Michael Foster
CEO, CET, and Principal Consultant
foster@ebsbiowizard.com

Mike started EBS in 1997 after a thirteen-year career with a major supplier of wastewater treatment chemicals and bioaugmentation cultures. EBS provides training and consulting services, as well as nutrients and biological products to industrial wastewater treatment systems, primarily in the pulp and paper industry. His clients include International Paper Company, Temple-Inland, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Domtar, Graphic Packaging, and many more.

Mike has conducted several wastewater seminars for organizations, such as MS Water Environment Association (MWEA), the Arkansas DEQ, the Arkansas Environmental Federation (AEF) and the Technical Association for the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). He has presented on various nutrient topics for several National Council on Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) Webinars. Mike authored numerous articles and papers on topics including nutrient optimization, activated sludge process control, bioaugmentation and micronutrient technology. He is the co- author of the manual entitled “Aerated Stabilization Basins in the Pulp and Paper Industry.”

Mike received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980. He is a Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) in wastewater and holds Class IV Wastewater Operator Licenses in MS, LA and AR. In 2004, he completed a Masters in Instructional Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mike is a member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Louisiana and Mississippi Water Environment Associations (LWEA and MWEA), and the National Environmental Trainers Association (NESHTA). EBS is a member of NCASI. In 2005, Mike received the Roy F. Weston Prize for Outstanding Technical Contributions to the TAPPI Environmental Division.

Christine Foster
President
cfoster@ebsbiowizard.com

Christine Foster is President of EBS, joining EBS in 2002 as Operations Manager and then as General Manager. Christine manages all the business, marketing, and personnel aspects of EBS. This includes meeting client needs for product, information, and insurance issues, office and lab expansions, P&L responsibilities, personnel issues, and more.

Christine began her professional career in 1985 as a Sales Representative in the Formulator Group for Buckman Laboratories of Memphis, TN. In 1987, she joined Nalco Chemical Company as a field sales representative for the Metal Industries Chemicals Group. From there, Christine held various technical support and marketing positions for the North American and European Paper Industry Chemicals Group and the Absorbent Chemicals Group before leaving Nalco in 1998. She has written several industry related articles.

Christine earned her B.S. in Biology and a Minor in Management from Purdue University in 1985. In December 2003, she completed an MBA program through the University of New Orleans (UNO). Christine is a member of the 2007 Leadership St. Tammany West Class. Leadership St. Tammany was created in 1993 out of recognition that the future of St. Tammany Parish (County) is tied directly to the quality and voluntary contributions of its leadership. The program was organized to develop future leaders who have a clear understanding of the total community system and are committed to its advancement.

Christine is a Board Member for the New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association having served as President and four other positions since 1998. She has been a member of TAPPI and the Professional Women of St. Tammany and is currently a member of the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. Christine is also one of the founding board members for the Harvey L. Foster Foundation for Science Education started by Christine and Mike Foster in 2007. In 2011, she joined the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) in Covington, LA as a Committee Member. Finally, Christine volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, joining the EBS women employees on a Women’s Build project, and is a member of the Krewe of Lyra, a Mardi Gras organization.

Beth Dillman
Vice President of Wastewater Services
dillman@ebsbiowizard.com

Beth Dillman is the Vice President of Wastewater Services. Beth started her career with EBS in 2005 and has performed in a variety of technical support and managerial jobs. Her responsibilities growing over the years. As Field Specialist, Beth serviced several papermill accounts. As Project Manager, Beth conducted and wrote ASB assessments and performed tracer/depth studies. With her current responsibilities, Beth oversees the field team of personnel, coordinating technical, personnel, and equipment services for accounts, new and old, and the laboratories, coordinating projects and research implemented in those areas.

Prior to joining EBS, Beth was a Chemical/Process Engineer for Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), Westinghouse Savannah River Site, subcontractor for the Department of Energy (DOE), in Aiken SC. She was responsible for design changes, was a liaison with the research laboratory, supported production and startup testing groups, developed training and procedures, and performed process safety/hazards reviews. Beth worked during construction and startup of this high level radioactive waste disposal facility and served as a technical expert for the process.

Beth earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at North Carolina State University in 1988 and worked as a Co-op student for DuPont at their Fayetteville Works location in NC. She is a member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and joins EBS at NCASI workshops.

Beth became a member of “Meningioma Mommas” in 2009, a group which provides support, resources, awareness and funding for research for Meningioma type brain tumors.

J’ohnnie Wilson
Director of Client Services
wilson@ebsbiowizard.com

J’ohnnie Wilson is the Director of Client Services for EBS in Mandeville, LA. J’ohnnie joined EBS in August 2007 after a twelve-year career in the environmental department of a major paper mill. She also worked as a microbiologist and chemist in the simulations lab for a biological products company and as a chemist for an analytical testing laboratory.

