Their advancement reflects not only individual achievement but also the strength of our collective vision. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition of their leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to our clients, colleagues, and culture.
New Senior Principals
Aaron Poresky, PE (Oregon, United States)
Aaron is a Principal Engineer with more than 20 years of experience focusing on stormwater and watershed management, with specific emphasis on integrated planning and innovative modeling and software tools. Throughout his career, Aaron has built a reputation as a technical expert and reliable project and program lead, managing major projects such as the Orange County Watersheds Program and applied research for the National Academy of Sciences. In addition to his technical contributions to the firm, he is co-manager of the firm’s Northwest Branch stormwater and surface-water department, serves on the steering committee for Geosyntec’s water and natural resources practice, and is the firm’s liaison to the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange. Aaron earned a BS in Civil Engineering and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Oregon State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Oregon.
Adrienne Nemura, PE (Ohio, United States)
Adrienne is a Principal Engineer with more than 40 years of experience focusing on Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, and water-resources planning related to wastewater, urban and agricultural runoff, and drinking water. She is a recognized expert in CWA regulations and monitoring and modeling of pollutant fate and transport. In addition, Adrienne provides strategic business development and project support for Geosyntec’s urban stormwater, field services, CWA compliance, and integrated water resources management practices. Her leadership and guidance have been instrumental to the formation of Geosyntec’s Central States Water Resources Branch. Adrienne earned an MS and BS in Civil Engineering with a focus on Hydrosystems from Virginia Polytechnic University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Al Preston, PhD, PE (California, United States)
Al is a Principal Engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading and managing complex water resources projects involving hydraulics, hydrodynamics, and hydrology. He specializes in developing and applying hydrologic, hydraulic, hydrodynamic, nutrient, biological, water quality, climate-change, and computational fluid dynamics models to address water-resource problems. In addition, he routinely participates in research to advance the state of the practice, develops new technologies and approaches, helps clients solve unique problems, and provides colleagues with the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of the practice. Al earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and his MS in Civil Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. In addition, he holds a Master’s of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Al is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Benjamin Amos, PhD, PE (Georgia, United States)
Ben is a Principal Environmental Engineer with more than 24 years of experience focusing on groundwater remediation, coal combustion residuals (CCR), and geochemistry. He leads major projects for large utilities and long-term multi-branch remediation projects. Ben is recognized for his technical leadership, mentoring of early-career professionals, and adept management of his growing department.A co-leader of the firm’s CCR groundwater practice, his work empowers continued growth, fosters inter-branch collaboration, and creates opportunities for early- and mid-career colleagues in this practice. Ben earned a PhD and MS in Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Florida.
Benoit Wentzinger, MEng, CPEng, RPEQ (Brisbane, Australia)
Benoit is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with more than 22 years of experience specializing in geotechnical investigation, dam design, construction, and expert reviews for tailings and mining waste storage facilities, water dams, haul roads, and other geo-structures. He is known for being a strong proponent of the use of numerical models in geotechnical assessments and analysis. Benoit has led Red Earth Engineering’s growth from six staff to more than 60, offering technical leadership, helping develop IT systems, and providing ethical leadership training. In addition, he has onboarded and developed many staff members, work that has led to the formation of two new teams: the Advanced Tailings Solutions Group and the first Hydrogeology team in the Australian Branch. Benoit earned an MEng in Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Engineering from Polytech Grenoble and a BEng in Civil and Transportation from Napier University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland.
William (Bill) Gaffigan, CVA (Georgia, United States)
Bill is a Principal Environmental Manager with more than 35 years of experience focusing on environmental and economic advisory services, offering clients support on projects involving valuation, litigation, financial consulting, transactions, and solid-waste projects. Nationally, Bill is one of the few certified valuation professionals with extensive experience spanning a wide range of segments in the environmental industry. His client base spans the green technology, clean technology, private equity, wastewater treatment, hauling, solid waste, recycling, composting, medical waste, sludge, methane, and liquefied natural gas sectors. By virtue of his thought leadership and client-facing work, Bill has expanded Geosyntec’s capabilities to win new work and execute profitable projects where economics and finance topics intersect with environmental engineering and science and is a leader in our environmental valuation practice. Bill earned an MBA in Finance from West Virginia University and a BA in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Valuation Analyst.
Chris Madere, MBA, PG (Texas, United States)
Chris is a Principal Geologist with more than 27 years of experience providing solutions in complex marine environments with a focus on geohazards, site characterization, and risk management. He has led major projects across the Gulf Coast and has played a key role in expanding Geosyntec’s geohazards practice. As a leader in the offshore geohazards team, he offers clients integrated interpretation and reporting of geophysical, seismic, and geotechnical data. Chris has managed multiple teams for some of the geohazard team’s largest projects and has managed several oil and gas projects offshore Trinidad and Nigeria, increasing our presence and brand image in these international markets by working directly with the end clients. Chris earned an MBA and a BS in Geology, from Louisiana State University. He is a registered Professional Geologist in Texas and Louisiana.
Conrad Ginther, PE (Tennessee, United States)
Conrad is a Principal Engineer with more than 21 years of experience focusing on dam safety, specialty construction, and risk-informed design. He oversees complex and high-profile engineering projects and offers extensive experience with best practices in dam safety, including by participating in numerous dam safety inspections regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal and state agencies. He chairs the Construction and Rehabilitation Committee of United States Society on Dams and serves on the Deep Foundations Institute’s subcommittees for grouting, ground improvement, and construction data management. Since his hiring in 2021, Conrad has helped build the firm’s reputation in specialty construction for dams and dam safety, increasing our visibility and securing our status as a consultant of choice for clients with large hydroelectric dams. Conrad earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and is a FERC-approved Independent Consultant.
Emmie Chen, PE (Georgia, United States)
Emmie is a Principal Environmental Engineer with more than 16 years of experience focusing on environmental forensics, litigation support, site history assessment, and strategic consulting for complex sediment and upland sites. She has led multidisciplinary teams and built long-term relationships with top legal and major utility clients. She has been a key leader in establishing and growing the firm’s environmental forensics and litigation support services practice, now leading a robust team. In this capacity she has provided mentoring and growth opportunities that have enhanced her team’s capabilities and expanded the scope of their service offerings. Emmie earned an MS in Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BS in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and is a registered Professional Engineer in South Carolina and New York.
