A civil engineer by training, he focuses on aligning community development goals with ecological and long-term climate objectives, designing integrated strategies that blend green and gray infrastructure to build safer, more adaptable communities. He has been instrumental in building and leading our coastal resilience team, bringing together engineers, scientists, and planners to tackle complex challenges and expand the group’s impact across the region.

Chris has led major projects for the Texas General Land Office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), including serving as engineering project manager for the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan since its inception. From storm surge protection and fast-tracked design following Hurricane Ike in Houston-Galveston to stakeholder engagement across coastal Texas, he brings a collaborative, forward-thinking approach grounded in technical excellence and a deep commitment to community resilience.

Tell us about what inspired you to work in coastal resilience.

I became a civil engineer because I wanted to work on projects that could directly benefit both the environment and the community. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of blending the power of our natural ecosystems with the practical side of engineering, and civil engineering felt like the right fit.

When I began my career, my work focused primarily on flood risk, with a particular emphasis on community resilience to flooding. Over time, I’ve been able to integrate that with my original interest in environmental stewardship. Looking back, that’s where my passion truly started. It’s been rewarding to bring those elements together under one professional umbrella, rather than specializing in just one area. I’ve always held onto the goal of doing work that helps comprehensively when possible, and that’s ultimately shaped the path of my career.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favorite project has been the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan, which has also been a foundational project for our team. We worked with the state on the first plan iteration released in 2017, then updated it in 2019 and 2023, and we’re now working on the 2028 version. It’s been a unique and rewarding opportunity, as we’ve been able to support the Texas General Land Office on this plan since its inception. The plan includes over 367 miles of coast and 3,300 miles of bays and estuaries, addressing challenges such as storm surge, sea level rise, habitat degradation, and coastal erosion. It emphasizes nature- and infrastructure-based solutions, integrating innovative methodologies like living shorelines and sediment management. The plan has resulted in the funding of hundreds of millions of dollars for coastal resilience projects along the Texas coast. I like to think that’s because we’ve put a lot of heart and effort into it, making it representative of the coastal stakeholders and ecosystems of Texas.

This work demonstrates our strong commitment to the Texas coast, its communities, ecosystems, and the complex challenges they encounter. In partnership with the General Land Office, we continuously listen to and learn from the knowledge and experiences of stakeholders, professionals, and academic experts across the entire Texas coast. Through this collaboration, we have created a set of resilient design guides for stakeholder use that translate the plan components into actionable steps.

Through these connections, we find solutions that balance environmental needs with community resilience, addressing current issues while anticipating how challenges will evolve over time. It has been an incredible chance to lead and help shape the long-term vision for the Texas coast. It’s an ongoing opportunity to better serve the state, its communities, habitats, and ecosystems, improving resilience and making the coast as safe, accessible, and sustainable as possible – a coast that many generations can enjoy.

Why is it important to take a proactive approach to coastal resilience?

Unfortunately, it feels like we have a new flood or hurricane-related disaster far too frequently these days. It often seems like we’re stuck in this constant cycle of responding to the latest disaster. Our resilience practice is working to shift that mindset from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting for worst-case scenarios to happen, many of which are unprecedented and unexpected, we want to think ahead.

Our approach to resilience considers both what has happened and what hasn’t happened yet. How do we develop solutions — whether engineered, nature-based, gray infrastructure, green infrastructure, or a mix — that go beyond traditional methods? It’s about building on our previous knowledge but also pushing the envelope to be more innovative and thoughtful. Recently, we assisted NASA with these specific considerations by working with them at the Kennedy Space Center to assess opportunities for enhancing site resilience against coastal surge and erosion. We aimed to do this by leveraging the natural beach and dune system along the Atlantic shoreline and living shoreline on the estuarine shores.

A big part of this is recognizing that we can’t just build stronger infrastructure. We also need to educate and inform communities, sharing knowledge and helping residents become responsible stewards of their environment — whether that’s the coast, river systems, or flood-prone areas. Fostering that awareness and centering it in a community’s culture is key. As an example, we partnered with FEMA and The Nature Conservancy in Puerto Rico to develop job aids for local communities, providing a technical foundation to assist them in transitioning from traditional infrastructure designs to natural and nature-based solutions along sandy shorelines, riverine streambanks, and urban stormwater systems.

Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the need to respond repeatedly to disasters by implementing measures beforehand. That way, when events do happen, their negative impacts are mitigated because proactive steps were taken. That’s the heart of what we’re trying to do with resilience.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

As an individual member of the public, a lot of the work our team does tends to be expected — or even taken for granted. People don’t expect heavy rainfall to disrupt their ability to get to work on any given day, much less cause loss of life. Often, we’re fortunate enough to expect those kinds of events won’t happen, or at least that they’ll remain extreme exceptions.

What we try to do is make resilience and hazard mitigation fundamental — something that happens quietly behind the scenes. In an ideal world, much of what we do goes unnoticed by the public because it’s so reliable. At the same time, we want people to become more knowledgeable and aware of these issues through education and outreach, whether it’s working with schools, running public campaigns, or providing resources.

It’s about cutting through some of the bigger challenges in society, like politics or funding limitations, and focusing on what matters most: projects that truly benefit the public. What’s critical to us is not just the technical excellence of our work, but also making positive impacts and changing perspectives. That way, awareness of resilience becomes less of an exception and more a part of how communities understand and prepare for their environment.

Share a piece of career advice.

First, as a young engineer, scientist, planner, or any other professional, it’s essential to diversify. Find opportunities that allow you to work in different spaces, take on different types of projects, and learn new skills. That versatility benefits you by keeping your career from becoming repetitive and provides a broader range of exposure to unique projects.

Second, take initiative. Do what’s in front of you, but don’t be afraid to express interest in other areas. If you hear about something that excites you, reach out — whether it’s within your group or another one — and have a conversation to learn more. Authentic interest is what makes a real difference. We want to work with people who are genuinely invested in the work, because that’s when you do your best work.