J’ohnnie provides training and on-site consulting for the optimization of wastewater treatment systems. She assists plant environmental departments with their laboratory testing methodology and lab layout and performs lab and/or safety audits. J’ohnnie’s team of individuals is responsible for the training side of EBS from our in-house semi-annual Industrial Wastewater Treatment Seminars, to onsite, and further development of our online training programs. Finally, J’ohnnie maintains and develops relationships with EBS current and potential distributors and partners to provide value added services to our clients.

J’ohnnie received her B.S. degree in Microbiology from Louisiana State University and has a background in Chemistry. She has seventeen years of experience in the fields of chemical testing, microbiological testing, and wastewater treatment troubleshooting. She currently holds a license as a Certified Wastewater Lab Analyst in the State of Georgia and with the Association of Boards of Certification and Operators certifications for Class 2 Wastewater Treatment and Class 2 Wastewater Collections in LA. She is a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). J’ohnnie serves as the Training Chair for the Louisiana Water Environment Association (LWEA) and the Lab Coordinator for the Mississippi Water Environmental Association (MWEA). As part of her safety role, she completed a 30-hour training course in General Industry Occupational Safety and Health Standards and is a member of the National Safety Council (NSC).

J’ohnnie also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and joined the EBS women employees on a Women’s Build project for that group.

Sheila Burnette
Accountant
burnette@ebsbiowizard.com

Sheila Burnette joined EBS in June 2011 as an Accountant and works in the Mandeville, LA headquarters. She has a 30 year background in accounting and business finance from manufacturing to environmental construction. Sheila’s responsibilities include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, day-to-day business operations and assisting with fulfilling various client needs such as safety packets, MSDSs, and certificates of insurance.

Prior to joining EBS, Sheila worked in various accounting positions in Mandeville and Florida for five other companies.

Sheila began her education to advance in the positions she found herself growing into, in the area of accounting, business management and business finance. However, she furthered her education in Theology and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Word of Faith Bible College in New Orleans  LA in 1988 and is a member of Life Gate and MFI (Ministers Fellowship International) After that, she took a number of courses in Accounting and Business Management Delgado Community College of New Orleans.

Sheila is a member of ASWA (American Society of Women Accountants) and former member of NATP (National Association of Tax Professionals). She and her husband spend their spare time helping others in need. They counsel both young and old in a variety of areas, in both private and in group settings, who have been abused, abandoned, neglected and needy, from homelessness and hopelessness to success. They teach on various topics helping the abuser and the abused, dealing with grief, how to overcome past hurts, and others. As a team, they continue to study and address the many issues that today’s society is faced with.

Nathan Cannino
IT/Graphics and Training Specialist
cannino@ebsbiowizard.com

Nathan Cannino joined EBS in December of 2011 as an IT/Graphics Intern and became a full time employee February 2012. He works in the training department for Ms. J’ohnnie Wilson alongside Marie Tranchina where he is developing training materials for our online training courses. Nathan is also be responsible for graphic design and videos used for training and marketing purposes, assisting with our IT needs, and maintaining the EBS website.

Nathan received a B.S. of General Studies in Applied Sciences from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2011. While attending SELU, he was a student worker who aided in maintaining the University’s website, fulfilled various IT needs, and performed web publishing. In addition, Nathan had graphics design and IT, website, and networking responsibilities for several companies.

Dong Hyun Chon, Ph.D.
Lead Treatability Engineer
chon@ebsbiowizard.com

Dr. Dong Chon joined EBS in 2011 as a Group Leader for the microbiological side of the EBS laboratories and is currently the Lead Treatability Engineer for Respirometry. He is charged with developing the Treatability Lab into a viable business unit within EBS. As part of this goal, Dong will investigate new procedures, techniques, and equipment in the area of respirometry that can expand or enhance EBS’s capabilities and offerings to our clients.

Dong’s doctoral research focused on the investigation of excess sludge reduction in wastewater treatment and investigating its main mechanism related to extracellular polymeric substance or EPS, cations, and enzymes. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dong worked as a Researcher for the Korea Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Division in the Korea Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (KIEST) in Seoul, South Korea where he verified wastewater treatment technologies. Prior to that he was an Engineer for EnviroEnergetics of Wisconsin Incorporated in Milwaukee, WI where he worked on a feasibility study of pilot-scale two-phase anaerobic digestion for food waste. He worked as a Research Assistant for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and was involved with the design and operation of a laboratory ANAMMOX PROCESS using granular cell and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket and fundamental analysis for wastewater and effluent. Dong worked as an Engineer for both Tyco Thermal Controls Korea and ECOPHILE Company. He received an award in 1998 for Best Construction for designing an activated sludge process to treat wastewater while serving in the South Korean R.O.T.C.