Erin Janes (Texas, United States)
Erin is a Principal Geoscientist with more than 25 years of experience focusing on geohazard assessment, data interpretation, shallow geologic modeling, shallow hazards assessments, benthic community analyses, and pipeline planning studies. Her projects have primarily been centered throughout the United States Gulf region and have also included those within international waters (e.g., West Africa, Trinidad, and Western Australia). She works with clients to understand their needs and help them work through various regulatory requirements. In addition to her heavy project schedule, she makes time to coach, train, and mentor early- and mid-career professionals because she believes that is a large contribution to the overall success of the team. Notably, she is the main point of contact on the majority of Geosyntec’s Gulf exploration project work. Erin earned an MS in Marine Resources Management and a BS in Marine Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Filipe Vieira, PhD (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
Filipe is a Principal Engineer with more than 21 years of experience focusing on coastal and marine engineering work. His experience includes hydrodynamic modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) development, and coastal infrastructure. He has significantly expanded ATM’s capabilities and client base in the Middle East. In addition, he has forged connections throughout the firm to support offshore projects, working with his colleagues at Geosyntec. He has contributed to the strategic growth plan of the Middle East operations, including recruitment, training, and project delivery. Felipe has secured funding for innovative projects through two of the firm’s internal Technology Advisory Council grants, and he attends conferences and contributes to publications to further the state of the practice. Filipe earned a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Porto, Portugal; an MSc in Hydraulics and Water Resources from the University of Lisbon, Portugal; and a BSc in Ocean Sciences from Lusóphona University, Portugal.
Heather Tahon, BCES (Pennsylvania, United States)
Heather is a Principal Environmental Scientist with more than 21 years of experience in groundwater management, environmental management, and sediment remediation. She has significantly contributed to Geosyntec’s growth in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region, which enhanced our ability to serve clients, advance the practice, and strengthen internal collaboration. Heather fosters relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and new and expanding projects. For instance, one of her projects blossomed from a 3-month project to a 2-year project and included 84 practitioners from 38 departments and 15 branches. She has served on the steering committee of our waterfront improvement practice since 2021. Heather earned a BS in Earth and Marine Science from Pennsylvania State University, and she is a Board-Certified Environmental Scientist (BCES).
James Wang, PhD, PE (Maryland, United States)
James is a Principal Remediation Engineer and technical innovator with more than 27 years of experience focusing on electrokinetic (EK) remediation, Superfund site cleanup, and applied research and development. He has contributed to the development and applications of innovative remediation technologies, most notably EK in situ remediation, through bench tests, pilot demonstrations, and now full-scale remedy. He has led field-scale EK projects for the United States Navy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and state-led cleanup programs, and authored USEPA guidance on EK remediation. His work is expected to pave the way for future opportunities and position the firm as a leader in EK remediation technology design and implementation. James earned a PhD and MCE in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and a BS in Civil Engineering from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland, North Carolina, and Missouri.
Jason Conder, PhD, IBERAD (California, United States)
Jason is a Principal Environmental Scientist with more than 21 years of experience focusing on contaminated sediment assessment, ecological risk assessment, passive sampling, and PFAS. He is an internationally recognized expert and has led research and consulting projects for federal agencies and private clients. Jason has contributed to the growth of SiREM’s passive sampling services, which he helped develop in 2015. He is recognized by leaders at the United States Department of Defense as an ecological risk and PFAS expert, supporting capture of federal work. Jason earned a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of North Texas, an MS in Zoology, and a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology from Oklahoma State University. He is a Certified Environmental Risk Assessor through the International Board of Environmental Risk Assessors.
Jeffrey Schneider, PE (Wisconsin, United States)
Jeffrey is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with more than 17 years of experience focusing on geohazard risk evaluation and mitigation design related to pipelines and energy infrastructure. His specialties include horizontal directional drilling (HDD) design, hydrotechnical engineering, and geotechnical engineering. He has led major projects across the Gulf Coast and contributed to the growth of Geosyntec’s geohazards practice worldwide, including by advancing the development of river scour monitoring technologies for the industry. Jeffrey sits on the advisory board for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a leader in the firm’s geotechnical and geoenvironmental practice. Jeffrey earned an MS in Geological Engineering and a BS in Geological Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
Jill Gaffigan (Georgia, United States)
Jill is a Principal Consultant and Environmental Economist with more than 34 years of experience focusing on solid waste systems planning; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy; and development of digital tools for infrastructure decision-making. She is a leader who has helped redefine strategic waste management advisory services within the firm, expanding opportunities and creating new revenue platforms, especially with public waste management entities. She consistently focuses on creating and executing a short and long-term growth strategy that has elevated and grown the firm’s advisory planning services, adding to our existing technical leadership in engineering. Her work expanded opportunities for existing practices, opened the door to larger infrastructure projects, provided high billing rates and utilization, and demonstrated exceptional management under accelerated growth. Jill earned a BS in Engineering and Economics from Clarkson University, and she holds certifications as an OSHA Certified Environmental Specialist and in FEMA Disaster Debris Management.
John Barrett, PE (Tennessee, United States)
John is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with more than 15 years of experience focusing on dam safety, risk-informed design, and geostructural analysis. He has led major dam-modification projects and helped build Geosyntec as a center of excellence in dam engineering in the Johnson City, Tennessee, office. John and his team are actively growing clients and building the firm’s reputation through publications, by taking on leadership in professional organizations, and by expanding practice areas. He is currently leading a major modification study for a dam with both seismic and hydrologic risk-driving potential failure modes. John earned an MS in Geotechnical Engineering from University College Dublin, an MS in Geotechnics from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a BS in Civil Engineering from Florida State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and he is a FERC-approved Independent Consultant.
John Hollar, PE (Georgia, United States)
John is a Principal with more than 34 years of experience focusing on environmental remediation, site investigation, and brownfields redevelopment. He has helped expand and diversify Geosyntec’s network of clients and provides guidance and mentoring for colleagues. John is currently the manager of the environmental management practice in our Atlanta regional office and is active with the environmental management advisory committee. He is also a founding member of the firm’s brownfield practice and sits on its steering committee providing thought leadership and strategy for both. His guidance and mentorship to many junior staff members has helped expand the firm’s opportunities with environmental due diligence, brownfield assessment, and capital project permitting capabilities in the Southeastern United States. John earned a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Northeastern University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Kimberly (Kim) Faulk (Texas, United States)
Kim is a Principal Marine Archaeologist with more than 25 years of experience focusing on marine archaeology and offshore energy. Recently, she has adjusted her practice to include geophysical and geotechnical data acquisition, and she has grown the firm’s offering in the offshore renewables market. Kim has worked with NOAA exploring deepwater sites, participated in the deepest United States shipwreck excavation with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and built interdisciplinary teams. She has spoken and published on marine archaeology for over 20 years. She served as the Vice Chair, Chair, and Ex Officio of the Advisory Council for Underwater Archaeology (ACUA) where she led efforts to make underwater archaeology a more diverse and welcoming discipline to minorities and women. Kim earned an MA in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University and a BA in History from Roanoke College.