The post The importance of coastal resilience: Meet Chris Levitz appeared first on Blog.

Growing up in Palestine’s West Bank with a civil engineer father, Ahmad saw how strong water infrastructure can make a real difference for communities. That early experience sparked his passion for sustainability and water reuse. After earning his engineering degree in the West Bank and a master’s degree from Utah State University, Ahmad made Charlotte home. Motivated by the potential for smart water use — including the One Water concept in which all water sources are managed as equally valuable with an eye on resilience and reliability — Ahmad works on projects like water reclamation networks and biosolids dewatering systems to create lasting, positive impacts. 

What inspired you to join the industry?

 It all started with my dad, a civil engineer working on water and wastewater projects in Nablus, a city in the West Bank. Growing up in the 1990s, we would be walking around the city and I would watch as people came up to thank him. I’d ask why, and he’d say, “We installed a new water line,” or “We built a well to improve access to clean water.” Seeing firsthand how infrastructure could change lives inspired me early on.

In high school, I gravitated toward science projects about wastewater. For my ninth grade science project, I explored different treatment processes. Naturally, I chose civil engineering for my undergraduate degree, with a focus on water and wastewater systems.

During my senior year, professors encouraged me to consider graduate school at Utah State University. I was accepted and joined the Utah Water Research Lab, which focuses on hydraulic modeling and environmental wastewater treatment. That’s also when I got involved with the Water Environment Federation (WEF). I joined the student chapter, competed in the state’s annual design competition twice, and represented Utah at WEFTEC both years. That experience sparked my deeper interest in biosolids and introduced me to the professional side of the water industry.

In 2018, I moved to Charlotte where I started with pipeline projects, odor control and biogas systems. I gradually took on more responsibility — running calculations, conducting field work, and contributing to design efforts. When AECOM reached out, I was drawn to the opportunity to work with a tight-knit local team backed by a global firm’s resources.

Now, I lead technical work on pipeline and biosolids projects, handling everything from early study phases to detailed design submittals. I also stay active in the industry through my involvement with North Carolina One Water.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

We designed a water reuse network for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte that uses reclaimed water from a nearby Charlotte Water treatment plant for irrigation and use in cooling towers. Our team developed the connection from the plant to the university campus, and the pipe distribution network throughout campus grounds.

Before it’s reused, the water is treated to EPA standards suitable for agricultural or industrial use, in this case, for cooling systems. It’s a smart, sustainable solution that reduces the university’s use of potable water and supports Charlotte Water’s “One Water” vision of circular water use.

The university has completed part of the system, with plans to expand it over the next few years. I served as the deputy project manager for the initial phase and will step into the project manager role as construction continues.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community

We’re working on a biosolids project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside AECOM’s global biosolids lead, Terry Goss, who’s based in Raleigh.

The local wastewater plant uses belt filter presses to remove water from biosolids, reducing their volume and weight. Those presses are at the end of their useful life, so we’re evaluating options to replace and increase capacity. That could mean newer, larger belt filter presses — or different technologies like screw presses, centrifuges, or volute presses that offer more reliable performance and better dewatering. My role specifically is to choose the right dewatering equipment to replace the existing belt filter presses, correctly size it to fit their current and future needs, design the polymer system that will be added to thicken the biosolids, and design the necessary connections and appurtenances.

Dewatering is key to biosolids management. The more water you remove, the less volume there is to haul or dispose of — saving municipalities money, especially when biosolids go to landfills. Many utilities are also exploring composting or biogas production to turn waste into usable resources.

My role specifically is to choose the right dewatering equipment to replace their existing Belt Filter Presses, correctly size it to fit their current and future needs, design the polymer system that will be added to thicken the biosolids, and design the necessary connections and appurtenances.

Upgrading the equipment in Fort Lauderdale will have a meaningful impact on both public health and the environment. Keeping waterways and beaches clean is a big part of what drives me. It’s an exciting time in the industry. Technology now allows us to treat wastewater to the point that it can become clean drinking water again. That full-circle approach is at the heart of the “One Water” concept: using and reusing water wisely to protect our limited resources and reduce environmental impact.

Share a piece of career advice

Try everything at least once. Accept the opportunities that come your way. Maybe you’ll find there is something you do not want to do again. That’s fine. But at least try it first and see where it takes you. Biosolids weren’t something that I initially wanted to work on. I was approached to work on them. I found that I liked the work and have remained involved ever since. Being receptive to opportunities keeps your options open and will motivate you to learn new things.

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As a leader in our Civil Works department, Kimberly Heenan brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and deep personal commitment to infrastructure resilience. With more than 19 years of experience and over $2.5 billion in constructed projects, she has led the inspection, assessment, design and construction of levees, floodwalls, dams, floodgates and stormwater pump stations across the U.S.

Kimberly’s portfolio spans more than 275 miles of levee systems and 35 dams, supporting agencies such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), United States International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), and USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Under her leadership, our civil works team has grown into a nationally connected group equipped to take on the country’s most complex water infrastructure challenges. Whether managing risk assessments, engineering solutions for flood protection, or guiding large-scale alternatives analyses, Kimberly is driven by one goal: protecting communities and helping them thrive.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Hurricane Katrina occurred while I was in college, and when I saw the devastation, I felt a deep calling to do something. I wanted to help fix the levees and to be part of the recovery. I remember students from Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and other universities relocating to Texas A&M, where I was attending. Their experiences really stayed with me — I just kept thinking, what can I do?

