Matrix New World Engineering

Dr. Laurie LaPat-Polasko, Microbiologist and Vice President/National Director of Remediation for Matrix New World Engineering, discusses contaminants that affect our planet, clean water supply, and how it affects our health.

Dr. Laurie LaPat-Polasko is known throughout the U.S. and worldwide for her work developing innovative solutions to address water and soil contamination issues, Dr. Laurie LaPat-Polasko has a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Maryland, a M.S. and Engineers Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, and a B.S. in Biology from Chatham University. She studied a wide variety of microbes around the world, combining her knowledge of biology, environmental engineering, and microbiology to develop and design innovative “bioremediation” approaches to clean up contaminated sites, creating a green, cost-effective method to degrade diverse contaminants, such as chlorinated solvents, explosives, fuel compounds, and emerging contaminants. Dr. LaPat-Polasko used qPCR to determine the source of a Naegleria fowleri impact in a drinking water source in the Phoenix, AZ area. Her 27 years of experience as a technical consultant, project manager, and chief science officer for efforts involving groundwater and soil remediation and wastewater treatment combined with her knowledge of microbiology and civil engineering, result in cost-effective remediation solutions for surface water, groundwater, soil, and sediments impacted by organic and inorganic compounds. In 2018, Laurie received the GOLD International Stevie Award for Women in Business, Woman of the Year – Technology, and was selected as Outstanding Business Woman of the Year – 2018 by the Phoenix Business Journal for her community leadership, professional accomplishments, and personal achievements.