Dong received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Environmental Engineering. His Dissertation Prospectus Title was “Investigation of Excess Sludge Reduction by an Anaerobic Side-Stream Treatment: The Role of EPS and Enzymes in Sludge Floc.” He has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg VA where his Master Thesis was “Performance and Mechanisms of Excess Sludge Reduction in the Cannibal Process.” As a Research Assistant for Virginia Tech, Dong studied excess sludge reduction in the activated sludge process, CANNIBAL™ PROCESS. And he has a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Korea University in Seoul, South Korea.

Dr. Chon’s research interests are in activated sludge, biofilm, and membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment systems; anaerobic digestion and renewable bioenergy: hydrogen and methane; reduction of excess sludge generation; the role of metals and extracellular polymeric substances in bacterial aggregation; metaproteomics and metagenomics; phosphorus recovery; and hazardous waste management.

Although Dr. Chon and his family have only been in Louisiana for a short while, he hopes to become more involved with the Korean community located in the New Orleans surrounding areas.

John Daniel
National Sales Manager
daniel@ebsbiowizard.com

John Daniel began working with EBS in March, 2013 as a National Sales Manager. John brings a total of 25 years experience in sales and marketing with Olin Chemicals, US Borax and Union Carbide. His career in water treatment began with Nalco Chemicals working as product marketer in the wastewater products marketing group and then in private label sales for BIO-SYSTEMS International where he focused on bio-augmentation and nutrient products for wastewater systems and Janitorial/Sanitation markets.

John earned a B.S. in Physics from Montclair University in 1988 and an MBA from Loyola University, Chicago, in 1998.

He supports Elim Christian School, a school for special needs children, and Heifer International.

Dorothy DeCarli
Senior Wastewater Consultant
ddecarli@windstream.net

Dorothy DeCarli joined EBS in 2004 as a Senior Wastewater Consultant in central Pennsylvania. Dorothy currently has account responsibilities in the Pennsylvania area with her consulting expertise utilized at two papermills.

Dorothy began her professional career servicing chlorine dioxide generation equipment for Rio Linda Chemicals, a division of Vulcan Material Company (VMC). Her career with VMC included pulp and paper chemical sales and service with Vulcan Chemical Technologies and Callaway Chemical Company. Dorothy also spent 5 years at Weyerhaeuser Company (currently Domtar) working as a Process Engineer with direct operating control of the wastewater treatment plant.

Dorothy earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University in 1995. She has volunteered as a member of the School Board for Anne Forbes Preschool in Ridgway, PA and assists with Girls Scouts of America.

Donna Drummond
Distributor Support
drummond@ebsbiowizard.com

Donna Drummond started working with EBS in 2007. She is responsible for growing EBS’s wastewater presence in the chemical processing and refining industries. She presently lives in Sugar Land, Texas.

Donna comes to EBS after a fifteen year career as a sales representative and district account manager with Nalco Chemical Company in the Basic Industries Group. She has extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment working in chemical and refining plants in both Texas and Louisiana. She has served as Shell’s TSO (Technical Support to Operations) in the Shell Norco Refinery in Louisiana. Prior to Nalco, Donna worked for Conoco (now Conoco/Phillips) in the Natural Gas and Gas Processing Plants (NG&GP) in their engineering management program. While with Conoco, she worked as a project engineer in their Conoco-Houston projects group as well as a field engineer in their gas plants, gas gathering system and refineries.

Donna earned her B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1985. Donna belongs to the AIChe (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and is a life member of Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society.

She has served in numerous activities including as a leader of two Girl Guide organizations in Canada, on Lakecrest School PTO board, as the secretary of St. John’s Newcomer’s club, as a CASA volunteer (Child Advocates of Ft. Bend), and she currently tutors students in chemistry at a Sugar Land high school.

Kermit Francis
Project Manager
francis@ebsbiowizard.com

Kermit Francis joined EBS in April 2008 as a Wastewater Project Specialist. Kermit’s specialty is conducting tracer studies and depth surveys on wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, Kermit coordinates the water quality and fish population studies on the Pearl River for two area paper mills. Kermit was recently promoted to Project Manager where he supervises David Spencer and Ryan Frught on special projects.

Prior to joining EBS, Kermit worked in a variety of environmental positions in both the private and public sector. These include stints with Anne Arundel County Department of Health, The Shaw Group, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).

Kermit received a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Orleans (UNO) in 1999. He is a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Kermit also volunteers time with Habitat for Humanity.

Ryan Frught
Environmental Specialist
frught@ebsbiowizard.com

Ryan Frught joined EBS in September 2011 as an Environmental Intern. His good nature and willingness to immerse himself in the projects EBS gets involved with quickly earned him a permanent position with EBS in December. Ryan works with the Project Group and Kermit Francis in performing many of the tracer and depth studies at client sites. In addition, Ryan works on several paper mill rivers pulling samples for fish and/or water quality data which helps determine how a mill’s discharge might be impacting the local waterway.

Ryan graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in Spring 2011. He has a B.S. in Biological Sciences with relevant coursework in Ecology and Conservation Biology. EBS is Ryan’s first post-graduation career. But prior and post-graduation in 2011, he held several jobs at the university performing biological field work.