At the time, I was still finding my footing and building confidence in my ability to be an engineer. Then, during a career day event, I handed my resume to a representative from AECOM. They passed it along, and shortly after, I received a call about a junior Geotechnical Engineer position — working on the levees in New Orleans that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. It felt like a sign. Even though I was nervous about moving to the big city, I accepted the offer and committed fully to the opportunity. I worked long hours, asked questions, and soaked up knowledge from teammates who loved to teach. It was a chance to contribute to something deeply meaningful — something that had personally impacted me — and that experience became the turning point that truly anchored me in this field and shaped the trajectory of my career.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

Obviously, the New Orleans levee project will always mean a lot to me. But another that stands out is the Freeport Levee Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project. Unfortunately, the client’s funding limitations meant we couldn’t finish the project, but it gave us the space to build something special at AECOM — a civil works group that can operate from anywhere in the country and work with anyone. 

Over the course of the work we were able to complete, we grew from a team of just six people to about 20. And it wasn’t just our group working on the project. At one point, there were over 100 people across AECOM contributing.

The project raised our team’s visibility and gave us this incredible experience with the Galveston Corps of Engineers District. The Gulf Coast region is facing significant challenges from rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and increasingly severe storm events. The experience positioned us to contribute meaningfully to future critical resilience work still needed across this part of the country.

And honestly, I just loved the team. The people on that project made it a favorite, too.

How has the growth of AECOM’s civil works team prepared us to meet the infrastructure resilience challenges of communities?  

For me, it means having a team I can rely on to help design these incredible levee systems that protect people and communities, so they never have to go through something like Hurricane Katrina again. Building a civil works team that can do this work, and do it well, has always been deeply meaningful.

Many of these flood risk projects are happening in communities that have historically been underserved. It’s not just about protecting property. It’s about protecting lives, bringing peace of mind, and in many cases, helping families financially by lowering flood insurance costs. Everyone deserves that kind of security, no matter where they live.

We’re at a critical moment in the U.S. Much of the nation’s infrastructure, including levees, floodwalls, and protection systems, was designed to last about 50 years. That time has passed. I knew we had to grow our civil works team because I knew these projects were coming. These systems either start to fail, or they get updated. Too often, people only pay attention after a catastrophic failure, but we shouldn’t have to wait for that to happen.

To me, this work is about making sure we don’t wait — that we’re ready. When we bring new people onto the team, we look for those who are driven by purpose, who genuinely want to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what it’s all about.

Share a piece of career advice.

My dad coached women’s basketball, and he used to say something that stuck with me: “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” He noticed that many players would hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment to take a shot and by then, the opportunity was gone.

He taught me there are only three outcomes: you miss and the other team gets the rebound, you miss and your team gets the rebound and you get to try again, or you make it. Two out of three isn’t bad. I’ve carried that with me throughout my career. When I’m facing a challenge, I remind myself not to wait for perfect. Just take the shot and keep moving forward.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Kimberly Heenan appeared first on Blog.

Kelly has worked in the environmental field for more than 20 years. As Director of Environment and TechEx Lead (Environment + Energy) for Australia and New Zealand, she drives business growth, technical leadership and capability development across the region.

Kelly’s work spans complex State Significant Infrastructure, international environmental and social assessments, and project governance roles. She’s played a key role in establishing feasibility and securing environmental approvals for some of Australasia’s largest infrastructure projects, including WestConnex (M4 East and M4–M5 Link) in Sydney and the Purari Hydropower Project in Papua New Guinea.

Known for her people-driven leadership, Kelly brings a clear, outcomes-focused approach with strengths in stakeholder engagement, project directorship and aligning environmental performance with our clients’ broader infrastructure goals.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I grew up in the 1980s during a time where environmental awareness was growing and the plight to protect our ocean mammals inspired a generation. My sustainability values formed by this exposure at a formative age, combined with frequent opportunities to spend time in nature, with my grandparents and wider family who were all gardeners and spoke fondly of these values.

I was lucky enough to spend my childhood visiting Oatley Regional Park, which contains 45 hectares of Sydney’s prime bushlands, 310 plants species and 107 bird species. The opportunity to study this biology and be part of protecting it was ultimately what drove me to make a career for myself in environmental consulting at a time when it was only burgeoning.

I started out as an ecologist, and early in my career developed a broad base of experience in smaller town planning and environmental consultancies. I’ve taken opportunities to gain experience in the full gamut of disciplines, from noise and air monitoring, koala surveys, water treatment, impact assessments, master-planning, project management, expert witness reporting, permitting, detailed design development and construction management. My ‘say yes’ mindset allowed for rapid growth in diverse skills and associated responsibility.

Having such a broad experience-base led me to realise that where I could make a material difference was by bringing an ‘ecosystem mindset’ to early phase project definition, connecting and collaborating with clients and in-house designers at an organisation like AECOM.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favourite types of projects overall are those where I can work collaboratively in shaping the project with a client. One that stands out was my role as the Australian Environmental Lead for the Purari Hydropower Project, a pre-feasibility project for a hydropower plant in Papua New Guinea (PNG). We assessed the potential to send power by cable from PNG and through a 1,300kilometre high-voltage transmission line to Far North Queensland (FNQ), Australia.

I collaborated closely with clients including EDF, Origin Energy and PNG Energy Developments Ltd, and AECOM’s trans-Tasman team. The feasibility project focused on identifying, evaluating and refining high-voltage transmission corridor and route options across remote Pacific island regions. This involved navigating challenging terrain, including large, dense rainforests and wild rivers.

I coordinated our team’s reconnaissance mission by light aircraft over the Torres Strait Islands and Far North Queensland — an unforgettable career highlight. We conducted fieldwork and extensive GIS mapping to inform the design and multi-jurisdictional planning approval pathways of the project, to meet World Bank Sustainable Development Principles and Australian Commonwealth standards. We also conducted extensive in-country social mapping, including Indigenous and stakeholder consultations in both FNQ and PNG. These insights directly informed the development of stakeholder engagement strategies and Indigenous Land Use Agreement planning for future stages of this multinational energy transition project.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

As Environment Lead, I oversaw the construction of a 17-kilometre desalination pipeline project through urban and contaminated areas, and across Botany Bay. This project delivered significant community benefits, most notably enhancing Sydney’s drinking water security during drought.

