizes outstanding projects that define excellence in environmental engineering and science — from groundbreaking research and sustainable design to transformative operations and management. Submit your project by December 31st and gain recognition for advancing environmental quality and innovation. Learn more and enter at: https://www.aaees.org/e3scompetition It's Time to Renew Your Board Certification
If you can't find your email, don't worry - you can renew online here: Resource Alert: Free, Vetted Climate Adaptation Science form ASCE and Federal PartnersBy Daniel B. Oerther, PE, BCEE, BCES, Executive Director, AAEES The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists is committed to ensuring our members have access to the highest-quality, freely available technical resources necessary for resilient design. We are proud to highlight the new Climate Adaptation Engineering Bulletins series from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), one of the founding Sponsoring Organizations of our Academy. ASCE is partnering with federal agencies like NOAA to deliver accessible, actionable climate science directly to your desk. I find these concise technical notes useful because they bridge complex federal science – such as the updated Sea Level Rise Projections – with practical engineering application. A two-pronged review process assures their technical rigor, including: 1) Scientific Vetting: Commentary and approval by senior scientists at NOAA and other federal agencies; 2) Professional Leadership: The effort’s steering committee includes Board Certified Environmental Engineers (BCEEs) of the Academy, guaranteeing direct relevance to our professional standards. Sharing resources like this is a key component of the Academy’s mission to Grow, Connect, and Diversify the profession. Partnering with organizations such as ASCE supports the Academy’s efforts to become THE professional organization for all environmental engineers and scientists. The bulletins are hosted on the ASCE website: https://collaborate.asce.org/communities/community-home/recent-community-blogs?communitykey=014d3b61-1dea-43e4-9d2b-58184ee08074 I encourage you to explore these authoritative updates to enhance the resiliency of your current and future environmental projects The 2026 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence
The 2026 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence (previously known as The AAEES Awards) will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Washington, DC, and online. Details here: https://www.aaees.org/aaeesawardsceremony Upcoming WebinarsWednesday, December 3, 2025
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It's that time of year for Board Certified Environmental Engineers, Board Certified Environmental Engineering Members, and Board Certified Environmental Scientists to renew specialty certifications. Emails with an attached invoice were sent on November 1st.
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Mohamed S. Gaballah Awad, Ph.D. |
Nefeli Bompoti, Ph.D. |
Ashley Butzlaff, Ph.D. |
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Xiujuan Chen, Ph.D., P.Eng. |
Julie A. Korak, Ph.D., P.E. |
Max Krause, Ph.D. |
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Yuchuan Lai, Ph.D., P.E. |
Jason Chun-Ho Lam, Ph.D. |
Mi-Ling Li, Ph.D. |
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Alison Ling, Ph.D., P.E. |
Garrett McKay, Ph.D. |
Gayathri Ram Mohan, Ph.D., P.E. |
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Jaewook Myung, Ph.D. |
Sameer Neve, Ph.D., EIT |
Christopher Olivares Martinez, Ph.D. |
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Shu-Yuan Pan, Ph.D., P.E. |
Brian Pinkard, Ph.D. |
Mohan Qin, Ph.D. |
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Eric Redmond, P.E. |
Parita Shah, EIT, M.ASCE |
Yewei Sun, Ph.D., P.E. |
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Dengjun Wang, Ph.D. |
Tao Ye, Ph.D. |
Yinyin Ye, Ph.D. |
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Shiqiang (Nick) Zou, Ph.D. |
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Click here to view winner profiles.
Special Air Quality Issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist
Have you reserved your copy of the Air Quality Special Issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist?
This exclusive edition is now at the printer and will be mailed during the first week of December!
If you’re a member and haven’t ordered a physical copy yet, you can still get yours for just $10 at https://www.aaees.org/environmentalengineerandscientist-orderform.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource!
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming AAEES Board Certified
Have you ever thought about Board Certification but aren’t sure where to start? Or perhaps you’ve taken a look and are worried about studying for the written exam? Or maybe you’re not sure if your work history is sufficient to make you eligible? Let us help to remove some of the (unneeded) mystery from the process of Board Certification!
Join us for this interactive meeting to sit down with our Executive Director, Professor Daniel B. Oerther, PhD, PE, BCEE, BCES so you can learn all about becoming Board Certified with the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists!
