AAEES Highpoints

April 2025 | Volume 41, Number 4


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.


 

We thoroughly enjoyed our 2025 Academy Convocation & Celebration of Excellence on April 10, 2025. Lunch at The George Washington University included a student poster session, E3S presentations, Environmental Communication Award Presentation, Student PechaKuchas, and a fantastic  keynote speaker from The World Bank. Dinner at The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel included celebrating our individual award winners, student award winners, student chapter Blue Marble Award winners, 40 under 40 Recognition Program Recipients and newly board certified members. View all event photos here

 



Did you know you can watch recorded webinars and still earn PDHs? 

Some of our recorded webinars includes links to a quiz.  If you pass the quiz, you will earn 1.5 PDHs for that webinar.  Each quiz has a one-time fee $40.  If you don't pass the quiz the first time, you may re-take it multiple times without incurring an additional fee.

AAEES Webinar Library


Upcoming Webinars


Wednesday, May 7, 2025
NOON - 1:30 PM Eastern
Webinar - South Pole Station Master Plan

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
NOON - 1:30 PM Eastern
Webinar - Drones and Their Role in Revolutionizing Landfill Operations Management

Thursday, May 15, 2025
NOON - 1:30 PM Eastern
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming An AAEES Member

Friday, June 06, 2025
NOON - 1:30 PM Eastern
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming An AAEES Member   


Current AAEES Job Postings


Industrial Facility Management Engineer (Environmental Engineer 5)

WA State Department of Ecology
Union Gap, WA

Deputy Executive Officer
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
San Francisco, CA

Assistant Professor in Theoretical Biological (Microbiome) Modelling
Department of Engineering, Durham University
Durham, England

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

Water Resources Engineer
Coeur d'Alene Tribe
Plummer, ID


Everything You Need to Know About Becoming An AAEES Member

Did you know that AAEES membership is open to everyone who is studying, teaching or working in the environmental engineering and science field? If you are not ready to become Board Certified, you can still become an AAEES member. 

Join us for this FREE interactive meeting to sit down with our Executive Director, Professor Daniel B. Oerther, PhD, PE, BCEE, BCES so you can learn all about becoming a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. 

This LIVE discussion will include:

  • Summary of membership benefits, such as free webinars
  • Member Registration Process
  • How becoming an AAEES member can help you during the Board Certification Process
  • Interactive Question and Answer Session

We are offering this webinar on three different dates to accommodate various schedules. Register for the date that works best for you.

Thursday, May 15, 2025 - NOON Eastern
Friday, June 6, 2025 - NOON Eastern

Go to https://www.aaees.org/everythingyouneedtoknow-aaeesmember for more information.


ABET/EAC Criteria for Accrediting Environmental Engineering Programs 

The 2025-26 edition of the Commentary on the ABET/EAC Criteria for Accrediting Environmental Engineering Programs is now on the AAEES website. View the document here:

https://www.aaees.org/assets/docs/education/2025ABETCriteriaforEEPrograms.pdf


 

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 ASCE EWRI World Environmental & Water Resources Congress
Sunday, May 18, 2025 - Wednesday, May 21, 2025
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-asceewri

2025 AEESP Research and Education Conference
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Thursday, May 22, 2025
 https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-aeesp

2025 AWWA Annual Conference & Expo (ACE25) 
Sunday, June 08, 2025 - Wednesday, June 11, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-awwa

2025 A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition
Monday, June 09, 2025 - Thursday, June 12, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-awma

2025 ASEE Annual Conference
Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Wednesday, June 25, 2025 
https://www.aaees.org/theacademyconnector-asee

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.


 

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: 


Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation Scholarships – Now Accepting Applications

Are you completing an undergraduate degree program and need funding to continue your education in environmental engineering or environmental science?

The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation (EESF) has created nine annual scholarships for students majoring in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science. 

EESF Master's Degree Scholarships in Environmental Engineering and Science 

Six scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each are offered to students completing undergraduate degree programs at accredited four-year institutions.  Applicants must have been accepted to enter an accredited graduate program to complete a Master’s Degree either in Environmental Engineering or related field of engineering or Environmental Science or related field.  These scholarships are based on academic performance.

EESF Master's Degree Scholarships in Environmental Engineering and Science for Under-Represented Minority (URM) Students

These three scholarships are identical to those described above for Master’s degree candidates but are available to students who self-identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander. The URM category will include individuals who identify two or more affiliations if at least one of their affiliations is one of these groups.

 Details, FAQs, and application forms can be found at: https://www.eesfoundation.org/scholarship/.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2025.  
The application deadline has been extended to June 2, 2025.

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.

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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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