We engaged the community extensively during this project and embedded the local benefits we identified during this engagement. These benefits included the creation of a parkland on the shores of Botany Bay, adding beach accessibility platforms in the suburb of Kurnell and including public art along the pipeline route. Through our environment-led design approach, we successfully avoided adverse environmental and community impacts, while restoring native vegetation in the corridor adjacent to the nearby RAMSAR wetlands.

Our alliance that designed, permitted and delivered this project over a three-year period won several design and construction awards for our work.

Share a piece of career advice.

Say yes. Take on the less glamorous tasks and problematic projects, be collaborative and complete them well. You’ll reap the opportunities and choices that flow from this.

Don’t go dark on clients or your internal peers, especially if you have a delay or issue, get in front of it and show you’re acting fast to resolve it.

As you progress in your career, look for opportunities for your team and elevate their profiles in your networks, use your local, regional or global platform.

Lastly, stay curious, and think broadly about who else you can bring in to your team to solve your clients’ complex issues.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Kelly Pearsall appeared first on Blog.

Jeff Chan is a structural engineer with five years of experience specializing in the transportation and water/wastewater sectors. Since joining AECOM in 2020 as a structural designer, he has contributed to building projects across Canada, gaining expertise in seismic design and integration of diverse structural materials in buildings.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was born in Hong Kong, a region renowned for its rapid infrastructure development, and spent my early childhood immersed in a constantly evolving urban landscape. For the first nine years of my life, this rapid urban growth felt normal. It wasn’t until my family immigrated to Canada that I began to recognize how unique and complex such development was, especially in densely populated areas. This realization sparked my curiosity about the built environment and a deep appreciation for the role infrastructure plays in shaping quality of life. That early insight, combined with an interest in thoughtful, impactful design, inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.

At AECOM, I was fortunate to have a flexible full-time schedule, which allowed me to pursue graduate studies part-time. The combination of academic learning and guidance from knowledgeable, supportive colleagues and mentors helped me sharpen my technical skills, expand my confidence, and step into greater responsibilities.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to many meaningful projects at AECOM, but the Capital Line South Extension has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far. I’ve served as the structural engineer and was also part of the pursuit team for the Operations and Maintenance Facility, which was one of the key components of this major design-build project.

What made this project stand out for me was the collaborative spirit from day one. We worked closely with an engaged client and a talented multidisciplinary team to develop conceptual designs, propose creative solutions, and shape a design that helped win the project. The strength of our design stemmed from the close collaboration we maintained with the builder throughout the process. We were aligned in our goals and challenges which allowed us to understand and share concerns around key issues such as material costs, construction sequencing, and overall constructability. By maintaining open lines of communication and working through these issues collaboratively, we were able to tailor our design approach to directly support their needs. This provided a smoother transition from design to construction, minimized surprises in the field, and fostered an integrated, solution-focused team dynamic.

This environment of trust and intensive multi-disciplinary coordination left a lasting impact on how I approach design thinking and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

The project was awarded in mid-2024 and is now in the construction phase. I’m excited to continue my contribution to a project that will help shape the future of transit in Edmonton and look forward to seeing our work take shape on site.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been contributing to the structural design of the Warehouse Park Pavilion in downtown Edmonton. What was once a stretch of surface parking lots is being transformed into a vibrant, community-focused park. The striking new pavilion structure anchors a revitalized green space in the city’s core.

The pavilion’s cantilevered, barrel-vaulted roof is framed with wood trusses, curved plywood sheathing, and is supported by steel beams and columns. This serves as both a functional shelter and an architectural statement. Its irregular geometry presented a complex structural challenge, requiring close collaboration with a senior AECOM engineer and an award-winning architect to develop a solution that balanced durability, cost and design intent. Several roof design iterations were explored during the conceptual and design phases, considering concrete, steel and wood systems. Ultimately, we formed the barrel vault using prefabricated wood trusses and curved plywood, while the cantilever was framed with steel beams which leverages the versatility of wood and the strength of steel. Following the construction award for this design-bid-build project, we engaged early with the contractor to review the framing design. With input from carpenters and site supervisors, we refined details to enhance constructability and confirm accurate execution of the complex geometry.

What makes this project especially meaningful is knowing how the community will engage with the space once it’s fully redeveloped. Whether its families enjoying the shade in the summer, visitors gathering around the fireplaces in the winter, or individuals seeking a quiet moment in the heart of the city, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the structure the team designed will become a part of people’s everyday experiences. That kind of lasting, human impact is exactly what inspired me to pursue engineering.

Share a piece of career advice.

My best advice would be to ask questions, stay open to the perspectives of other building disciplines or contractors, and shape your design to anticipate their needs. What may initially seem like an impossible design challenge within your own discipline can often be resolved through collaboration with others who bring different skills and expertise to the table. Each discipline, whether it’s architectural, structural, mechanical, or electrical, has its own approach to solving problems and its own set of needs. By considering end user, contractor and discipline perspectives early in the design process, you can create more effective and integrated solutions that benefit the entire project.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Jeff Chan appeared first on Blog.

Joyce O’Donnell is a registered professional engineer with over 30 years of experience in process engineering. She holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Based in New England, Joyce began her career supporting military operations and has since expanded her expertise across various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, pulp and paper, electroplating and metal finishing.