Emily Gelder
Environmental Chemist
gelder@ebsbiowizard.com

Emily joined EBS in November 2010 as a Chemist and works at the EBS labs in Mandeville LA. She supports client applications from across the United States via laboratory analysis of incoming samples. Emily also provides field support of local clients when needed. She was instrumental in assisting a paper mill on the Mississippi River overcome flooding during the Spring 2011 floods and getting them back into operation.

EBS is Emily’s first job post-college. She graduated from Drake University in Des Moines,IA in December 2009 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Chemistry. While in school, her Senior Capstone project was to complete a watershed mitigation plan for Camp Creek in eastern Polk County, IA for the Metro Waste Authority. She worked with Dr. Gholam A. Mirafzal on the Synthesis of 1,5-Diene Derivatives to Investigate Site-Selectivity in the Epoxidation Reaction with Dioxirane. Emily also worked on prairie restoration at the Loess Hills south of Council Bluffs.

Emily received several awards in school. She was the 2008 Recipient of the Marguarite Wilson Scholarship in Chemistry, became a member of Beta Beta Beta, the National Honors Society for Biology in 2008, received the 2006 recipient of the Drake Community Service Award – Special Merit, the 2005 Recipient of the Drake Presidential Scholarship , and was a 2005 Illinois State Scholar.

Emily has performed a variety of volunteer work. While at Drake, she was a fundraiser and event coordinator for the on campus Hurricane Katrina relief effort. She was a Kindergarten Religious Education Teacher for St. Catherine of Sienna at the Drake University Newman Center, was involved in the Drake University Diversity Leadership Retreat, and was a Historian on the Executive Council of La Fuerza Latina.

Stephen Greer, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Specialist
greer@ebsbiowizard.com 

Stephen Greer joined EBS in March 2012 as a Senior Environmental Specialist. Stephen lives in Brewton, Alabama and works with the field technical support team covering EBS clients located in that vicinity. He is responsible for monitoring clients’ wastewater treatment systems and maintaining effectiveness of their WWTP biological programs to ensure compliance.

Most recently, Stephen was a Senior Scientist for an algae biotech company in Brownsville,TX where he developed patented methods for large scale culture and genetic optimization of microbial strains for use in bio-diesel production. Prior to that, he was research geneticist with the USDA-ARS (Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory) in Poplarville, Mississippi, and he also did plant genomics research at the University of British Columbia. While in graduate school, Stephen was a National Science Foundation fellow for three years, performing research, teaching and developing new science curricula for GK-12 education. After university, Stephen was an Assistant Professor of Biology for three years at Geneva College in Pennsylvania.

As a scientist, Stephen has considerable experience in microbial ecology, phycology, and plant physiology, having authored, co-authored and reviewed numerous publications in these fields. He has been a member of various professional scientific organizations such as the American Society of Microbiology, the Phycological Society of America, and the American Society of Horticultural Science and he has participated and presented in wide variety of professional scientific meetings.

Stephen earned his B.S in Biology from Grove City College in 1993 and his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL in 2003. He is currently pursuing ordination as a lay minister in the United Methodist Church, has a small computer repair and IT consultation business, and enjoys gardening and plant breeding in his spare time. Lately, he has been assisting with the Boy Scouts and helping build a Habitat House.

Nathan Hathaway
Environmental Specialist
hathaway@ebsbiowizard.com

Nathan Hathaway joined EBS in January 2013 as an Environmental Specialist. Nathan is currently on assignment at an EBS client site until mid-2013 assisting that mill in a variety of environmental related activities. After this time, he will join us in Mandeville working with the laboratory teams in processing and troubleshooting client samples as well as assisting with EBS and client research projects.

Nathan began his professional career in 2012 as a Laboratory Analyst with Analytical & Environmental Testing, Incorporated of Baton Rouge, LA. There he was responsible for the analysis of environmental samples and entering data into the network database. He was qualified to perform a number of tests utilizing an array of equipment.

Nathan earned a B.S. in Microbiology/Molecular Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) of Hammond, LA in May 2012. He has an Associate of Science in Natural/Physical Science from Baton Rouge Community College as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology from Louisiana Technical College

Julianna Isaac
Microbiologist
isaac@ebsbiowizard.com

Julianna Isaac joined EBS in August 2011 as a Microbiologist and currently works in the EBS Microbiology Lab. Julianna is responsible for processing the microbiological results of all clients’ samples that arrive at EBS. She evaluates samples under the microscope, takes photographs and videos, and develops the reports of sample results. She is also involved in researching and developing new microbiological analytical techniques that assist EBS in learning more about the sample and how the representative sample is functioning within the wastewater treatment plant.

EBS is Julianna’s first post-graduate career move. Prior to joining EBS, Julianna completed her courses to obtain her M.S. in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in Hammond LA. She is set to officially graduate in May 2012. Julianna also holds a B.S. in Biology from Mississippi State University of Starkville,MS 2008.