As part of an overview presentation, you will learn what it takes to become eligible for Board Certification (i.e., an appropriate degree and 8 years of experience, including 4 years in responsible charge), how to get started with the application process (i.e., apply for Membership first, and then we’ll coach you through the Board Certification process), and, most importantly, how becoming Board Certified can benefit your career (i.e., more money, more responsibility, and greater professional satisfaction)! You’ll even get study tips for the written and oral exams!!
Following the overview, and as part of an interactive session, you’ll be able to get answers to your individual questions. Nothing is out of bounds as Dan is available to listen, help answer what he can, and make sure we direct you to the right person to get you the definitive answers you need.
If you are in the early or mid-stages of your environmental engineering or science career, you won’t want to miss this informative meeting that will help you get started on your journey to Board Certification.
Upcoming Sessions:
January 13, 2026 - 2:00 PM Eastern
Written Exam Waiver
Industrial Hygiene: Those who are interested in the Industrial Hygiene specialty certification and who have already passed the written examination for Certified Industrial Hygienist administered by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing, need only sit for the Oral Examination.
Radiation Protection: Those who are interested in the Radiation Protection specialty certification and who have already passed the written examination for Certified Health Physicists administered by the American Board of Health Physics or the written exam for Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Physics administered by the American Board of Medical Physics, need only sit for the Oral Examination.
General Environmental Engineering: Those who are interested in the General Environmental Engineering specialty certification and who have already passed the written Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination in the Environmental specialty administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, need only sit for the Oral Examination.
Submit Abstracts for the 2026 Nanobubble (Ultrafine Bubble) Conference
AAEES, on behalf of NJIT, invites you to submit abstracts for the 2026 Nanobubble (Ultrafine Bubble) Conference, taking place August 19–21, 2026, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark, New Jersey
This marks the first Global Nanobubble Conference in the United States, following successful events in Kyoto, Magdeburg, Suzhou, Coffs Harbor, Shanghai, and Les Houches. The conference will bring together experts from academia, industry, and government to advance nanobubble and nanodroplet science—covering theory, characterization, and applications in environmental, agricultural, medical, and food systems.
The 2nd ISO TC 281 Meeting on Fine Bubble Technology is tentatively planned just before the conference, and the ACS Fall 2026 Conference will follow in Chicago, offering attendees a convenient opportunity to participate in both.
We look forward to welcoming you to New Jersey in 2026!
Call for Speakers for the 2026 NJWEA/AAEES Workshop on Automation and Cyber Security
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) is sponsoring a workshop at the New Jersey Water Environment Association’s 111th annual conference at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, in Atlantic City, NJ on Monday, May 11, 2026, with a special breakfast session on Tuesday, May 12.
We would like to invite you to submit an abstract for consideration to present at the workshop for water, wastewater, collection system and other critical environmental infrastructure applications involving automation and security. We are interested in case studies involving existing facility modifications/upgrades and new facility construction that encompass one or more of the following topics:
- Threats and vulnerabilities
- Protective measures to manage and mitigate risk
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system considerations
- Network, remote access, and security considerations (e.g., operations, data/information, physical plant/infrastructure)
- Instrumentation and control (I&C) considerations such as sensors including soft sensors
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology considerations
- Case histories involving incidents (e.g., cyber attacks, security breaches, equipment failures), including related management and lessons learned
- Case studies involving existing facility modifications/upgrades to mitigate risks involving aging infrastructure
- Case studies involving new facilities to capture opportunities associated with current and developing technology applications
- Related evaluation of options and cost vs. benefit considerations to support capital, O&M, life cycle interests.
As a speaker you will receive complimentary one-day registration, and invitation to a luncheon and to the President's Award Reception, all on Monday, May 11th, 2026.
The deadline for abstracts is November 28, 2025, for review.
Note that all presentations will be made in-person only.