During her 15-year tenure at AECOM, Joyce has worked across both Environmental and Water business lines, focusing on industrial wastewater treatment systems. Her roles have involved design, operation, and troubleshooting, as well as participating in regulatory audits and preparing permitting documentation. Joyce’s extensive experience also includes process safety and process safety management, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to the field.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry

My entry into the industry was shaped more by circumstance than intention. My background is in chemical engineering, and many chemical engineers enter the oil and gas industry. However, when I graduated from college, the oil and gas sector was experiencing a downturn. Consequently, I was hired by a small engineering firm in New England that supported metal finishing operations. New pretreatment regulations under the Clean Water Act had recently been issued for certain industrial categories, including the metal finishing and electroplating industries. As such, many industrial facilities in the greater Boston and Providence area were required to install new or upgraded wastewater treatment systems to comply with these new regulations. This is how I began working in industrial wastewater management.

Because those regulations were new, I had to learn them thoroughly, and this knowledge has stayed with me. Interestingly, those regulations haven’t changed much since then. Working at the small engineering firm was enjoyable because I had to handle everything, from answering phones, field sampling, and engineering design tasks. This experience marked the beginning of my journey in the industry.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects was for a small oil refinery in the southern United States where my involvement in the project scope continued from start to finish. We began by diagnosing performance issues in the wastewater treatment system resulting in violating discharge limits and recommended a new, upgraded, wastewater treatment system to reliably maintain compliance.  The new treatment system was also sized to handle increased flow capacity to support future expansion. We conducted thorough wastewater characterization and developed the basis of design. Following this, we proceeded with the detailed design, ensuring every aspect of the new system was meticulously planned. The design included wastewater equalization and transfer, oil/water separation (API Separator), dissolved gas flotation (DGF) with nitrogen blanketing, chemical addition, and sludge dewatering.  At the completion of the design phase, we developed the bid documents, evaluated the bids, and recommended an equipment vendor for all major process units.  Once the equipment was installed, we provided hands-on support during the startup phase. The treatment system is still running today, and the client remains very satisfied with the results.

This project stands out as a success story because we were involved from the very beginning, through design, installation, and operation. It was incredibly rewarding to see the project through to completion and know that it continues to operate smoothly. The experience reinforced the importance of comprehensive planning and execution in achieving long-term success.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One memorable project involved conducting a safety audit for a paper mill in Florida. We arrived about six months after a hurricane had devastated the facility, and the employees were still recovering from the aftermath. The damage was significant, affecting both the mill and the local community. During the safety audit, we asked the staff to reflect on what went well — and what didn’t — during the hurricane.

The facility stores and generates a significant quantity of hazardous chemicals requiring an audit of their management practices under EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) regulations.  AECOM had performed the previous audit at this plant three years prior and made several recommendations including the conduct of emergency preparedness drills and coordination with the industrial facility located immediately adjacent.  Since our previous audit, the facility had made notable improvements in how it manages hazardous materials and has conducted emergency drills — which proved vital during the crisis.  Their preparedness ensured that the release of hazardous chemicals was prevented, protecting the community.

Yet, despite their success in mitigating the risks, the experience left a lasting emotional impact. The team was eager to share their stories. My colleague encouraged the client team to discuss their personal experiences, giving them space to describe how the hurricane affected their lives and the wider community. This project was particularly impactful because it highlighted the importance of walking in our clients’ shoes. It remains a vivid memory, reminding me of the human side of engineering and the resilience of those we serve.

Share a piece of career advice

Adopt a positive approach by saying yes to new experiences. I recommend younger engineers spend time in the field to gain practical insights. Seeing equipment and talking with operators firsthand is invaluable. Moreover, personal interactions, even in the office, are essential in our digital age, especially after COVID. Direct conversations enhance communication and build stronger relationships and can often lead to your next professional opportunity.

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In line with this year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, we asked our women engineers how they collaborate — across teams, regions and with clients — to solve challenges and deliver a better world.

Lindsay Stafford, Senior Civil Engineer
Queensland, Australia

From the start of my career, I’ve prioritized building a strong network of mentors. That foundation has grown into a broad internal network that’s essential to how I work — especially in a region where collaboration across business lines and geographies is key to delivering better engineering outcomes.

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on involved a small, remote community facing long-term water scarcity. Their pipeline had been failing for years. We partnered with them from the bid phase through to commissioning — securing funding, diagnosing the issue, and delivering a full design solution. The moment the new pipe was turned on and water flowed again was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

Whether virtually or in person, collaboration is at the heart of every successful project. It starts with trust, grows through shared goals, and results in solutions that truly make a difference.

Becky Wong, Technical Director, Water
Hong Kong

In engineering, sustainable outcomes often rely on cross-disciplinary collaboration. On a new town development, I worked with hydrology, ecology, landscape, and geotechnical teams to preserve a natural river course while meeting flood protection standards. The result was a resilient, ecologically rich corridor that balanced technical and environmental goals.

Client collaboration is just as vital. On a project for the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), we expanded our drainage solutions to support nearby rural villages. By co-developing upstream and downstream improvements, we delivered a more inclusive and climate-resilient outcome.

In another project, we designed a closed-loop water system to reduce reliance on external potable sources. Working with government departments, we integrated sewage collection, treatment, and reuse — cutting emissions and supporting long-term sustainability. These projects show how collaborative engineering can meet complex challenges and deliver lasting value.

Marcia Tobin, VP, Flood Risk Solutions
Knoxville, TN, U.S.

Leading a 250-person flood risk team across the U.S., I’ve experienced firsthand how collaboration fuels better outcomes. Our multidisciplinary team — comprising planners, scientists, GIS specialists, and water resource engineers — delivers essential flood risk data that helps communities prepare for and respond to disasters. By working together and partnering with our clients, we provide data, analysis and most importantly, actionable insights that make a difference.

We take a “best athlete” approach, assembling talent from across our Water business as well as Transportation, Environment, and Buildings and Places. This approach means that every project benefits from the right mix of expertise. Whether it’s partnering with FEMA on risk mapping and disaster response or co-developing a flood resiliency tool in North Carolina using Agile methods, we tailor our teams to meet the unique demands of each challenge.

