UCLA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

CEE 200: Environmental Engineering and Hydrology & Water Resources

Research and Development in Environmental Remediation – An Illustration from The Dow Company

Dr. Claudia Walecka-Hutchison

Dow Inc., Midland, Michigan

Abstract:  As one of the world’s largest chemical companies, The Dow Chemical Company leads the industry in product research and development.  But did you know that Dow also is a recognized leader in the science for studying mechanisms of degradation and fate of chemistry in the environment?  Understanding the degradation pathways and environmental fate is not only beneficial for the development of new and more sustainable “green” chemistries, but also in designing remediation technologies for cleanup. In addition to conducting decades of internal environmental research, Dow’s scientists have collaborated with governmental agencies, industry, and academia from the infancy of remediation impacting the field from technology development, implementation, and acceptance.   As environmental restoration evolves in both treatment and nature of contaminants, so does Dow’s commitment to partnerships, collaboration and research toward greener and more sustainable remediation.  This talk will cover highlights of select internal and collaborative remediation studies.

Biography:  Claudia Walecka-Hutchison is an EH&S Remediation Manager at The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI.  In this capacity, Claudia is involved in developing site-specific solutions for Dow’s global remediation portfolio.  Dr. Walecka-Hutchison also maintains various active research studies.  Claudia specializes in bioremediation and fate and transport and has expertise working with petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and emerging contaminants.  Prior to joining Dow in 2013 she worked for URS, LDEQ and Northern Arizona University.  Claudia received a Ph.D. in Soil, Water and Environmental Science in 2005 an MS in Hydrology in 1999 from the University of Arizona.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 12:00 – 12:50 PM

CS 24 Young Hall