Lane Dorman, PG (Florida, United States)
Lane is a Principal Hydrogeologist with more than 18 years of experience focusing on coal combustion residuals (CCR) compliance, solid waste management, and groundwater remediation. Along with his focus on CCR Rule compliance, he has concentrated on the implementation of a substation arsenic remediation program and is committed to growing the program. His team is actively working on a large pilot study at one substation and is currently working at nine additional substations. He has demonstrated leadership of significant project teams consisting of more than 10 staff on-site simultaneously and is a manager who has successfully recruited top candidates. Lane earned an MS in Hydrogeology from Clemson University and a BS in Geology from the University of South Alabama. He is a registered Professional Geologist in Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.
Lawrence Bowden, PhD, CGeol, EurGeol, CSci, SiLC (United Kingdom)
Lawrence is a Principal Environmental Geochemist and Regional Leader with more than 19 years of experience focusing on soil and groundwater remediation, legacy mine site characterization and remediation, and energy-transition strategies. He has led the growth of the firm’s United Kingdom and Ireland branch, expanding headcount and delivering flagship projects. He is adept at translating complex geochemical data into actionable design strategies, and has served as technical lead on complex projects, where his innovative approaches to surface-water characterization and legacy mine-site remediation have delivered environmental benefits while maintaining regulatory compliance. Lawrence earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Biogeochemistry from Newcastle University and a BSc in Geography and Geology from the University of Manchester. He is a Chartered Geologist, Chartered Scientist, European Geologist, and a Specialist in Land Condition.
Leonard Andrew (Len) de Vlaming, PEng (Ontario, Canada)
Len is a Principal Engineer with more than 27 years of experience focusing on environmental engineering and remediation. He specializes in industrial wastewater design and troubleshooting, industrial process value engineering and debottlenecking, capital project delivery management, and procurement and contracting, offering significant support to industrial water, mining, and energy transition clients. Len managed one of the largest construction management at risk (CMAR) remediation projects in the company’s history and uses this experience to develop, guide, and advise CMAR opportunities across the firm. At the forefront of a number of first-to-field remediation technologies, Len is adept at implementing new technologies, particularly in challenging or remote environments. Len earned an MASc and BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. He is also the Responsible Registrant for Professional Engineering for the firm in British Columbia.
Muralidhar (Murali) Gunti (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
Murali is a Principal Structural Engineer with 24 years of experience in assessment, analysis, and design of structures associated with ports, waterfront development, and industrial facilities. His experience encompasses marine and ports structures, general cargo and military facilities, processing plants, oil & gas structures, and other infrastructure projects from concept-level design through design bid/tender and construction engineering support. Murali is well-networked among the ports and marine service providers, clients, and suppliers throughout the region. His work is key to the ongoing rapid expansion of the firm’s ports and harbors practice in the Middle East Operations Branch. Additionally, he is adamant about the importance of mentoring his colleagues in the region. Murali earned a Master of Technology in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from SV University. He is a member of the Society of Engineers, UAE, and a Dubai-Municipality-Approved Marine Engineer.
Rinta Perkins, MBA, CPSWQ, QSD/P (California, United States)
Rinta is a Principal with more than 20 years of experience focusing on stormwater management, environmental compliance, and regional collaboration. She has led initiatives that have shaped municipal standards throughout the region and secured millions in federal and state funding. She has applied her municipal compliance expertise to lead high-impact projects and expand our client base, especially the substantial expansion of our municipal client base in the San Francisco Bay Area, winning millions of dollars of work and bringing high-quality, exciting work to our team. In addition to her consulting work, Rinta mentors junior staff, fosters a culture of growth and accountability, and strengthens her team’s capacity to deliver high-impact work. Rinta earned an MS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. Rinta holds certifications as a Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality and Qualified Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan Developer/Practitioner.
Srinivasa (Sid) Nadukuru, PhD, PE (Georgia, United States)
Sid is a Principal Engineer with more than 12 years of experience focusing on geotechnical projects involving the analysis, design, and construction of waste containment facilities related to coal combustible residuals (CCR) impoundments, municipal solid waste, low-level radioactive waste, and contaminated sediments. He brings significant experience in site investigation, laboratory testing, numerical modeling and analysis, geotechnical instrumentation, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. Additionally, he has led the development of technology-assisted data analysis and visualization platforms and leads initiatives to drive AI adoption across the company. Sid earned his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering and his MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan and his BTech in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Michigan.
Aravamuthan Srinivasa (Srini) Varadhan, PhD, PEng, PE (Ontario, Canada)
Srini is a Principal Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 15 years of experience focusing on emerging contaminants, innovative remediation technologies, and project delivery. He has led technology development to address 1,2,3-TCP, sulfolane, and mine water, and he manages a team of eight professionals across multiple regions. Srini’s technical work expands across the manufacturing, industrial water, and mining industries and includes remediation, litigation, cross disciplinary remedial applications, site strategy, and regulatory outreach. He demonstrates technical leadership and serves as the client-facing liaison on many projects, where his support ranges from remedial strategy and project delivery and execution to subject matter expertise on emerging contaminant management and innovative technical solutions. Srini earned a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Anna University in India. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California, Illinois, Delaware, and British Columbia.
Victoria Cheplak, PE (Georgia, United States)
Victoria is a Principal Engineer with more than 24 years of experience focusing on stormwater design, compliance, and land development. Her technical contributions span applied hydraulics, watershed modeling, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting compliance, with project leadership that includes wetland mitigation and stormwater pollution prevention planning. She has served as stormwater team lead for large flywheel projects and is a senior reviewer and mentor across the Southeastern United States. She chaired the steering committee for the firm’s water and natural resources practice for five years, and during that time, she led the update of the group’s operations and strategic plan and introduced the land development/site civil & design formal subgroup, among other accomplishments. Victoria earned an MS in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia and Kentucky and a Level II Certified Design Professional in Georgia.
Waldo Dressel, TFIEAust, CEngT, NER (Western Australia, Australia)
Waldo is a Principal Tailings Consultant with more than 33 years of experience focusing on tailings management design, construction, and operations; geotechnical engineering; and risk reduction in mining operations. As Engineer of Record for major clients, Waldo has led the design and implementation of complex tailings storage facilities and closure strategies that meet rigorous regulatory and performance standards. His ability to deliver technically sound, cost-effective solutions while managing multidisciplinary teams and mentoring junior staff has made him a trusted advisor in the mining sector. Waldo earned a Bachelor of Technology in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg and a Higher Diploma and National Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Central University of Technology, South Africa. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Engineers Australia and is listed on the National Engineering Register in Australia.