In Texas, we piloted a scalable flood risk analysis using LIDAR and aerial imagery, collaborating with state officials to create a tool that informs mitigation strategies and strengthens resilience. Across all our projects, it’s this spirit of collaboration — across disciplines, regions, and with our clients — that transforms data into action and engineering into lasting impact.

Harriet Ridler, Engineer
Basingstoke, U.K.

Coastal protection is a team effort. Our work focuses on shielding inland communities and infrastructure from flooding and erosion, requiring input from multiple engineering disciplines. In my role, I coordinate across internal and external teams — highways, drainage, geotechnical, landscape, and public engagement, environmental and heritage fields.

A great example is the Langstone FCERM scheme that we’re helping Coastal Partners, our client, to deliver. The client led on the environmental appraisal and stakeholder engagement, while we supported the process and co-developed the design. Joint workshops helped shape the final proposal, now submitted for planning. Public support has risen significantly since project inception, showing the value of collaboration.

I’m also working on the £150 million Havre des Pas scheme in Jersey, which balances new coastal defenses with community benefits. The site’s sensitive designations pose challenges, but through close work with the Government of Jersey and local officers — and aided by 3D modeling — we’ve agreed on key design principles and are progressing positively.

Alice Custard, Wastewater Group Manager
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Collaboration is at the heart of how I work — across disciplines, regions, and project phases. One of the greatest strengths of working at AECOM is the ability to draw on global expertise. Whether it’s a familiar challenge or something entirely new, I’ve always been able to find the right expert. On a recent project involving a technology not yet used in Canada, I brought in a colleague with years of international experience. His insights helped us deliver a more informed and effective solution.

That same spirit of collaboration extends beyond internal teams. I’ve worked closely with clients, operators, stakeholders, and rightsholders to shape better outcomes. At the Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant, I was on-site daily during commissioning — sometimes even on night shifts — working directly with Plant Operators to troubleshoot and get the headworks running. That hands-on teamwork was essential to delivering our shared vision.

My wastewater team continues to be one of my proudest achievements. Together, we protect the environment, mentor others, and grow as professionals. We collaborate not just as a process team or a project team — but as a team committed to building a better world.

Kelly Giesing, Civil Engineer
San Diego, CA, U.S.

Across dam design projects, I’ve seen how collaboration drives better outcomes — especially with clear communication. I set expectations early on around schedule and budget and hold regular check-ins to keep teams aligned. With strong leadership, cross-disciplinary teamwork becomes a real asset.

A recent project with San Diego Gas & Electric showed this in action. We expanded our geotechnical scope to include civil design and worked with the contractor’s structural subconsultant. The client was highly engaged, and during construction, we served as their on-site representative — streamlining decisions, reducing costs, and ensuring success.

Environmental collaboration also matters. On one dam project, I worked with an environmental consultant to reroute access roads and staging areas away from sensitive habitats. The design impact was minimal, but the ecological benefit could be significant — proof that smart engineering can serve both people and the planet.

Jade Singleton, Group Lead, Resources + Industry
Western Australia

Effective collaboration starts with communication. By regularly connecting across teams and regions, we ensure the right skills are matched to the right projects — delivering better outcomes for clients and broader opportunities for our people.

A recent example involved a trip to Port Hedland for a project. Knowing another client also operates nearby, I reached out. That quick conversation led to a site visit and early input for a new proposal — maximizing value for both clients through simple, proactive collaboration.

In the mining and resources sector, this kind of thinking matters. These industries power everything from infrastructure to clean energy. Every project we deliver helps make resource extraction safer, more efficient, and more sustainable — contributing to a better world for everyone.

Meghan Cooke, Process Engineer (EIT)
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

For the French Creek Pollution Control Centre Stage IV Expansion Project, I work with colleagues across business lines within the Canada West region to coordinate efforts as both a Process Engineer in Training and Project Coordinator. Using tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Microsoft Teams, we ensure smooth communication across disciplines in this integrated project delivery (IPD) model.

The IPD model brings the contractor, client and consultant together under a poly-party agreement, encouraging collaboration and finding solutions that are best for project. Biweekly co-located meetings with all key participants — owner, design team and contractor — foster open dialogue and shared problem-solving. I help facilitate these sessions to ensure all voices are heard and aligned.

One major success has been addressing the facility’s odor control challenge — a key concern for the local community (the area is unofficially referred to as “Stench Creek”!). Through close collaboration, we’ve designed effective solutions that will improve air quality and enhance residents’ quality of life, demonstrating the power of teamwork in delivering meaningful community impact.

Ruby Yew, Executive Director, Water
Hong Kong

In infrastructure projects, collaboration is essential. I promote open communication across teams and regions, ensuring shared goals and respect for diverse perspectives. This approach helps us solve complex challenges efficiently and inclusively.

When unforeseen ground conditions threatened piling progress on a project, we worked closely with the client to identify a design review as the best mitigation strategy. We fast-tracked the revised design and submitted it within two days, enabling the client to secure approval from the Geotechnical Engineering Office within a week. This swift, coordinated effort helped us avoid costly delays and keep the project on track.

Another example is the Queen’s Hill public housing development in Fanling, where we faced the absence of a sewerage system. Collaborating with the Fanling North NDA and Queen’s Hill Development teams, we developed an interim sewerage scheme that cut installation time from 4.5 years to three. By integrating this with the permanent system, we not only saved time and costs but also improved energy efficiency.

Lorreta Agnew, Technical Director, Dams
New South Wales, Australia

In engineering, collaboration and communication go hand in hand. Having worked extensively in virtual environments, I’ve learned that regular, effective communication — whether through chat, video, or calls — is essential to keeping teams aligned and projects on track. Trust is equally important. Whether working with clients or colleagues, transparency and honesty build the foundation for shared success. It’s about navigating challenges together and learning from one another along the way.

