AAEES Highpoints

June 2025 | Volume 41, Number 6


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.


 

https://www.aaees.org/
aaeeswebinarslibrary

Advertise in Our Special Fall 2025 Issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist!

Join the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists® (AAEES) as we commemorate seven decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in environmental engineering and science. Our Fall 2025 Anniversary Issue of Environmental Engineer and Scientist will feature articles on Air Pollution.

AAEES connects you directly with decision-makers in consulting firms, government agencies, academia, and industry. Advertising in this special issue places your brand at the forefront of environmental excellence and innovation.

This is your opportunity to showcase your products, services, and solutions to a highly targeted and influential audience. Full, half, and quarter-page ad options are available, with premium placement in a widely respected publication.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration. Submit your ad by September 30, 2025, and align your brand with 70 years of trusted expertise.

Go to https://www.aaees.org/environmentalengineerandscientist-mediakit or more information.


Upcoming Webinars

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Non-Revenue Water Program Upgrade 

Wednesday, July 02, 2025 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT
Application of AI/ML for Engineering Solutions in the Water Sector 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT
Untangling the Role of AI in Water Management   

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming AAEES Board Certified 

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern
Supercritical Water Oxidation and Biosolids Deep Well Injection

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming AAEES Board Certified


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

July 29, 2025 - 2:00 PM Eastern
October 21, 2025 - 2:00 PM Eastern
January 13, 2026 - 2:00 PM Eastern

The 2025 AAEES Intern Networking Fair

internship

July 31, 2025  NOON Eastern

 

National Intern Day is July 31, 2025: a day to recognize hard-working interns who are the leaders of our future.

Here at the Academy, we are celebrating National Intern Day by bringing together interns in the environmental engineering and environmental science space. We will also be celebrating the leaders who are giving these young professionals the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the workplace. 

Join us July 31 at NOON Eastern for a virtual event that will provide interns and their mentors an opportunity to network with other interns and leaders in the industry. The hour-long event will allow each intern to tell their story and also join breakout room networking sessions.  

Click here to register today!

 


Current AAEES Job Postings

Professor of Practice in Coastal Water Resources Resilience
University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

Environmental Engineer
AirQuest Environmental - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Historic Architect Mid - FEMA
SOL Engineering Services - Jackson, MS

Management Analyst (Program Strategist) Senior - FEMA
SOL Engineering Services - Jackson, MS

Mechanical Engineer (Senior) - FEMA
SOL Engineering Services - Jackson, MS

Environmental Planner Senior Level - FEMA PA
SOL Engineering Services - Jackson, MS

Visit the AAEES Job Board at https://aaees.mcjobboard.net


The 2025 AAEES Nationwide Career Networking Fair

The AAEES Nationwide Career Networking Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Details will be posted to https://www.aaees.org/fallcareernetworkingfair.

The 2025 AAEES Autumn Summit

The 2025 AAEES Autumn Summit will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025.  Details will be posted to https://www.aaees.org/autumnsummit.

 


The Academy Connector is a new way to help the Academy to grow, connect, and diversify members across the profession. It also offers a great way to connect with each other.

Share as much (or as little) information as you wish. Let other AAEES attendees know you'll be there, how to contact you, if you're a speaker or presenter, or if you are willing to host a get together with other Academy members. The information you share will be published in The Academy Connector. This publication will only be distributed to other Board Certified individuals attending this event.

We are currently connecting AAEES Board Certified individuals for the following events:

2025 NSPECon
Wednesday, August 06, 2025 - Friday, August 08, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-nspe

2025 APWA PWX
Sunday, August 17, 2025 - Wednesday, August 20, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-apwa

2025 WEFTEC  
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - Wednesday, October 01, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-wef



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.


Would you like to nominate yourself or someone else for an AAEES Award?

For the full list of eligibility criteria and information on how you can submit nominations for a worthy Environmental Engineer or Environmental Scientist, go to https://www.aaees.org/aaeesawards-criteria.


We are offering two lectures with AAEES Kappe Lecturer, Vinio Floris, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, CSP

  1. The Future of Sustainable Water Management – Innovation, Practices, and Opportunities for Environmental Science and Engineering
  2. 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: 


EESF Scholarship Application Cycle Closes with Record Participation

The application period for the 2025–2026 Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation (EESF) Scholarships has officially closed. This year, the Foundation received a record-breaking 56 completed applications, reflecting continued growth and interest in the program. 

The EESF Scholarship Committee is currently reviewing all submissions. Scholarship recipients will be announced between late July and early August.

Each year, the EESF Scholarships attract a growing number of high-quality applicants, underscoring the program’s increasing impact and prestige within the environmental engineering and science community.

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.

  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

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. Your username is [email protected].

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