Submit abstracts & bios by clicking here: NJ Water Environment Association
If you have any questions, contact:
- David A. Vaccari, [email protected], 908-420-6224
- Nicole Fahrenfeld, [email protected], 848-445-8416
- Mike Miner, [email protected], 201-574-4704
AAEES Job Board Postings
Lead Waste Treatment Plant Construction Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)
WA State Department of Ecology - Richland, WA
Science and Engineering Unit Supervisor (Environmental Engineer 5)
WA State Department of Ecology - Richland, WA
Air Quality Specialist I/II (Engineering)
Bay Area Air District (Air District) - San Francisco, California
Assistant Project Scientist-Meyer Lab
University of California Davis - Davis, CA
Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)
WA State Department of Ecology - Union Gap, WA
Safe Drinking Water Field Technican
University of New Orleans - Baton Rouge, LA
Sanitarian 1-3
Louisiana Department of Health - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Safe Drinking Water Sanitarian 4
Louisiana Department of Health - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Regional Engineer
Louisiana Department of Health - Alexandria, Louisiana
Drinking Water Project Engineer
Louisiana Department of Health - Baton Rouge, LA
Engineer Manager
Louisiana Department of Health - Lafayette, LA
In order to celebrate the Academy’s 70th birthday, we are sharing 70 stories in 2025. We post them on our social media platforms so make sure you are following us. You can also catch up on recent stories on our website: https://www.aaees.org/70years70stories
If you would like to submit a story for consideration please email Marisa Waterman at mwaterman at aaees dot org.
Have you added your Board Certification credentials to your LinkedIn name?
Show off your accomplishments to your LinkedIn network…it takes under a minute to add your credentials.
See directions in the image below:
Foundation Donations
The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation's primary purpose is to recognize and promote excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science. As a result, the public will become more aware of the important role Environmental Engineers and Scientists play in managing global, national and regional environmental challenges. To accomplish its goals, the Foundation dedicates its resources to education, research and awards focused on outstanding Environmental Engineering and Science achievement.
The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As such, all contributions donated through this site are eligible to receive a tax-deduction. The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation supports several educational, awards, and outreach programs and supports a variety of activities and initiatives of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Descriptions of the various funds and their charitable objectives can be found at https://www.eesfoundation.org/donate/.
Need PDHs?
You now have the opportunity to earn PDHs from recorded webinars! If you miss an AAEES webinar, you can watch it at your convenience and then take a quiz to earn PDHs.
- Go to our webinar library and watch a webinar of your choice.
- Once you have watched it, go to the coordinating quiz link to purchase and complete a brief quiz.
- Once you pass the quiz, we will send you your PDH certificate.
It’s that simple!
Go to our webinar library to browse our recorded webinars: https://www.aaees.org/aaeeswebinarslibrary.
Stories Submission
AAEES is THE collaborating organization in environmental engineering and environmental science. Environmental engineers and environment scientists can come here to tell a story and connect with others. We accept a variety of formats:
- Photo(s) with description
- Links to news articles
- Video clips
- Links to relevant webinar/podcasts
- Links to industry white paper
We appreciate everything our members submit. Depending on the size of your item, we may include it on social media, the monthly Highpoints Newsletter, or Environmental Engineer and Scientist magazine.
For more information, and to submit your story, go to https://www.aaees.org/MemberStories.
AAEES Podcasts
The Importance of Mentoring: No One is An Island
Join us as we sit down with Nicholas Albergo, PE, BCEE, BC.WRE, F.ASCE, F.EWRI and Matthew Talbert, PE, BCEE from Academy Patron, GHD. GHD Group is a global employee-owned multinational technical professional services firm providing advisory, architecture and design, buildings, digital, energy and resources, environmental, geosciences, project management, transportation and water services. Nick is a Professional Engineer, Senior Advisor to GHD, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. Matt is an Environmental Engineer and project manager specializing in site assessment and remediation.
You will hear about GHD’s mentoring program and the importance of intentional conversations as well as the demands placed on emerging professionals. Matthew will share how he was drawn to becoming Board Certified through the Academy and how it has helped his career.
Nick’s humor during a conversation on ethics is sure to make you laugh as he asks, “What would your mom think?” Don’t miss this episode.
Stream or Download This Episode
Environmental Engineering and Science: A Team Sport
Join us as we sit down with two of our Board Certified Environmental Scientists. Dr. Mary deFlaun, BCES is a Sr. Principal Microbiologist at Geosyntec Consultants. Dr. deFlaun will be interviewing Heather Tahon, BCES, a Principal Scientist also at Geosyntec Consultants. Heather has worked in environmental consulting for almost 20 years now and has worked at Geosyntec for the past 11 years. Heather’s practice includes managing environmental investigation, remediation, transactional due diligence, and compliance projects primarily for industrial clients. Heather currently manages the groundwater remediation and environmental management department in Geosyntec’s Pittsburgh, PA office. During this podcast, Heather discusses how her mentors have helped her throughout her career and how being board certified with the Academy has benefitted her credibility in the consulting world. Heather also gives advice on how young professionals can develop their own leadership style.