A standout example is the Upper Nepean Risk Review, part of our work on large dam safety projects. I led risk management efforts, collaborating with structural, geotechnical, and geology teams, as well as clients and expert reviewers. Together, we assessed dam safety and identified critical upgrades to protect downstream communities. This project is a reminder that when we communicate openly and collaborate effectively, we don’t just deliver technical solutions — we help create safer, more resilient communities.

Martha Newman, Principal Engineer, Water
Basingstoke, UK

Since COVID, remote working has made it easier than ever to collaborate across regions. Based in North Wales, I regularly work with colleagues from Basingstoke to Belfast, staying connected through Teams calls and site visits. I’ve never felt more in sync with my colleagues across the country.

A great example was the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park. The client wanted a press release to announce the project, so I worked with Communications to deliver it. It was picked up by the BBC and New Civil Engineer, raising awareness of the project, the client and sparking new industry connections.

Another highlight was managing the Millmead Fish Pass with the Environment Agency. It brought together specialists from multiple disciplines and stakeholders. Hydraulic modelling helped us balance the needs of fish and eel migration with those of recreational river users. Construction is planned for this summer.

The post Together We Engineer: Celebrating Collaboration on INWED 2025 appeared first on Blog.

Eric’s lifelong passion for nature and the environment has shaped his career path. From childhood adventures like hiking and running through the woods, his appreciation for nature has only deepened. With extensive experience across various industries, including automotive, petroleum, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, steel, textiles and solid waste, Eric has integrated diverse teams spanning various engineering disciplines. As a result, he proudly calls himself a ‘Jack of all trades.’ His ability to collaborate with diverse teams and adapt to different roles makes him a versatile and invaluable asset.

Currently Eric is working on a number of landfill leachate management and treatment projects, a direct lithium extraction (DLE) front-end loading design (FEL-2) and wastewater upgrades at a nutritional supplement manufacturer.  Whether working on engineering or environmental aspects of these diverse projects, Eric’s dedication to preserving the environment and his love for the outdoors continue to inspire his work and life.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry

As a child, I loved taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. Usually, I was successful, and they still worked. This interest along with my love for nature encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering, with a particular focus on water-related fields.

During my graduate studies, I conducted extensive research on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York, which is often identified as one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. My research focused on the release of phosphorus from sediments, which leads to algal blooms among other related concerns. The excessive phosphorus and other hazardous substances (such as mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, benzene, and pesticides) present in Onondaga Lake were due to historical industrial pollution.

This experience, over 30 years ago, laid the foundation for my career during which I’ve combined my mechanical curiosity about how things work (engineering and manufacturing) with my passion for nature and environmental protection. Ultimately, I found a fulfilling career in engineering that aligns with both my technical interests and my commitment to preserving the environment.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

For the past 17-18 years at AECOM, I have been working with a nutritional supplement firm in West Michigan, primarily focusing on their wastewater facility. Increased manufacturing facility production and changing wastewater streams put stress on the wastewater treatment facility. This requires continual reevaluation, improvements and upgrades to the wastewater systems to ensure environmental compliance.  The current treatment process includes equalization of high strength wastewater followed by dissolved air flotation (DAF), biological treatment, clarification, filtration and UV disinfection prior to a surface water discharge.  

Over the years, I’ve collaborated with many of the client’s staff, becoming a steadfast presence and a vital repository of institutional knowledge. My extensive experience has empowered me to support the current team in planning and implementing system upgrades and process improvements. By leveraging my deep understanding of the client’s wastewater treatment system and operations, I’ve helped ensure the ongoing efficiency and effectiveness of their wastewater management.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the main products of this West Michigan-based nutritional supplement company is infant formula. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when West Michigan was largely shut down, I was responsible for an ongoing project at this facility that needed to be completed. Since the production of infant formula was deemed essential, the facility was allowed to continue operating.

I vividly remember those days, driving to the facility daily to oversee the construction of a new wastewater equalization tank. The typically very busy highways were almost empty, but our work had to continue to ensure the uninterrupted production of this essential product. This experience stands out to me as a significant effort to keep things moving and support the essential needs of people during a challenging time.

Share a piece of career advice.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Every experience is a learning opportunity, and you never know where it might lead you or how it could shape your career.

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Tom Fini is Process Mechanical Lead for AECOM’s New York Metro region, specializing in the design of pumping systems, force mains, and water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. As a member of our Process Mechanical and Pumping Systems Technical Practice Group, Tom oversees standards, master specifications, and the design of mechanical process systems, materials handling, and chemical storage and feed systems.

In this Deep Dive, we are highlighting how Tom and his team enhanced the reliability of New York City’s sewer infrastructure by rehabilitating the Avenue U Pumping Station, while implementing innovative strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations during the upgrade.

In urban environments, rehabilitating critical infrastructure like pumping stations presents a unique set of challenges, especially when continuous operation is non-negotiable. The Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation project in Brooklyn, New York City (NYC), exemplifies innovative engineering solutions to these challenges. The pumping station serves the community by collecting and pumping wastewater from the surrounding area to the treatment facility, preventing flooding and ensuring the safe and reliable conveyance of sewage. It plays a critical role in protecting public health and maintaining environmental standards in Brooklyn.

Serving the community for decades, the station faced aging equipment, structural vulnerabilities and limited operational flexibility. The challenge, therefore, was to modernize the station while keeping it fully operational throughout the construction process. The project is not only addressing immediate infrastructure needs but also serves as a model for future rehabilitation efforts. As cities worldwide grapple with aging infrastructure, the lessons from Avenue U will guide engineers and policymakers in maintaining essential services during complex upgrades.

Tell us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it delivering a better world?

The Avenue U Pumping Station is certainly one of the most impactful projects I’ve delivered. As the design manager for this project, I led a multidisciplinary team to address the complex challenges of upgrading this critical piece of infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted operations. The Avenue U Pumping Station is a cornerstone of the city’s wastewater management system, and its rehabilitation is essential to ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of this vital infrastructure.

