Emerging Contaminants: From PFAS to What's Next
Challenges, Solutions, and the Future of Water and Environmental Engineering

Agenda (times are in Pacific)

Event Summary

Join the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) for an engaging evening focused on emerging contaminants and the evolving challenges facing the water and environmental profession. Hosted at the Carollo Engineers office in Costa Mesa, California, this event will bring together leading experts from public agencies, academia, and consulting to share insights on PFAS and other emerging issues impacting water quality, environmental protection, and public health. 

The evening will feature expert presentations, a panel discussion, and an audience Q&A.

Event Venue

Carollo Engineers
3150 Bristol Street, Suite 500
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Event Speakers

Lan Wiborg 

Ms. Wiborg is the Director of the Environmental Services Department at OC San, where she oversees the EPA-authorized Pretreatment Program, regulatory compliance for air, biosolids, storm water, and ocean discharge. She is a certified National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit writer and serves on multiple scientific advisory boards.

Lan began her public sector career as an environmental toxicologist at the City of San Diego, and later served as the Deputy Public Utilities Director overseeing Long-Range Water Resource Planning and Grid-scale Hydropower Energy Storage System development. 

Lan obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis and a Master of Public Health degree from San Diego State University (SDSU) in environmental health. She was inducted into the International Honorary Society of Public Health in 2005 and received training in epidemiology and biostatistics at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University while pursuing a doctoral degree in public health. She held a faculty appointment at SDSU from 2014-2016 with distinction.

In her spare time, Ms. Wiborg enjoys wildlife rehabilitation, crafting with natural materials, outdoor adventures, and traveling.

Megan H. Plumlee, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE

Megan H. Plumlee, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, is the Director of Research for the Orange County Water District (OCWD) in Fountain Valley, California, where she oversees a team of research scientists and engineers conducting applied studies to support the District’s core operational needs. This includes evaluations of promising new technologies for the advanced purification process for potable reuse as well as applied research related to groundwater recharge. Dr. Plumlee has authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals. Her current work includes oversight of OCWD’s PFAS pilot program testing treatment options for removing PFAS from the region’s groundwater-based drinking water supply. She also currently manages studies related to micro/ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet/advanced oxidation for potable reuse; applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence for the water sector; and water quality.

Christopher Olivares Martinez, Ph.D.

Chris Olivares Martinez is an Assistant Professor at the University of California-Irvine in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Associate Director of UCI's Water-Energy Nexus Center. His research focuses on interactions between organic contaminants and microbial processes, impacts of fires to water quality and PFAS biotransformation. Chris obtained his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and M.A. in French at the University of Arizona.

Dana Gonzalez, Ph.D., PE.

Dana Gonzalez is a Principal Technologist at Carollo Engineers, specializing in wastewater innovation, biosolids management, resource recovery, PFAS strategy, and applied research. With more than 15 years of experience in both utility and consulting roles, she brings a broad perspective to the technical, operational, and regulatory challenges facing water and wastewater utilities. Dana has led projects involving PFAS management, anaerobic digestion, phosphorus recovery, process optimization, and long-term biosolids planning for utilities across North America. She holds a bachelor's degree from UCLA, a master's degree from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.

Mehran Andalib, Ph.D., P.E., PEng, BCEE 

Dr. Mehran Andalib is the National Wastewater Practice Leader at Arcadis, bringing more than 20 years of experience in advanced wastewater treatment, with a strong focus on biological nutrient removal (BNR) and process optimization. He has led numerous innovative projects across North America, helping utilities adopt cutting-edge solutions for energy efficiency, nutrient management, and sustainable operations. Mehran is a licensed Professional Engineer in both the United States and Canada and holds the credential of Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE). His expertise spans from process design and operational strategies to digital solutions that support the transformation of wastewater treatment into resource recovery. 

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