While at SELU, Julianna performed environmental microbiology research looking at the impacts of freshwater diversions on methanogen and methanotroph populations. As an undergraduate research assistant at Mississippi State University, she performed research involving microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) and ethanol production. Julianna has co-published several articles involving microbiological topics.

Jeff LaVoie
Senior Wastewater Consultant
jlavoie1@nycap.rr.com

Jeff LaVoie joined EBS in 2004 as a part-time Senior Wastewater Consultant located in Ticonderoga NY. He works with clients located in the Northeast USA and Eastern Canada.

Jeff began his professional career in 1979 as a Research Scientist for International Paper at their Sterling Forest Research Facility. From 1983 through 1989, he worked as the Laboratory, Environmental and Industrial Hygiene Manager at IP’s Pine Bluff facility. Jeff worked at Boise Cascade, International Falls for one year before returning to IP as the Quality Control Superintendent at their Natchez Mill. In 1993, Jeff went to IP’s Erling Riis Research Laboratory and then joined the Environmental group at IP’s Technology Center in Loveland OH where he serviced all IP wastewater treatment facilities and implemented the EPA’s Best Management Practices portion of the Cluster Rules. Jeff spent three years at Ticonderoga as a Wastewater Engineer before beginning a teaching career and pursuing a part time career with EBS utilizing his past expertise.

Jeff earned his B.S. in Chemistry from American International College, Springfield,MA in May 1979. In January 2006, he completed a MSEd in secondary education from SUNY Plattsburgh, NY. Jeff is primarily a high school chemistry and physics teacher who services local wastewater facilities during school breaks and via the internet.

Jeff enjoys refereeing high school soccer matches. He also works in a liaison group with the American Chemical Society as one of 10 high school teachers from upstate NY to California who meet annually to (a) get ACS more involved with high school chemistry and (b) set up a core curriculum so that all chemistry teachers across America are sending students to college with the same background.

Blaine Lee
Environmental Specialists
lee@ebsbiowizard.com

(Jason) Blaine Lee joined EBS in January 2013 as an Environmental Intern. Blaine works with the laboratory teams processing and troubleshooting client samples as well as assisting the project group in supporting field projects.

EBS is Blaine’s first professional post-college assignment. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) of Oxford, MS in May 2011. There he researched gold nanoparticles, was a research lab assistant, was a peer leader, and tutored math, chemistry, and physics.

Lauren Liuzza
Environmental Specialists
liuzza@ebsbiowizard.com

Lauren Liuzza joined EBS in January 2013 as an Environmental Intern. Lauren works with the laboratory teams processing and troubleshooting client samples.

Lauren began her professional career as a Laboratory Analysis for the Louisiana State University Cotton Fiber Testing Lab. There she led the testing process for academic and commercial research and compiled analytical data and technical documents for time sensitive research.

She earned a B.S. in Environmental Management Systems from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, LA in December 2011. While there Lauren worked as an Undergraduate Researcher in the Louisiana State University Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Lab.

Josh Maxey
Senior Environmental Specialist
maxey@ebsbiowizard.com

Josh Maxey joined EBS January 2010 as an Environmental Specialist assigned to a paper mill in northern Louisiana. Josh’s responsibilities include data analysis of groundwater samples, daily field inspections, stormwater sampling and analysis, SPCC tank inspections, laboratory data analysis, DMRs and miscellaneous reporting, methanol sampling and hazardous waste pickup.

Josh began his career with the Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement group. He then worked for the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) in cataloging specimens. Just prior to joining EBS, Josh worked for Eagle Environmental Services as a Lab Technician assigned to the Graphic Packaging, West Monroe, LA paper mill.

Josh graduated in 2003 from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in Monroe, LA with a B.S. in Biology. He was involved with the Howard Hughes Biological Research Grant at ULM and was employed by ULM at the Museum of Natural History. Josh has been through the following schools of training: RCRA Hazardous Waste, DOT, he holds a Class II Wastewater Operator’s License in Collection and Treatment, holds a Class 1 Drinking Water Operator’s License in Collection, Treatment and Distribution, and has been to Smoke School.

Josh volunteers his time coaching Little League Baseball in his community.

Martin Maxwell
Environmental Specialist
maxwell@ebsbiowizard.com 

Martin Maxwell joined EBS in August 2012 as an Environmental Specialist working with respirometry and BAC unit technology development. His job is to support the growing treatability area of EBS, which utilizes a variety of respirometry technology to solve challenging client issues. Martin works with the setup, monitoring, and final data analysis of projects assigned to both the Challenge and Surcis respirometer systems. In addition, Martin will assist in developing, marketing, and supporting all aspects of EBS’s new distributorship of the Spanish Surcis respirometers. Finally, Martin supports the chemistry laboratory in processing client samples.