New Principals
Alessandra (Alessa) Braswell, PhD, PE (North Carolina, United States)
Alessa is a Senior Engineer focusing on stormwater management, environmental compliance, and water resources in the Carolinas and beyond. She has played key roles in client and project management for industrial clients and establishing Geosyntec as a leader in water-quality compliance services for municipalities and industrial clients in the Carolinas. In fact, she was client lead and project manager for the first two municipal water and natural resources projects in the Carolinas and has since grown the client list to nine, including major municipalities. In addition, she has transitioned from the solo water and natural resources practitioner in the Carolinas to department manager. Alessa earned her PhD and MS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina State University and her BS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Florida. She is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
Allison Kreinberg (Ohio, United States)
Allison is a Senior Environmental Scientist with more than 12 years of experience focusing on inorganic geochemistry with an emphasis on metals impacts at coal combustion residuals (CCR) facilities. She supports major clients as they address groundwater compliance and site remediation, manages groundwater portfolios for major utilities, and co-leads Geosyntec’s metals practice group. Her innovative work using stable isotopes to identify sources of constituents has allowed her to secure contracts with major clients for similar work. In addition, she has submitted a patent for Basewood, a boron remediation technology that was developed through an internally funded research and development grant. Allison is heavily involved in practice development, including work supporting the coal-combustion residuals practice, the water and natural resources practice, and is manager of the Ohio remediation department. Allison earned an MS in Environmental Sciences from The Ohio State University and a BS in Biochemistry from Miami University.
Amanda Hughes, PhD (Oklahoma, United States)
Amanda is a Senior Environmental Consultant with more than 14 years of experience focusing on litigation support, environmental forensics, and strategic technical communication. She often manages and directs teams as they support technically and legally complex matters relating to high-profile cases involving polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Amanda has dedicated herself to advancing firm-wide efforts in the forensics and legal spaces, including serving as a leader for internal groups focused on PFAS, support for legal counsel, as well as forensics and diagnostics. Additionally, she is Geosyntec’s point person for the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) Toxic Torts and Environmental Law (TTEL), a national organization of defense attorneys. Amanda earned a joint PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS in Environmental Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University.
Amanda McNally, PE (Pennsylvania, United States)
Amanda is a Senior Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 17 years of experience focusing on groundwater, environmental compliance, and sustainability. She has led the growth of the Pittsburgh office and leads Geosyntec’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, enhancing our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance expected within our industry and adding value to both the firm and clients through like greenhouse gas inventories and decarbonization. As a leader of the firm’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, a senior leader in the Pittsburgh office, and an advocate for volunteering throughout the firm, Amanda applies sustainability and inclusivity principals to internal as well as external work to create lasting positive impacts. Amanda earned an MS in Environmental Engineering and Science from The Johns Hopkins University and a BS in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Amy Brooks, PG, PE (South Carolina, United States)
Amy is a Senior Hydrogeologist and Environmental Engineer with more than 11 years of experience focusing on delivering technical excellence in site investigation, remediation, and information management. She leads major projects involving brownfield redevelopment and groundwater remediation, as well as hazardous waste management, vapor intrusion, stormwater permitting, risk calculations, and construction management. She weaves innovative information management practices into these projects, is a leader for Geosyntec’s information management practice in the Carolinas and has developed information management training resources. A leader in Geosyntec’s information management practice, Amy earned an MS in Hydrologic Science and Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a BS in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo. She is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and a registered Professional Geologist in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Andrew Higgins (Ontario, Canada)
Andrew is a Senior Scientist with more than 22 years of experience focusing on environmental site assessment, remediation, and risk management. Additionally, he focuses on data systems design, environmental data management, geographic information systems, automated digital workflows, and dashboarding. As a generalist in the field of information management, Andrew adapts and applies innovative technologies to large and complex remediation, infrastructure, and construction projects throughout North America. In addition to his work for clients, he supports and mentors information management colleagues throughout the firm, including through his leadership on Geosyntec’s internal information management practice steering committee and as manager for the firm’s Data Management Department. Andrew earned a Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems from Fleming College and a BSc in Environmental Science from Western University.
Autry Akins, PWS (Louisiana, United States)
Autry is a Senior Scientist with more than 13 years of experience focusing on wetland science, ecological restoration, and permitting. He has led large-scale restoration projects and built strong relationships with regulatory agencies and clients across the Gulf Coast. He often provides natural resources permitting and expert advisory/strategy services to energy infrastructure clients across the US, including midstream oil and gas, electric and utility transmission and distribution, petrochemical, and other heavy commercial and industrial clients. Additionally, Autry mentors multiple early- and mid-career staff at the firm and enjoys helping the emerging practitioners grow into successful consultants and excel within Geosyntec. He earned a BSc in Geography with emphasis in Physical and Biogeography from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he holds certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist.
Brian Martinez, PhD, PE (California, United States)
Brian is a Senior Engineer with more than 13 years of experience focusing on geotechnical design and seismic instrumentation. He has expanded Geosyntec’s instrumentation and dam design capabilities in the western US, worked to recruit and mentor top talent, and supported the startup and growth of the firm’s western dams and levees operations, while maintaining strong business-development and project-delivery performance. In particular, he helped develop our seismic instrumentation practice from a regional niche service to a recognized firm-wide capability. Brian continues to do innovative work on seismic instrumentation, researching and employing cutting-edge technologies in his field, including leading a US Society on Dams (USSD) white paper on seismic instrumentation and actively supporting the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG). Brian earned a PhD, MS, and BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Davis. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Chao Han, PhD, RPEQ, NER (Queensland, Australia)
Chao is a Geotechnical Engineer with more than 15 years of experience focusing on tailings management, dam safety, and risk assessment. He has been instrumental in developing new technologies that advance the company’s capabilities and set new industry standards, including developing a new web application for monitoring and managing the instrumentation data of mining dams and a new quantitative risk assessment toolbox and report template, which incorporates the latest methods and best practices for assessing and communicating societal dam safety risks. In addition, he manages and mentors staff throughout REE, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture, and has been recognized for his branding work, which has elevated the firm’s market presence. Chao earned a PhD and BE in Civil Engineering from the University of Western Australia. He is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland and listed on the National Engineering Register.
