AAEES Highpoints

December 2025 | Volume 41, Number 12

In this issue:

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.

Picking the Right Persona – Why Your Next AI Prompt Should Feel Like a Marriage

Dear Colleagues,

Just as the success of a marriage hinges far more on choosing the right partner than on the flowers or the venue of the wedding ceremony, the success of a generative AI interaction hinges on choosing the right PERSONA—for both the AI and its client!

Most of us still treat large language models like glorified Google searches: type a few words, skim the answer, move on. That works for quick facts, but it wastes the real power of these tools. When the stakes are higher—explaining PFAS remediation to a city council, preparing a manuscript for peer review, or teaching middle-schoolers why wastewater treatment matters—thoughtless prompts produce thoughtless answers.

Let me show you the difference a carefully chosen persona makes.

The Question: “What is an environmental engineer?”

Prompt Strategy

Tool

Response (abbreviated)

Suitability

Google search + AI Overview

Google.com

“An environmental engineer is a professional who uses engineering sciences and math principles to solve the problems of planetary health.”

Accurate, bland, adult reading level

Default ChatGPT (no persona)

GPT-4o free, Dec 11, 2025

“An environmental engineer is a professional who uses principles of engineering, science, and math to protect human health and the environment.”

Slightly better, still generic

Full persona + audience specification

Same GPT-4o model

“Well, since you’ve just learned about Pasteurization and germ theory, let’s build from that! Pasteur showed us that tiny microbes can make people sick. Environmental engineers take that idea and ask: How do we design our world—water  pipes, landfills, factories, even the air—so the environment keeps people healthy instead of making them sick?”

Engaging, age-appropriate, connects to prior learning, memorable

 

The third answer didn’t appear because the model is magically smarter. It appeared because I I installed the guardrails myself:

“You are Professor Daniel Oerther, Executive Director of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, speaking to a classroom of seventh-grade science students who just finished a unit on Pasteur and germ theory. In an enthusiastic but clear tone, explain what an environmental engineer does.”

Three active choices—my role, the audience’s role, and the desired tone—turned a forgettable definition into a teachable moment.

Practical Takeaways for AAEES Board Certified Individuals and Members

  1. Always assign the AI an explicit expert persona. For example, “Act as a Senior Editor of Environmental Science & Technology and give me a brutal line-by-line review of this abstract…”, or “You are an OSHA compliance officer with 25 years of field experience. Review these 10 job-site photos and list every violation you see…”
  2. Always define the audience or client persona. Translating a 40-page technical report into a two-page brief for a state legislator is time-consuming. Let augmented intelligence do the first draft—provided you tell it who the reader is.
  3. Use strong, directive verbs. Don’t “ask” or “hope.” Instruct. Tell. Direct. Require. The model obeys specificity.
  4. Combine both directions for maximum impact. Example: “You are a skeptical county commissioner who is fiscally conservative and suspicious of new regulations. I am the project manager for a proposed wetland restoration. Explain why you would vote against my $4.2 M proposal—and then tell me exactly what evidence would change your mind.” Or, better yet, enter specific names and firms, along with past references such as newspaper clips, meeting minutes, or social media posts, and let AI evaluate a curated dataset!

I now treat generative AI as Augmented Intelligence—a remarkably capable intern who needs clear supervision. Give it vague instructions, and you’ll get intern-level work. Give it precise roles and constraints, and you’ll get senior-engineer performance, often in seconds.

In next month’s Highpoints, we’ll dive into the second half of the equation: installing strong constraints (length, tone, reading level, citation requirements, and ethical boundaries) so the output is not just impressive, but possibly usable (the suggested draft from AI changed “possible usable” to “trustworthy and responsible” – yikes!)

Until then, try one deliberately persona-rich prompt this week and reply to this email with your results. The best examples will be featured (with permission) in the January issue of Highpoints.

Here’s to choosing our AI partners as carefully as we choose our life partners. 

Warm regards, Dan

Dan=
Daniel B. Oerther, PhD, PE, BCEE, BCES
Executive Director, 
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists 

Transparency in use of Generative AI: I wrote the original draft of this article myself.  After completing the draft, I used the following prompt to refine it: “Assume the role of a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, and offer Daniel Oerther, Executive Director, critical feedback on his next newsletter for Highpoints.” I carefully evaluated the updated draft against my original and incorporated the changes, which I believed would improve the message's accuracy, clarity, and readability.

