Erica McKenzie, Ph.D. – Temple University

Bio: Erica McKenzie grew up in Montana, initially with the plan of becoming an MD. However, after some exposure to materials engineering, and a story about an environmental engineering that would kayak to collect samples, she adopted environmental engineering as an undergraduate major at Colorado State University. While completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. McKenzie also spent two summer paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park, and also participated in research on particles in streams, nitrogen in groundwater, efficacy of chemical disinfectants against biofilms, and cell stress responses. She completed an M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at University of California at Davis, where her research focused on non-point sources of metals and their interactions with particles and organic matter. After earning a Ph.D., Dr. McKenzie completed two postdoctoral research positions. The first was a collaborative effort with mechanical engineers at the Western Cooling Efficiency Center, working to understand the water-energy nexus and potential benefits and challenges associated with evaporative condenser AC units for use in hot arid climates. In her second postdoc, Dr. McKenzie moved back to Colorado to work at Colorado School of Mines to evaluate perfluoroalkyl substance movement in groundwater. In January 2015, Dr. McKenzie joined the faculty in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Temple University where her research group focuses on the fate and transport of chemical contaminants in natural and engineered systems.

Motivation: I have served on the board of directors for HDC SETAC for three years. I found this experience rewarding and would like to continue. Broadly, I think that professional societies play a critical role in providing opportunities for professional networking and for knowledge dissemination. However, these functions can only be achieved through volunteer efforts. While it is easy to focus on national and international components, but the regional and local chapters are critical for many regions, including that they can focus on regional challenges, create connections among regional partners, and provide lower cost opportunities for engagement.