Elson “Chip” Barnett, LEG, PG, RG, PGL (Washington, United States)
Chip is a Senior Geologist with more than 27 years of experience focusing on engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, fluvial geomorphology and stormwater, with an emphasis assessing geologic hazards to support design and construction. He evaluates hazards that include seismic activity, erosion, landslides, steep slopes, waterfront bluffs, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and channel migration zones. Chip has led major projects across the Pacific Northwest with a practice that supports municipal, private, and legal clients. His experience includes high-profile projects in several key areas, like stormwater infiltration design and effectiveness, that have helped establish the firm’s presence in these markets. Additionally, Chip fosters a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and innovation within the geotechnical engineering practice. Chip earned an MS in Geology from Portland State University and a BS from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. He is a Licensed Engineering Geologist in Washington, Registered Geologist in Oregon, and Professional Geologist in California and Idaho.
Christopher (Chris) Cocker, MBA (Virginia, United States)
Chris is a Senior Professional Site-Civil Engineering Consultant with more than 35 years of experience focusing on electric transmission, land development, and permitting. His work often addresses linear permitting, data center substations, offshore wind energy projects, laydown yards, underground electrical distribution design and permitting, and energy performance contracting. He has led the significant growth of a top client’s projects, spearheaded successful business development with major electric transmission companies. Chris earned an MBA from Longwood University and a BA in Geography from Virginia Tech. He is a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Reviewer in Virginia.
Christian Nilsen, PE (Washington, United States)
Christian is a Senior Water Resources Engineer with more than 22 years of experience focusing on stormwater management, watershed planning, and data science. He has pioneered novel methods for incorporating remote sensing, cloud-based computing, and machine learning into our watershed‐planning initiatives and has led award-winning projects. Recently, Christian led and developed the Puget Sound Stormwater Heatmap project, which has helped establish Geosyntec as a leader in cloud-based special applications for stormwater and water quality and strengthened the firm’s reputation for innovation and big-picture problem solving. He has served on five different technical advisory committees and workgroups for the Washington Department of Ecology, the Washington Governor’s Office, and the Nature Conservancy. Christian earned an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California and Washington and a certified Project Management Professional.
Cody Luebbering (Missouri, United States)
Cody is a Senior Scientist with more than 18 years of experience focusing on Clean Water Act (CWA) and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance, freshwater aquatic ecology, and water quality and quantity services. He leads the firm’s central states water resources field services practice and maintains a strong practice in water quality evaluations and permitting. Over the past several years, Cody has managed multiple personnel with no turnover and is committed to mentoring early- and mid-career staff, offering them the benefit of his experience in SCUBA, boat operations and maintenance, water quality and instrumentation, bathymetric surveys, and autosamplers. He also volunteers for multiple watershed organizations and statewide initiatives, bringing his expertise to the nonprofit arena. Cody earned a BS in Natural Resources Management from Lincoln University. In addition to holding certifications including as a Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) and Qualified SWPPP Developer and Practitioner (QSD/P), he is a certified SCUBA diver.
Cristina Graver, PE (Florida, United States)
Cristina is a Senior Environmental Engineer, with more than 13 years of experience focused on due diligence, air permitting and compliance, and brownfields redevelopment. In recent years, she has assumed a substantial business development role, building key client relationships that have secured new projects and expanded our client base. Cristina is a leader within the firm’s air quality and environmental due diligence internal practice groups. She has led key client relationships and helped grow Geosyntec’s environmental management practice in Florida. Cristina earned a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Florida State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida.
Daniel Pankani, PE (Oregon, United States)
Daniel is a Senior Civil Engineer and software developer with more than 24 years of experience focusing on stormwater modeling, data systems, and scientific-application development. Daniel has successfully built two distinct practices related to his background: water and natural resources and information management. In the first, he addresses stormwater management, analysis, modeling, and design. In the second, he specializes in developing web and mobile apps for scientific purposes. In 2012, Dan pioneered a custom mobile application, which was used by Geosyntec’s Alaska office on United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects. He is active in internal research and development projects and is one of the firm’s experts on artificial intelligence. Daniel earned an MS in Software Engineering and a BS in Computer Science from Portland State University and a BS in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Additionally, he is a registered Professional Engineer in Oregon.
David Allison, PE (Idaho, United States)
David is a Senior Engineer with more than 22 years of experience focusing on water and wastewater process design and treatment services. He has led major municipal and industrial projects across the United States Pacific Northwest and has contributed to the growth of Geosyntec’s water resources practice. He has grown Geosyntec’s client base in the food and beverage industries and expanded offerings from industrial wastewater evaluation and design to include stormwater evaluation and management, site investigation and remediation, water resources, permitting, and mining. Additionally, David contributed to starting a new office in Boise, Idaho, where he connected with different departments and grew his internal network to provide clients with innovative and best-value solutions. He currently serves as the representative for the Northwest Branch for Geosyntec’s industrial water practice. David earned a BS in Civil Engineering from California State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Idaho, Washington, Arizona, and Texas.
David Latham, PG (Florida, United States)
David is a Senior Hydrogeologist with more than 31 years of experience focusing on site assessment, remediation, and brownfield redevelopment. His experience has primarily been environmental and groundwater services with a focus on site assessment and remediation, environmental due diligence, brownfields redevelopment, and hydrogeologic services. He spearheaded the creation and growth of the Jacksonville environmental management department and has been the department manager since 2019. He is also a founding member of Geosyntec’s brownfields redevelopment practice and has served on the Florida Brownfields Association Board of Directors. David earned an MS in Geology from the University of South Florida and a BS in Geology from the University of Florida. In addition to being a registered Professional Geologist in Florida, he is an Environmental Professional under ASTM E1527-21.
Donald (Don) Trego, QEP, CHMM (Maryland, United States)
Don is a Senior Scientist with more than 32 years of experience focusing on environmental site characterization and remediation, data visualization, and hazardous materials management. He has led large-scale projects across the Northeast and is recognized for his leadership in 3D data visualization and regulatory compliance. Don has testified as an expert witness in jury trials, coauthored peer-reviewed publications, presented at conferences, instructed at seminars, and received the National Groundwater Association’s (NGWA) Outstanding Groundwater Remediation Project Award in 2004. He earned a BS in Environmental Resource Management from The Pennsylvania State University. He is a Qualified Environmental Professional and a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, and he holds multiple certifications from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Eric Schellenger, PE (Washington, United States)
Eric is a Senior Engineer with more than 11 years of experience focusing on delivering wide-ranging geotechnical services, including foundation engineering, seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation, ground improvement design, slope and landslide stabilization, shoring design, pavement design, stormwater infiltration feasibility evaluations, legal support, and general civil engineering. His clients include prime consultants, public agencies, and contractors in the public sector, as well as owners and developers in urban redevelopment, healthcare, life sciences, education, and residential markets. Eric is a key member and leader in the firm’s environmental and water resources practices, collaborating on high-profile, multidisciplinary projects for strategic clients to expand our value and market reach. Eric earned his MS in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Washington and his BS in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Washington.