With the design phase now complete and the project moving into the bid phase, we are one step closer to realizing the tangible outcomes of this work. The upgrades will improve the operational efficiency of the pumping station, reducing the risk of system failures and extending its service life by decades. This will directly contribute to environmental sustainability by preventing potential wastewater overflows, which can have severe ecological and public health impacts. Notably, this project is pursuing at least Gold Envision Certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and resilience. Economically, the project will ensure uninterrupted wastewater services for thousands of residents and businesses, avoiding costly disruptions and maintaining the quality of life in the community.

Upholding our Sustainable Legacies principles, the project aligns with our commitment to sustainable infrastructure. By implementing innovative solutions to maintain continuous operations during construction, we are minimizing the project’s environmental footprint and ensuring positive social impacts by safeguarding essential services for the community.

What was a key challenge you/your team faced while working on this project? How did you solve it?

The primary challenge was designing a rehabilitation plan for the pumping station that would allow it to remain fully operational throughout the construction process. This required developing a comprehensive bypass pumping system capable of handling the station’s full capacity without interrupting service. The complexity of working in a dense urban environment, with limited space and strict regulatory requirements, added another layer of difficulty.

As the design manager, I played a central role in coordinating with the client, contractors, and other stakeholders to develop an innovative bypass system that is both constructible and resilient. My responsibilities included managing the design team, ensuring seamless communication across disciplines, and aligning our approach with the client’s goals and regulatory requirements. We conducted detailed hydraulic modeling and risk assessments to ensure the system could handle peak flows and unexpected scenarios. One key innovation was incorporating an interconnecting pipe between two influent manholes at the pumping station, replicating existing conditions and enhancing system flexibility.

A memorable breakthrough moment came when we finalized the design of the bypass system, ensuring it met all operational and regulatory requirements. This was a testament to the team’s meticulous planning, collaboration and leadership. My role involved not only bringing unique ideas to the table, such as optimizing the layout of the bypass system to minimize space requirements but also ensuring that these ideas were executed effectively through close coordination with all parties involved.

How has AECOM enabled you and your teams to cultivate the expertise needed to deliver the Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation project — and future work like it?

AECOM has been instrumental in providing the resources, support and collaborative environment needed to deliver complex projects like the Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation. Our emphasis on technical excellence and innovation allowed our team to leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies, such as advanced hydraulic modeling. In particular, AECOM’s Water Technical Academy has been an invaluable resource, offering specialized courses on water and wastewater engineering topics that have deepened our team’s expertise and kept us at the forefront of industry advancements.  As the design manager, I drew on our global expertise and best practices to guide the team and deliver a design that meets the client’s needs.

This project has also provided an excellent opportunity for professional growth. I was able to develop new skills in project management, stakeholder coordination and innovative problem-solving. Additionally, I had the chance to mentor junior team members, helping them broaden their expertise in process mechanical design. Leading a diverse team through such a complex project reinforced the importance of clear communication, adaptability and fostering a collaborative culture.

The lessons learned from this project have prepared me and my team to tackle similar challenges in the future. We’ve gained valuable insights into designing resilient infrastructure in urban environments and maintaining operational continuity during complex upgrades. This experience has shaped my approach to future work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in delivering infrastructure solutions that truly make a difference.

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Patrick Willis is a skilled project manager and civil engineer with over 18 years of planning, design and construction experience working on dam and hydropower projects and leading interdisciplinary project teams. He is passionate about transformative projects that balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. Whether it’s rehabilitating critical dams, modernizing hydropower systems, or pioneering pumped storage projects, he is inspired by the potential to make a lasting impact on communities.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I’m originally from rural Vermont, where my passion for engineering began. My father, a geotechnical engineer, ran a small engineering business, and from a young age I helped him around the office and did field work, surveying, and geotechnical investigations. My love for math, science and the outdoors led me to pursue a degree in environmental engineering at Tufts University. Combining these interests has been at the core of my career ever since.

AECOM has allowed me to merge my focus on the environment and sustainability with infrastructure development. Our work in hydropower and pumped storage aligns with my personal goals, especially as the pumped storage market plays a critical role in the energy transition. It provides the long-duration energy storage needed to bring more wind and solar power online, and I’m excited to contribute to this important effort.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on at AECOM is the proposed Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project in eastern Kentucky. This 287-megawatt project, led by Rye Development, is more than just an engineering challenge; it’s a symbol of transformation. Coal industry jobs in southeastern Kentucky have sustained a significant loss in the transition away from coal, creating a significant economic impact. This project is located on a former coal mining site and will repurpose impacted land to bring economic revitalization to the community. At the same time, it’s playing a critical role in our energy transition, enabling more renewable energy to come online.

As the project manager, I’m leading a talented team of 50 individuals through the preliminary design phase. This project represents a long-term commitment to sustainability and community impact. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an effort that addresses economic, environmental, and energy challenges all at once.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

My work at AECOM often intersects with meaningful community impact, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Dam Safety Program is a great example. This BIA Dam Safety program oversees the safety of approximately 140 high-hazard dams on tribal lands. We’ve supported the BIA for several years with a dedicated team based in Denver, and I serve as the overall program manager.

Many of these dam structures are over a century old and in need of critical rehabilitation. There is limited information available on them, and many have been neglected over time, posing significant risks, including potential failure that could devastate downstream communities. Through this program, my team and I support the BIA to assess, prioritize, and design improvements for these dams, ensuring safety for tribal communities and preserving vital infrastructure.

Share a piece of career advice.

One piece of advice I always share with younger team members is this: whatever task you’re given, especially by leaders that you look up to, knock it out of the park. Develop a reputation of dependability. Delivering excellence, no matter how small or large the task, builds trust and opens doors to new opportunities. It’s something I’ve tried to practice throughout my career, and it’s a principle that has served me well in building relationships and advancing in this field.

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