Water Conservation Industry Virtual Career Panel

About the Panelists

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  Ken Burke ’93, M.B.A.’10

  Associate Director of Capital Projects, University of Rhode Island

  

  Ken Burke ’93, M.B.A.’10

  Associate Director of Capital Projects, University of Rhode Island

  Ken Burke is the associate director of capital projects for URI, where he coordinates the planning, design and construction of transportation and major infrastructure projects, and oversees all other construction projects at the Kingston and Narragansett Bay campuses. Ken is also the chairman of the Town of South Kingstown’s Bike & Pedestrian Advisory committee, which developed the Town’s first bike/pedestrian master plan, elevating transportation options throughout South County. Ken previously served as the general manager and treasurer of the Rhode Island Water Resources Board, where he was responsible for “managing the proper development, utilization and conservation of water resources” of the state of RI. Ken led the development of the state’s water resources master plan in 2012 with a vision for water use and conservation aligned with targeted development from other statewide planning resources. As the director of public works in Cranston and Westerly, he managed all municipal infrastructure including public water and wastewater systems. Ken is a professional engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the public and private sectors, serving on local boards and commissions and nonprofits, including the Town of South Kingstown’s 300th Anniversary Planning Committee.

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  Dylan Eberle, M.S.’12, Ph.D.’15

  Professional Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants

  

  Dylan Eberle, M.S.’12, Ph.D.’15

  Professional Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants

  Dylan Eberle, M.S.’12, Ph.D.’15 is a professional scientist with Geosyntec Consultants in Acton, Massachusetts. Dr. Eberle earned a B.A. in geology from Bates College in 2008 before receiving his masters and Ph.D. from URI in environmental and earth sciences. As an environmental consultant, he has developed expertise in site characterization, litigation support, innovative remediation technologies, and emerging contaminants. His experience with emerging contaminants includes working on sites contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane, along with lead authorship on publications in chemosphere and environmental science and technology. Dr. Eberle’s PFAS experience has included leading site investigations, developing and evaluating conceptual site models, litigation support, environmental fingerprinting/forensics, treatment technologies, and reviewing current and historic industrial operations to evaluate their potential for PFAS emissions into the environment. Dr. Eberle has provided technical expertise on multiple PFAS litigation projects, including serving as an expert witness.

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  Jordanne Feldman ’19

  Student Services Coordinator, School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  

  Jordanne Feldman ’19

  Student Services Coordinator, School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  Jordanne Feldman graduated from URI in 2019 with a B.S. in geology and geological oceanography and a graduate certificate in hydrology. She has worked in environmental consulting, the nonprofit world, and even completed an AmeriCorps term on Cape Cod. Now, she works for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in their School of Science Dean’s Office so she can inspire students to chase their dreams and learn about the possibilities that lie ahead. Jordanne is passionate about conservation and water resources.

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  CJ Spellman, M.S.’20, Ph.D.’22

  Environmental Engineer, Narragansett Bay Commission

  

  CJ Spellman, M.S.’20, Ph.D.’22

  Environmental Engineer, Narragansett Bay Commission

  CJ Spellman earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in civil engineering from URI as a member of the Water for the World environmental engineering research lab, where he studied novel, green treatment methods for drinking water and wastewater. Dr. Spellman now works as a staff environmental engineer for the Narragansett Bay Commission in Providence, the largest wastewater authority in Rhode Island. Dr. Spellman is also an appointed member of Rhode Island’s state board of certification of wastewater treatment plant operators.