Gizem Bozkurt, PhD, PE (Georgia, United States)
Gizem is a Senior Engineer with more than 9 years of experience focusing on geotechnical engineering, civil design, and construction projects. Her technical expertise includes developing civil site layouts, performing geotechnical assessments, designing site closures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. She specializes in the management of large, multidisciplinary projects conducted under multiple state and federal regulatory efforts, focusing on coal combustion residuals management and landfill design. She actively contributes to the profession through leadership roles in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Unsaturated Soils and Geoenvironmental Engineering Technical Committees and serves as an editor for GEOSTRATA. Gizem earned a PhD and an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a BS in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia.
Jared Ervin, PhD (California, United States)
Jared is a Senior Professional with more than 15 years of experience focusing on water-resources management, stormwater management, water quality, and environmental compliance. Over the last 10 years, Jared helped build a state-of-the-science applied research practice within the California Water Resources Branch, focusing on using advanced analytical tools to identify and locate sources of bacteria and emerging contaminants in stormwater and surface water. His role has transitioned from a technical lead and project manager to a subject-matter expert companywide in bacteria and contaminant source tracking, to being the client face for bacteria total maximum daily load (TMDL) special studies and microbial source tracking projects for Southern California municipalities. Additionally, Jared is his branch’s innovation ambassador and leads research and development efforts with Geosyntec’s university collaborators, work that contributes to the firm’s innovative initiatives. Jared earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Utah State University and an MS in Biochemical Engineering and a BS in General Engineering from Cal Poly State University.
Jason Raimondi, PE (Connecticut, United States)
Jason is a Senior Engineer with more than 14 years of experience specializing in sediment remediation, dredging, and constructability engineering. He has served as project manager and technical lead on high-profile projects and is known for his leadership in sustainable remediation and technical innovation. Notable topics where Jason has exemplified leadership include service to the Western Dredging Association (WEDA), recruitment, contractor relations, and work with the firm’s coastal and waterfront practice. Additionally, he has been involved with significant proposal efforts and new client work to promote the firm’s growth and development. Jason earned a BS in Environmental Engineering from Suffolk University. In addition to being a registered Professional Engineer in New York, he holds certifications in watershed management and rescue diving.
Jay Thompson, PhD, PE (Minnesota, United States)
Jay is a Senior Engineer with more than 10 years of experience focusing on environmental forensics, cost allocation, and complex remediation projects. His work supports clients in high-stakes litigation and regulatory settings, and he has been increasingly entrusted with leadership roles on nationally significant projects. He has developed and executed a business development strategy built on technical leadership and has been pivotal to securing long-term relationships with significant target clients. He is an adjunct professor of environmental engineering at North Dakota State University and contributes to various state and academic advisory bodies. Jay earned a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, an MS in Environmental Engineering, and a BS in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Minnesota and New York.
John Spencer, PG, RG (Florida, United States)
John is a Senior Hydrogeologist with more than 19 years of experience focusing on permitting, design, and installation of potable water supply infrastructure with a primary focus on clients in the food and beverage and industrial water sectors. He has led major projects across Florida and contributed to the firm’s technical leadership in hydrogeology and environmental site management. He has expanded his project responsibilities from actively managing projects to developing junior staff as a project manager to acting as the project director and primary client manager. He has significantly contributed to expanding Geosyntec’s water-supply-related clients and services in the United States Southeast. He is a leader within the water supply practice and has served on its business development and steering committee for the past 3 years. John earned an MS in Hydrogeology from the University of South Florida and a BS in Geology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and, and he is a registered Professional Geologist in Florida.
Juliann Chen, MPH (California, United States)
Juliann is a Senior Scientist with more than 21 years of experience focusing on environmental science, site investigation, and remediation. Juliann contributed to the development of Geosyntec’s global product stewardship (GPS) practice, which requires cross-functional collaboration, deep regulatory expertise, and an entrepreneurial mindset. As the GPS practice grew, she collaborated with other members and potential clients interested in registering antimicrobial products through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which was a new line of work for Juliann. Now, the practice has more than 10 core practitioners. Additionally, she shaped internal tools to streamline project delivery and enhance proposal consistency, which enables more scalable and repeatable workflows. She also holds leadership skills, including navigating delicate conflicts by listening to concerns, facilitating conversations, and brokering a solution. Juliann earned an MPH in Environmental Health Science and a BA in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Justin Lottig (Washington, United States)
Justin is a Senior Scientist with more than 25 years of experience focusing on landfill engineering, field services, landfill operations, and environmental compliance. He has led complex projects for major solid waste clients and municipalities in the United States Western geography and is known for his leadership in building and mentoring high-performing field teams, which added financial strength to the region and strengthened relationships with clients. In the last five years, he started the Northwest Branch Field Services Department, which he now manages. His goal with the field services business unit is to build strong and lasting relationships with clients and support for new projects and staff. Justin earned a BS in Geology with a focus on Hydrogeology from the Pennsylvania State University.
Kaitlin Thell Ouverson, PE (Minnesota, United States)
Kaitlin is a Senior Civil Engineer with more than 14 years of experience focusing on brownfields redevelopment, vapor intrusion, and environmental due diligence. She has expanded Geosyntec’s market in Minnesota and built traction for Geosyntec’s brand within the Commercial Real Estate community by representing engineering and environmental consulting as a Board of Director for Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (2020 through 2024). Additionally, she is growing the brand within the brownfields community as a Board of Director for Minnesota Brownfields (2024 to the present). Kaitlin earned a BCE in Civil Engineering with a minor in Ecological Engineering from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York.
Katie Fox, PE (Georgia, United States)
Katie is a Senior Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 18 years of experience focusing on civil and water resources engineering. Her site-civil and water resources expertise includes diverse development and stormwater management and water quality assessment projects, including master planning, watershed management, hydrological and hydraulic modeling, BMP implementation, NPDES compliance, environmental resource permitting, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. She has led major projects across the Southeastern United States, and one of her greatest contributions is her relentless efforts in business development and client-relationship building to grow the Pensacola, Florida, office and shape Geosyntec’s opportunities in northwest Florida. Her goal is to continue to grow this office and sustain the momentum she has built with local clients. Katie earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Florida State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. She is also a Florida Stormwater Pollution Prevention Inspector.
Kevin Dufresne, PEng (Ontario, Canada)
Kevin is a Senior Engineer with more than 23 years of experience focusing on water treatment and water chemistry. He developed water treatment as an independent and complementary practice in the firm’s Canadian Operations to broaden Geosyntec’s support to flywheel clients and gain access to new markets. He is an active member of the firm’s industrial water, mining, practices and process engineering design practices, contributing to our strategy and enhancing our technical competencies and plans for growth. He is using his extensive water treatment expertise to establish a practice that can compete with established firms for non-commodity water-treatment scopes of work. He developed and facilitates the company’s water treatment workshop, where he has successfully trained more than 65 practitioners. Kevin earned a BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Kevin is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario and British Columbia.