As a strong leader who now mentors others, Heather is an inspiration to anyone working in the environmental engineering/science world.
Stream or Download This Episode
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Engineer and the Steps it Takes to Get There: Interview with Isreal Hodges, Jr., P.E., BCEE
Join us as we sit down with two of our Board Certified Environmental Engineers. Anastasia Rudenko, P.E., BCEE, ENV SP, who is an associate with GHD, will be interviewing Isreal Hodges, Jr., P.E., BCEE, who is a Lead EHS Specialist for Rivian Automotive. Almost four years ago, Isreal became a Board Certified Environmental Engineer with the Academy with a specialty in Air Pollution Control. Isreal’s story will inspire any young professional who is striving for a career in environmental engineering/science. During this podcast, Isreal talks about how being Board Certified with the Academy has helped his career, and he emphasizes the importance of being proactive with early career networking. Isreal also discusses his favorite part of the job, overcoming career challenges and how prioritizing physical health improves all aspects of his life. Above all, Isreal reminds us to enjoy the journey and celebrate success. As an ambassador of environmental engineering, Isreal is an inspiration to anyone working towards becoming an environmental engineer.
Stream or Download This Episode
Overcoming Obstacles to Become a Successful Engineer: The Story of Melody Gonzalez
Join us as we sit down with Anne Germain, a Board Certified Environmental Engineer and Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) who will be interviewing Melody Gonzalez, a Project engineer at Black & Veatch. Melody has a captivating story to tell. Originally from Venezuela, Ms. Gonzalez used her strength, grit and determination to become an engineer all while raising two boys on her own. During this podcast, you will learn the unique details of Melody’s journey from being a single mother with limited family support to growing into an engineer practicing in the United States and working on earning a PE license. Melody talks about the importance of having a good mentor along the way and also emphasizes the importance of being a good mentor to others. Melody also discusses the importance of getting involved. Joining professional organizations, being active in the industry, and cultivating a network all serve as the building blocks for getting an engineering career off the ground. Melody is an inspiration to all women and anyone who dreams of becoming an engineer.
Stream or Download This Episode
Interactive Who’s Who
The Academy’s website has an improved and expanded feature for members: the Interactive Who’s Who. Look for the link just below the welcome message after you log in. With this tool you can search for members by name, specialization, organization, and location.
You can use this feature to find Board-Certified individuals within a specialty for possible engagement on projects. You can find out who else in your organization is a member and see their biographical information. You can get contact information for colleagues in the Academy. Universities can find local Board-Certified members to engage them with their program as mentors or external advisory board members. The feature is intuitive to use by selecting one or more text fields to search for. Once you find a member you can then click on them for more detailed profile including contact information. And, if you search for yourself, you will be able to edit your profile including adding a headshot photo for your colleagues to know you by. Enjoy this new feature that will help our members connect with each other.
All AAEES members receive a 30% discount off any of PDH Online's 3,000+ courses, including live webinars. AAEES will receive a 20% royalty for each course taken by AAEES members using the AAEES membership code AAEES30.
Members can search courses and sign up at https://www.PDHonline.com.
PDH Online is one of the leading online course providers and is an approved continuing education sponsor by many state licensing boards for professional engineers. Over 100 of their courses have been developed by BCEEs. AAEES has designated PDH Online as the Preferred PDH Provider to help AAEES members complete all their bi-annual PDH requirements.
Update Your Profile
Change of address, email or any information? You will need to login to your profile in our organization.
If you are having trouble accessing your account, email Yolanda at YMoulden at aaees.org for assistance.
Not Getting Email Announcements from AAEES
Please be sure to whitelist or add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure you receive important updates and announcements to your inbox.
It's Simple - Refer a Colleague to Apply for Board Certification
- Click here for the simple one-page referral form for Board Certification OR
- Click here for the simple one-page referral form for Board Certification through Eminence
Host a Virtual Event
It's easy and free to host an AAEES Webinar or Virtual Workshop/Event
If you would like to learn more, please email Marisa Waterman at MWaterman at aaees.org. Be sure to give an approximate date and suggested topic and possible speakers.
Don't Miss Anything!
The AAEES calendar is a great way to stay connected with listings of upcoming events, meetings, deadlines, industry observances, and other important dates.
Student Lounge
We always love to hear what our student members have been up to! Send us your recent articles, news, studies, project photos, etc. We would be happy to share with the rest of the environmental engineering and science community via social media. Send an email to Marisa Waterman at MWaterman at aaees.org.
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