Martin was a graduate research assistant in the Department of Environmental Science while at Louisiana State University (LSU). As a research assistant, he managed a water quality and microbial ecology laboratory focusing on Louisiana coastal waters and wetlands. Before working at LSU, Martin was Civil Forfeiture Coordinator for the Arkansas 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney in Monticello, AR.

Martin earned a Master of Science degree from LSU in 2011 with a major in Environmental Sciences, minor in Environmental Toxicology, and concentration in Wetland Science and Management. His thesis research focused on the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of a Louisiana brackish marsh. Martin also holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

At LSU, Martin helped form the Coastal and Environmental Graduate Organization (CEGO). Its mission is to enrich the graduate experience of students interested in marine and environmental issues at Louisiana State University. Martin remains interested in the health and restoration of coastal Louisiana wetlands and water bodies.

Lauren Nimelstein
Environmental Specialist
nimelstein@ebsbiowizard.com 

 Lauren Nimelstein joined EBS in August 2012 as an Environmental Specialist. She works with the EBS chemistry and microbiology departments in Mandeville, Louisiana but Lauren’s main focus will be on supporting the microbiological laboratory with new and existing technology.

Lauren received her B.S. in Biology, an academic certificate in Forensic Science, and minors in chemistry and music from the University of North Texas in May 2010. She completed an internship with the University of North Texas Health Science Center where she studied the molecular methods of forensic genetics.

Lauren completed her M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida in December 2011. She was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Scholarship Award of 2011 for the U.S.F. Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology.

Lauren enjoys volunteering as a science fair judge and spending time with her family.

Herman Ohrt
Senior Wastewater Technician
6milegrove@gmail.com

Hermann Ohrt joined EBS as a Senior Consultant in mid-2009 after retiring as Utility Superintendent for Cognis Corporation in Kankakee, IL. Hermann works with the EBS clientele in the Illinois and surrounding areas. He assists clients in monitoring their wastewater treatment facilities, troubleshooting issues, and running pond studies.

Herman began his professional career as a pipefitter and machinery overhaul technician for General Mills Chemical Company (16 years). He then worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Henkel Corporation (10 years). Finally, Herman worked with Cognis Corporation for 12 years eventually becoming Utility Superintendent before retiring. At Cognis, Herman was responsible for an activated sludge WWT plant, along with overseeing the running of all boilers, the nitrogen plant, firewater systems, all the underground piping (fresh water, fire water sewer) and nine cooling towers. Hermann also has an active K license for this plant. (The K license is the name for Illinois’ industrial wastewater treatment license.)

Hermann attended Kankakee Community College in Illinois taking courses in electronics, refrigeration, welding and small engine overhaul, eventually instructing some of these courses. He has been extensively trained in activated sludge systems by Michael Gerardie from Penn State.

Hermann has been married for over 40 years. He has been an Elder and the Secretary of his Church for the over 25 years and has served on the Grant Park School Board. He has been a Board of Director for the Cognis Credit Union for over 30 years and held the Chairman of the Board position for the majority of that time.

Heather Olivier
Microbiologist
olivier@ebsbiowizard.com 

Heather Olivier began with EBS in May 2012. She is a microbiologist and works with Julianna Isaac to evaluate client samples and create a report for the client describing the scenario, results, and providing comments and/or suggestions where needed. The goal of the micro team is to pursue higher level micro techniques using the fluorescent microscope, equipment, and procedures with the goal of enhancing the value of the information to assist in environmental compliance and troubleshooting of our client’s samples and systems.

EBS is Heather’s first post graduate job. She joins EBS having received a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in May 2012.

Allison Paine
Laboratory Manager
paine@ebsbiowizard.com

Allison Paine joined EBS in March 2010, working on the business side of the company assisting with all internal business action items such as in the accounting area as well as helping fulfill client needs such as safety packets, customer requested reports, and more. In April 2012, Allison was promoted to Operations Coordinator. In this role, she manages the chemistry and microbiology personnel as well as their activities and coordinates these activities across the various departments within EBS with regard to projects, laboratory work, client needs, and billing. Allison works at the Mandeville, LA head office for EBS.

Allison received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS in 1995. Her Major was in Biological Sciences/Environmental Biology and she has a Minor in Chemistry. Allison also has 15 Hours from the Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a true “local,” graduating from Mandeville High School.

Allison’s most recent work experience includes working as a Research Associate III from 2001 to 2006 for the National Hansens Disease Programs. There she performed a variety of research tasks including cytotoxicity assays, screening of drugs, determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of compounds, determination of Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of tuberculosis strains, and more. Jobs previous to that include work at Riverside Veterinary Hospital, Louisiana State University Medical Center as a Research Associate, and Biosyn Laboratories as a Formulary Chemist.

