Highpoints
Volume 41, No. 2 -- February 2025
AAEES Patrons
Patrons 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.
Upcoming Webinars
Wednesday, March 05, 2025 Webinar - Implementing Updated Controls at National Parks
Wednesday, April 02, 2025 Webinar - Water Management in Petroleum Industries
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2025 Spring Awards Event: Registration now open!
The 2025 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence (previously known as The AAEES Spring Awards) will be held on Thursday April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC and online.
Additional details and registration here: https://www.aaees.org/aaeesawardsceremony
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We have all of our guiding documents available on our website
View our Annual Plan, 5-Year Strategic Plan as well as Member Activity Reports, Value Proposition and AAEES Bylaws.
https://www.aaees.org/guidingdocuments
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.
Current AAEES Job Postings
Process Control Lab Specialist University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point College of Natural Resources - Stevens Point, WI Salary: $48,200.00 - $58,000.00 Annually
Teaching Professor Process Control Engineer University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI Salary: $64,400.00 - $100,000.00 Annually
Waterworks Assistant Director City of Newport News, VA - Government - Newport News, VA Salary: $145,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually
Director of University of Florida Center for Coastal Solutions & Associate or Full Professor University of Florida - Gainesville, FL
Program Manager CW 2025-02 San Francisco Estuary Institute - Richmond, CA Salary: $120,600.00 - $175,875.00 Annually
Go to the AAEES Job board at https://aaees.mcjobboard.net to apply or post your job for as little as $200 or for FREE if you are already an AAEES Member.
We are looking for the rising stars in Environmental Engineering and Science!
Do you or someone you know deserve recognition for professional achievements? You can nominate yourself or someone else, or BOTH!
The AAEES 40 Under 40 Recognition Program was introduced to recognize talented individuals who have, either personally or as part of a team, been responsible for helping to advance the fields of Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering in a demonstrable way within the last 12 months. Winners are chosen by a panel of past recipients who weigh business successes and civic/philanthropic activities.
The second submission period for the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program is open until February 28. Those recognized in this program will be profiled on AAEES social media pages and recognized at the 2025 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence.
Click here to see previous recipients. Nominations are valid for up to two years. If you submitted a nomination for someone not on this list, they are still being evaluated, even if they weren't included this time around.
Go to the nomination page at https://www.aaees.org/awardsnomination-40under40.
Have You Renewed Your Specialty Certification?
If you haven’t already renewed your specialty certification, you can do it online today:
Click here to complete your specialty certification renewal online.
Email Susannah with any questions you may have: swalz at aaees.org.
The Environmental Communications Awards Competition recognizes the efforts of organizations in communicating complex and challenging issues to environmental conservation groups, town councils, state and national legislative bodies, private sector companies, and the public by highlighting the value and importance of their projects and their economic and public health benefits.
This award is designed to recognize environmental communication efforts by industrial entities; municipal, state, and federal governments; and consulting firms who work to convey the important environmental messages to their constituencies and other interested parties
For more information, go to https://www.aaees.org/ecommcompetition.
We are offering two lectures with AAEES Kappe Lecturer, Vinio Floris, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, CSP
- The Future of Sustainable Water Management – Innovation, Practices, and Opportunities for Environmental Science and Engineering
- Sustainability in the Supply Chain - The Role of Environmental Science and Engineering
If you would like to submit a request for the Kappe Lecturer to visit your school, please complete this form: https://www.aaees.org/kappelecturer
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:
Call for Papers in Air Quality 70th Anniversary of AAEES
Special Issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist
In honor of its 70th anniversary, AAEES will publish a special air quality issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist in 2025.
Air quality is an important part of environmental engineering and science. For this issue, we are seeking manuscripts to include understanding sources, sinks and transport, identifying emerging pollutants, developing novel treatment technologies and use of sustainable precursors, and setting policies to reduce and mitigate threats to human welfare and planetary health from air. This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome enquiries to confirm that manuscripts fit within the scope of the Special Anniversary Issue prior to article preparation.
Contributions can be a Technical Note, State-of-the-Art Review, Forum, or Editorial.
The deadline for your submission is April 15, 2025.
For more information, go to https://www.aaees.org/environmentalengineerandscientist-callforpapers.
If you have any questions, please email Yolanda at [email protected].
Sharing on behalf of ABET…
ABET Program Assessment Workshops
ABET’s program assessment workshops provide engaging training to deepen understanding of the program assessment process while offering a unique opportunity to connect with experts and peers in the higher education community.
Why should you attend? ABET inspires confidence in those who aim to build a safer, more efficient and sustainable world.
- Enhance your approach to student learning assessment
- Gain insights into continuous improvement strategies
- Build your network and much more!
Ensuring high-quality educational programs is essential to preparing graduates for today’s evolving workforce. ABET offers a variety of educational resources designed to support institutions in maintaining excellence in STEM education.
Confidently shape your tomorrow with ABET and register for their upcoming workshops here.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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. Your username is .
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
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.
Click here to view the AAEES calendar.
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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