The program recognizes early- and mid-career professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, technical excellence, innovation, and service to their communities and profession.
Honorees are invited to attend the 2026 AAEES Academy Convocation and Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, April 16, in Washington, DC.
Geosyntec’s Innovation Council evaluated 22 candidates recommended by the firm’s internal action groups and supported 10 submissions to AAEES. The selection of five of our practitioners reinforces Geosyntec’s commitment to developing future leaders and aligns with the Innovation Council’s mission to spotlight emerging talent who are shaping the future of environmental engineering and science.
About the 2026 Award Winners
Chris Adkison is a Scientist based in Utah who focuses on ecosystem science and management, water resources planning, environmental permitting, and water quality monitoring and assessment. He specializes in ecosystem management and restoration, biogeochemistry and ecohydrology, and environmental statistics.
Axel Berky, PhD, is a Project Scientist based in North Carolina with more than 10 years of experience focused on the development of advanced statistical and modeling approaches to assess the toxicity and risk of emerging contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and to evaluate mixed metal exposures in vulnerable populations.
Mackenzie Cremeans, PhD, PG, is a Senior Hydrogeologist based in Kansas who focuses on site characterization and remediation, as well as on environmental forensics for metals, chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and PFAS. She helps develop tailored and defensible site assessment, remediation, and closure strategies at complex sites.
Russell Hyatt, PE, is a Principal Engineer based in New York with more than 15 years of experience with contaminated sediments focused on remedial design and site investigations for complex projects. He leads a multidisciplinary design team and works with agencies, responsible parties, contractors, and stakeholders to design remedies that meet all regulatory, technical, and community expectations.
Zach Pandelides, PhD, is a Scientist based in Louisiana with more than 10 years of experience focusing on assessing environmental risk and sediment and water quality. His recent work has involved assessing ecological risks regarding PFAS and obtaining critical data to assess the toxicity of PFAS to marine organisms.
The AAEES is a professional organization dedicated to excellence in environmental engineering and science. They provide certification, professional development, and recognition for individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievements in these fields.
More Information About the AAEES 40 Under 40 Recognition Program
Learn more about AAEES.
Learn more about the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program.
Learn more about the 2026 recipients.
Learn more about Chris: Christopher Adkison | LinkedIn
Learn more about Axel: Axel Berky | LinkedIn
Learn more about Mackenzie: Mackenzie Cremeans
Learn more about Russell: Russell Hyatt | LinkedIn
Learn more about Zach: Zacharias Pandelides | LinkedIn