E3S Call for Entries!

E3S

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

time to renewIt'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.

If you can't find your email, don't worry - you can renew online here:

Online Renewal Form

Step-by-Step Directions: Adding a Microcredential to LinkedIn Education

If you’ve put in the time and effort to complete one of AAEES’s microcredentials, make sure your network knows! Add this accomplishment to the Education section of your LinkedIn profile to highlight your commitment to professional growth. (Step by step directions below). Badges were sent out via email. 

AAEES microcredentials offer targeted, flexible learning opportunities designed to elevate your skills and demonstrate your mastery in today’s high-demand areas. Learn more at: https://www.aaees.org/aaees-microcredentials.  sample microcredential

Step 1: Log in to LinkedIn

  • Open linkedin.com and log in with your account.
  • Navigate to your profile by clicking your profile picture or name in the top bar.

Step 2: Scroll to the Education Section

  • Scroll down your profile until you see the Education section.
  • If you don’t have an Education section yet, click Add profile section → Background → Education.

Step 3: Click the “+” Icon

  • In the Education section, click the “+” (Add education) button to create a new entry.

Step 4: Fill Out the Microcredential Details

Step 5: Save

  • Click Save to add the microcredential to your Education section.

Step 6: Verify

  • Scroll through your Education section to ensure the microcredential appears correctly.
  • Optionally, move it up in the section if you want it to stand out.

Tips

  • You can also add microcredentials to the Licenses & Certifications section

The 2026 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence

savethedate

Join leaders and innovators in environmental engineering and science at the AAEES 2026 Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence—a premier professional event where the winners of the Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science (E3S) Competition are honored alongside outstanding peers from across the field. Taking place April 16, 2026 in Washington, DC, the daytime program features presentations from E3S winners, recognition of top achievements in environmental practice, and opportunities to earn professional development hours, followed by an evening celebration highlighting awards, scholarship recognition, and networking with fellow professionals. Don’t miss this chance to connect, celebrate breakthrough projects, and advance your impact—register now to attend and be part of shaping the future of sustainable engineering!

https://www.aaees.org/aaeesawardsceremony

Upcoming Webinars

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern
Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility Expansion and Conservation to Advanced Wastewater Treatment

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

Submit Abstracts for the 2026 Nanobubble (Ultrafine Bubble) Conference

njitAAEES, 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

Conference website

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! 

AAEES Job Board Postings

Engineer 6 DCL
Louisiana Department of Health - Lake Charles, LA

Engineer 6 DCL 
Louisiana Department of Health - Baton Rouge, LA

Drinking Water Infrastructure Engineer
Louisiana Department of Health - Baton Rouge, LA

Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering
Lehigh University - Bethlehem, PA

Senior Environmental Engineer (Environmental Engineer 3 / Environmental Engineer 2 - Underfill)
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality - Portland, OR

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

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

job board

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/.

webinar library

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.

  1. Go to our webinar library and watch a webinar of your choice.
  2. Once you have watched it, go to the coordinating quiz link to purchase and complete a brief quiz.
  3. 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

Nicholas Albergo and Matthew Talbert from GHD discuss mentoring, ethics, and career growth. Hear insights on board certification, networking, and challenges for emerging professionals in this engaging episode.

Stream or Download This Episode

Environmental Engineering and Science: A Team Sport

Dr. Mary deFlaun interviews Heather Tahon on mentorship, leadership, and board certification’s impact on credibility. Heather shares career insights and advice for aspiring environmental professionals in this inspiring episode.

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

Anastasia Rudenko interviews Isreal Hodges on board certification, networking, overcoming challenges, and prioritizing health. Isreal’s inspiring journey offers valuable advice for aspiring environmental engineers.

Stream or Download This Episode

Overcoming Obstacles to Become a Successful Engineer: The Story of Melody Gonzalez

Anne Germain interviews Melody Gonzalez on her inspiring journey from single motherhood in Venezuela to engineering success, emphasizing mentorship, networking, and resilience for aspiring professionals.

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

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.

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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Our Partners

ABET  AEESP AIChE APHA APWA ASCE ASEE AWMA  Black and VeatchCDM Smith CESB DSWA EESF Geosyntec  ladwp    nacwa naem    OCSAN PDH Online SCS Engineers Stanley ConsultantsSWANA usaidis uswaterpartnership WEF