Leis Day (Queensland, Australia)
Leis is a Senior Professional and Team Lead for REE with more than 15 years of experience focusing on tailings storage facility design, project controls, and resource planning. He has championed an initiative to improve resource planning and allocation to both improve efficient use of resources as well as to intentionally and proactively target recruiting campaigns to support the sustainable growth of the REE business. At REE, Leis has led initiatives such as the Project Managers Forum and time management training to upskill his colleagues and share resources. He is also part of a three-person committee that looks for initiatives to maintain and improve company culture across the REE business. Leis earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Queensland.
Mason Albrecht, PE (California, United States)
Mason is a Senior Civil and Environmental Engineer with more than 18 years of experience focusing on site investigation, remediation, and vapor-intrusion mitigation. His proficiency assessing and remediating soil and groundwater impacted with chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons includes using innovative technologies applying low-threat case closure evaluation protocols. He has led complex remediation projects for state and private clients and is a key contributor to Geosyntec’s quality-management initiatives. Mason earned an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Davis. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
John Matthew (Matt) Thomas, PhD, PE (California, United States)
Matt is a Senior Environmental Engineer with more than 17 years of experience focusing on environmental and remediation engineering. His experience includes developing and implementing remedial strategies and managing all aspects of many types of environmental projects under differing regulatory frameworks. He offers clients a well-rounded mix of consulting engineering services, providing client-facing project management and coordination services, in-office and in-the-field technical support, and technical expertise to other PMs on important projects for key Geosyntec clients. To promote Geosyntec talent acquisition, Matt volunteers as liaison with the University of California, Irvine’s School of Engineering and regularly visits engineering professors to discuss potential research and recruiting opportunities and attends engineering career fairs. Matt earned a PhD in Civil Engineering, Water Resources, an MS in Civil Engineering Water Resources, and a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Maxwell (Max) Dugan, PE, ENV-SP, CWRE (California, United States)
Max is a Senior Engineer with more than 12 years of experience focusing on stormwater infrastructure, sustainable design, and water resources engineering. This includes watershed master planning, stormwater science, and project planning, design, operations, and maintenance. Additionally, he supports hydrologic, hydraulic, and civil design for infrastructure, solar, mining, and coal combustion residuals projects. To further contribute to the industry, Max participates and presents in local, regional, and national stormwater conferences. He has served on the steering committee for the firm’s water and natural resources practice for two years and is beginning his second year as its co-chair. Max earned an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California and Oregon and holds certifications as an Envision Sustainability Professional and as a Certified Water Resources Engineer.
Michael (Mike) Burcham, PE (North Carolina, United States)
Mike is a Senior Engineer with more than 12 years of experience focusing on site assessment and remediation, with expertise in bioremediation design and implementation. Mike also has significant experience in vapor intrusion assessment and mitigation design, as well as brownfield remediation. He has led complex projects including PFAS treatment system design and operation, remedial system design, ecological risk assessment, and high-resolution sediment sampling. Mike is recognized both within the firm and more widely for his technical innovation and has been a key team member on two National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Outstanding Groundwater Projects of the Year. Additionally, he supports the professional development of early- and mid-career professionals and encourages them to branch out and join organizations across the firm. Mike earned an MS in Environmental Engineering and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rice University. Additionally, he is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas and North Carolina.
Rachel James (Ontario, Canada)
Rachel is a Senior Professional with more than 17 years of experience focusing on mining environmental geochemistry, Global Industry Standard on Tailing Management (GISTM) framework implementation, and project management for large multidisciplinary engineering projects. On one of her more significant projects, Rachel contributed to building and managing a large multidisciplinary team, evaluating risks associated with the physical and chemical stability of the site, developing scopes and strategies for technical evaluations, and distilling technical information between the project’s scientific and engineering teams to comply with GISTM requirements. This project helped advance the firm’s understanding and reputation in implementing GISTM frameworks, building technical and programmatic expertise, and contributing to environmental justice and industry best practices. Rachel earned an MSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Toronto and her BSc in Environmental Science from McMaster University.
Rishab Mahajan, PE, CFM, BC.WRE (Illinois, United States)
Rishab is a Senior Engineer with more than 16 years of experience focusing on surface water modeling, watershed management, and nutrient reduction planning. He is the co-lead of the firm’s newly formed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Center of Excellence, which seeks to address this critical skill gap and win projects related to CFD. He also has led the firm’s nutrient assessment and reduction planning implementation market initiative; this work has helped Geosyntec establish itself as a market leader in tackling these critical issues that impact our clients and the public. Additionally, he helped expand the firm’s water and natural resources practice to Minnesota. Rishab earned an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a BS in Civil Engineering from Punjab Engineering College. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia, a Certified Floodplain Manager in Illinois, and a Board-Certified Water Resources Engineer.
Russell (Russ) Hyatt, PE (New York, United States)
Russ is a Senior Chemical and Biological Engineer with more than 14 years of experience focusing on managing and executing remediation projects for contaminated sediment mega-sites and providing sustainability consulting. He leads sustainability initiatives through the Western Dredging Association (WEDA). Russ is the project manager for one of the firm’s top clients. In fact, he manages a large project on their behalf that comprises seven related projects. In this capacity, he oversees design leads to keep within our budget, maintains a USEPA-mandated accelerated project schedule, and coordinates design with roughly 20 Geosyntec staff from different branches working in support of the design. In addition, he serves as the primary point of contact for the client group and reviews technical documents. Russ earned an MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a BS in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Tufts University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in New York and a Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) Associate.
Samuel (Sam) Warren Baushke, PE (Michigan, United States)
Sam is a Senior Environmental Engineer with more than 18 years of experience focusing on vapor intrusion, underground storage tank site closure, and brownfields redevelopment. Sam’s work focuses on chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and chromium. Sam was a member of the team that developed the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) guidance for vapor intrusion and light nonaqueous-phase liquids. He has led major contracts with the State of Michigan and contributed to the growth of Geosyntec’s national remediation practice. He served four years on the steering committee for the firm’s groundwater practice, where he led student paper competitions, participated in proposal reviews for the firm’s Technology Advisory Council (TAC), Geosyntec’s internally funded research and development program. Sam earned an MS and BS in Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Michigan.