Allison currently donates a great deal of time to her children’s school where she assists with fundraising and performs extensive volunteer work. She was also a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster children in Baton Rouge, LA. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and joined the EBS women employees on a Women’s Build project for that group. She is also a participant with the American Marketing Association, New Orleans Chapter.

Aaron Peck, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Specialist
peck@ebsbiowizard.com

Aaron Peck joined EBS February 2011 as a Senior Environmental Specialist. Aaron lives in Savannah, GA and works with the field technical support team covering EBS clients located in that vicinity. He is responsible for monitoring client’s wastewater treatment systems and maintaining effectiveness of their WWTP biological programs.

Aaron was an Assistant Professor at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography where he managed a lab with its associated personnel. He was a Research Chemist for the National Institute of Standards and Technology and a Research Assistant for the University of Iowa. During that time he was involved with a variety of projects ranging from the role of vegetation in the global cycling of organic chemicals to the fate and cycling of emerging condiments in the Great Lakes to tracking cocaine and metabolites through wastewater treatment. Most recently, Aaron owned his own recycling business that covered the Savannah area.

Aaron received a B.S. in Chemistry and Geography in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering in 2004 from the University of Iowa. Aaron is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). He volunteers with Water Missions International (http://www.watermissions.org/), an organization that provides drinking water systems to developing countries.

Robin Schroeder
Global Key Client Manager, International Paper
schroeder@ebsbiowizard.com

Robin Schroeder joined EBS in August 2009 as an Environmental Specialist. She initially worked within the laboratories and serviced local clients. In the fall 2011, Robin was assigned to coordinate the activities of EBS’ field personnel, troubleshoot client issues across the country, support client needs for local clientele, and provide supports for projects such as river and tracer studies. In April 2012, Robin was promoted to Global Key Client Manager for all of EBS’s International Paper mill locations. This position ensures proper support and success of the EBS consulting, services, and programs across all of IP.

Robin began her professional career in 2007 working as a geotechnical and environmental consultant for URS of Baton Rouge, LA. She worked primarily in oil refineries through 2009. While with URS, Robin worked on numerous RFI Phase I and II projects, wastewater analyses, corrective action projects, and Environmental Site Assessments. She is proficient in all aspects of field work involving environmental sampling, environmental borings, well installations, and water monitoring.

Robin received a B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University in 2005. In 2011 she received an M.S. in Hydrogeology from the University of New Orleans (UNO). Robin holds a Class 4 Wastewater Operator License. She has presented and published a paper at the WEFTEC 2011 conference in Los Angeles, CA titled “Controlling benthic feedback in an aeration stabilization basin.”

Robin enjoys volunteering at local schools to do guest lectures on the physical and biological sciences and also enjoys teaching sailing to young children. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and joined the EBS women employees on a Women’s Build project for that group.

Kenny Smith
Equipment Reliability
smith@ebsbiowizard.com

Kenny Smith joined EBS in March 2004. His responsibilities include the development, construction and installation of all EBS patented Bacterial Acceleration Chambers (BAC Units) as well as the routine maintenance on all BAC Units and nutrient pumps across the country. Prior to moving in-house to the Mandeville LA offices, Kenny worked as an EBS employee assigned to maintain wastewater compliance during the plant closure and demolition of the International Paper Company in Natchez, Mississippi.

Before joining EBS, Kenny worked for 25 years at International Paper Company in Natchez, Mississippi. He worked as a power plant operator, control room operator, and a waste water treatment operator.

For those old enough to remember this TV show, EBS considers Kenny our “McGyver.” If he doesn’t know how to fix it, make it, or build it, he will figure it out.

Daniel Spaulding
Environmental Technician
spaulding@ebsbiowizard.com 

Daniel Spaulding joined EBS in February 2012 as an Environmental Technician. He currently works in the chemistry lab performing BODs and numerous other tests on client samples. Although a recent hire, Daniel isn’t new to EBS. He assisted EBS with frequent water sampling on the Pearl River over many months associated with client sites. He has also participated in several of our plant projects, helping the project group during client studies. Additionally, Daniel assures that EBS biological products are shipped out of our local warehouse in a timely manner, ensuring customer product requirements are met.

Daniel worked as a Chemistry and Analytical Laboratory Technician for Solvay Advanced Polymers in Bay St. Louis, MS. With Solvay, Daniel supported analytical, chemical and processing for operations and production. He managed QC/QA testing and performed many additional job functions required to maintain production.

David Spencer
Environmental Specialist
spencer@ebsbiowizard.com

David joined EBS in February 2011 as an Environmental Specialist. David works with Laboratory Manager Kermit Francis on field projects where they conduct tracer studies and depth surveys on wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, David assists Kermit in coordinating the water quality and fish population studies on the Pearl River for two area paper mills.

David worked as a Lab Technician II for the City of Lake Charles Wastewater from Fall 2008 until joining EBS. While there, he performed wastewater testing, monitoring, and evaluated results for the City of Lake Charles as well as individual treatment plants not affiliated with the main wastewater facilities. David compiled daily and monthly summary reports sent to The Department of Environmental Quality. Prior to that, David worked as a Courier for Loftin, Cain, Gabb, and Leblanc L.L.C.

David graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA in December 2007. He has a B.S. in Biological Sciences. He also holds Class I, II, and III Wastewater Collection and Treatment licenses in Louisiana and is working on his Class IV license. These certifications indicate David’s ability to successfully operate and understand the functions of a running wastewater facility.

Marie Tranchina
Senior Training Specialist
tranchina@ebsbiowizard.com

Marie Tranchina works at the EBS Mandeville office in the area of training. She joined EBS in March 2007 in a laboratory technician capacity performing client support and research. Then she moved over to the business side of EBS in December 2008 to assist Christine Foster before moving into the training area January 2011. Marie coordinates EBS semi-annual Wastewater Training Seminars held in Mandeville and assists in the development and implementation of our online training programs.

Marie has a B.S. in Ecology, Evolutionary, and Environmental Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU). She volunteered with  the American Marketing Association, New Orleans Chapter and for Habitat for Humanity joined the EBS women employees on a Women’s Build project for that group.

Marie volunteers time with the American cancer society participating in the walk for a cure. She is a member of the Krewe of Gemini, a military/government based crew.

Michelle Webb
Environmental Technician
webb@ebsbiowizard.com

Michelle Webb joined EBS in April of 2013 as an Environmental Technician assigned to a paper mill in north east Louisiana. Michelle’s responsibilities include performing numerous lab tests on wastewater samples. She previously worked as a quality assurance specialist in the lien release department for Chase Bank.

Michelle received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Louisiana Monroe in May 2012. Michelle enjoys basketball and played on the college level.

Daniel Williams
Environmental Specialist
williams@ebsbiowizard.com

Daniel joined EBS in February 2011 as an Environmental Specialist. In his initial assignment with EBS, Daniel supported clientele within an hour of the EBS headquarters, monitoring the wastewater operations at several papermills, a dairy, and a chemical plant. He is currently an onsite wastewater specialist at a papermill in Georgia and is responsible for helping operate the wastewater treatment plant and performing all the wastewater compliance testing.

Prior to joining EBS, Daniel worked as an Organic Extractionist for TestAmerica Analytical lab where he was responsible for extracting organic compounds from soil and water samples to be tested for environmental pollutants. He was also a Chemist for Palm Commodities where he analyzed and adjusted metal solutions for mass production.

Daniel received a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Psychology in 2008 from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. He also scored well on the State of Tennessee’s official lab technician test.

PARTNERS IN TECHNOLOGY

EBS has respect for many others in our field of wastewater treatment. These individuals are those we have great confidence in when it comes to operations, equipment, and microbiological experience. We are pleased to provide you with information on these individuals that work with EBS in the field as well as during our training seminars.

Paul Klopping
Principal Consultant for Callan & Brooks

Paul Klopping is Principal Consultant for Callan and Brooks in Corvallis, OR. Previously, Paul spent five years as Senior Vice-President of Industrial Wastewater for Brown and Caldwell. A specialist in biological wastewater treatment, he has over thirty years of experience in plant operations, training, and technical assistance. His expertise in activated sludge process control, solids handling, and facility management has been utilized in hundreds of projects throughout North America, the South Pacific, and Europe.

Paul’s education includes a B.S. and three years of postgraduate study in microbiology. He is a Certified Environmental Trainer, a former Department Chairman of the Water/Wastewater Technology Department at Linn-Benton Community College in Oregon, a charter member and Past President of the National Environmental Training Association, and Past President of the Pacific Northwest Pollution Control Association. Paul was a faculty member of TAPPI’s Activated Sludge Short Course and Biological Wastewater Workshop for eleven years.

Cliff Lange, Ph.D.
Associate Professor at Auburn University

Dr. Cliff Lange is a Professor at Auburn University College of Engineering. He has been involved in numerous research projects including biological treatment of paper mill and refinery wastes, whole effluent toxicity testing of wastewater effluents and process toxicity of organic chemicals in activated sludge processes. He has performed measurement of semi-volatiles and PAHs in wastewater treatment process samples from over 35 petroleum refineries and has over 20 years experience with GC and GC/MS analysis of industrial waste water and solid samples. Dr. Lange has also assisted over 75 pulp and paper mills and 25 food processing plants with biological treatment issues.

Dennis Saye
Regional Distributor, Midwestern United States

Dennis Saye began working with EBS in 2010 as a Regional Distributor. He currently resides in Aurora, IL and is the exclusive distributor for BioStar, MicroStar, and other EBS products for the Midwestern United States, which includes the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.

Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following graduate school, he worked in the Biochemistry Department at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois until he joined Nalco Chemical Company in 1989.

He comes to EBS after retiring from Nalco in 2009 with over twenty years of experience in industrial water and wastewater.