Simone Smith, PE, PEng (New South Wales, Australia)
Simone is a Senior Engineer with more than 20 years of experience focusing on site investigation and remediation, and her practice at Geosyntec has straddled multiple organizations, branches, and countries. She voluntarily relocated to Sydney, Australia, in early 2023 to manage the firm’s Sydney site investigation and remediation department and facilitate the transition and integration of Zoic into Geosyntec. In her role as project director and department manager, she continued to oversee ongoing international projects while also managing local projects. She spearheaded the rollout of the firm’s inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) initiative and introduced the Geosyntec Diversity Council to the Australia Environmental and Mining Branches (REE). She leads Geosyntec Australia’s site investigation and remediation practice, where she connects with North American colleagues and applies her knowledge of Geosyntec to Australian operations. Simone earned a MASc in Civil Engineering and a BASc in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) from the University of Waterloo. Simone is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland and Ontario.
Stephanie Zinn, CPMSM (California, United States)
Stephanie is a Senior Professional with more than 15 years of experience focusing on stormwater compliance, environmental management, and program development. Over the course of her career, Stephanie has become adept in municipal stormwater consulting, regulatory compliance support, concept design for water resource projects, and managing various urban planning issues. Regardless of the project, she focuses on building and maintaining relationships with clients, work that leads to new projects and increased revenue. She is also working to grow skillsets that she is passionate about, including managing civil design projects, technology and artificial intelligence pursuits, and stakeholder engagement to inform various projects and programs. Additionally, Stephanie supports her staff and helps them grow confidence and technical expertise. She earned an MS in Civil Engineering, an MS in Urban Planning, and a BS in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine. She is a Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management.
Steven (Steve) McManus, PE (Michigan, United States)
Steve is a Senior Engineer with more than 18 years of experience focusing on heavy civil and geotechnical engineering services, site remediation, and infrastructure design. His broad experience includes the design of lined impoundments; dam inspection and repair; the design and closure of tailings facilities; mine site planning, permitting, and cleanup; CERCLA (Superfund) remediation; slope stabilization; forensic analysis of slope failures; geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring; landfill expansion; and shoreline assessment. He also supports management and closure of coal combustion residual facilities. He consistently delivers high-quality products, which has helped Geosyntec gain new clients and grow our dams practice in Michigan. Steve frequently collaborates with department leaders on staff workloads, business development opportunities, and backlog discussions, and he holds mentoring relationships with multiple colleagues. Steve earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
Tamer Elkady, PhD, PE (Georgia, United States)
Tamer is a Senior Engineer with more than 25 years of experience focusing on waste containment facilities, geostructural systems, remediation projects, hydrogeological investigations, and construction management. He has collaborated with firm leaders to promote niche services that differentiate us from competitors. These services include three-dimensional slope-stability analyses, waste characterization using cone-penetration testing (CPT), landfill-performance monitoring, evaluation of landfills with elevated liquid levels, and landfill data visualization and management. During his time at Geosyntec, he helped introduce data management and visualization services to the landfill practice, establishing a new line of services for the firm. He also represents Geosyntec on the Environmental Research and Education Foundation’s research council. Tamer earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University, and an MSc and BS in Geotechnical Engineering and Civil Engineering, respectively, from Cairo University in Egypt. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Thomas Ward, PE (Missouri, United States)
Thomas is a Senior Engineer with more than 19 years of experience focusing on civil and geotechnical engineering, coal combustion residuals (CCR) closure design, and federal infrastructure projects. He also has extensive experience with earthen water-retaining structures, such as levees, dams, tailings sedimentation ponds, and coal ash impoundments. His experience includes managing large geotechnical field investigation programs including soil drilling, geotechnical instrumentation installation, and rock coring. He has been the leader of the Midwest United States computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) department for the past three years. Thomas earned an MS in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri–Rolla. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, and Indiana.
Vicki Garlington, PG (North Carolina, United States)
Vicki is a Senior Geologist with more than 23 years of experience focusing on site assessment and remediation, brownfield redevelopment, environmental due diligence, and environmental compliance. She is one of the leaders of Geosyntec’s brownfields practice in the Carolinas, collaborating with peers, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, property owners, and legal counsel to manage environmental risks throughout the brownfield project life cycle, and manages a successful 10-person department in the Raleigh, North Carolina, office. Vicky has also contributed to the growth of other practices, including water and natural resources and geotechnical engineering. She is a strong advocate for helping colleagues strike a work-life balance, for example connecting with Human Resources and leading discussions on existing Geosyntec programs and support groups for new parents transitioning back from leave. Vicki earned a BS in Geosciences from the Pennsylvania State University and is a registered Professional Geologist in North Carolina.
William (Will) R. Burke, PG (Alabama, United States)
Will is a Senior Geologist with more than 13 years of experience focusing on site assessment, remediation, due diligence, mining, and natural resources. He provides litigation support, vapor intrusion evaluations, and business environmental risk assessments for the legal sector. He opened the Birmingham, Alabama, office, and being in that marketplace for more than seven years allowed him the opportunity to speak at conferences, attend networking events, and build new external connections, including attorneys, industrial clients, and other regulatory and technical personnel. Will’s ability to identify Alabama market needs through external business development and his ability to form teams to provide solutions helps the firm win work with a variety of clients on diverse projects. In turn his skillset has helped grow the firm’s presence in Birmingham and Alabama more broadly. Will earned an MS and BA in Geology from the University of Alabama. He is a registered Professional Geologist in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Youngmin Cho, PhD, PE (Massachusetts, United States)
Youngmin is a Senior Environmental Engineer with more than 15 years of experience focusing on environmental permitting, compliance, and strategic consulting for manufacturing and renewable-energy clients. He has led contracts and projects for five major lithium-ion battery manufacturers and three supply-chain companies and has expanded Geosyntec’s presence in the Korean industrial market. He has developed his skills as an independent business developer by preparing proposals, securing projects, and fostering strong client relationships. Youngmin earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida, an MSE from Johns Hopkins University, and a BE from ChungNam National University in South Korea. He is a registered Professional Engineer in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico.
Joshua (Zach) Capehart (Texas, United States)
Zach is a Senior Scientist with more than 23 years of experience focusing on environmental due diligence, site investigation and remediation, regulatory compliance, and stormwater management. He has led complex field programs and contributed to the growth of Geosyntec’s environmental remediation practice in West Texas. Additionally, Zach has not only worked diligently to foster relationships with existing clients (in one case nearly doubling the value of contracts in the region) but has also fostered relationships with new clients that have brought multiple new projects to the firm, including those involving agricultural production facilities, water management facilities, assistance with landowner oversight, and due diligence. Zach earned a BS in Environmental Science from Texas A&M University, and he holds certifications in hazardous waste operations and safety compliance.
