Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

135 items
aerial of coastline
Big Questions

How can nations protect their coastlines and water systems as climate risks intensify?

Rising sea levels, climate change and growing urban density are increasing pressure on Singapore’s coastal and water infrastructure. Without long-term planning, this pressure will only intensify. The challenge is multifaceted: strengthen coastal and flood resilience and secure the nation’s water future, all while contending with limited land availability, dense urban development and the need to keep communities and industries functioning with minimal disruption. This is where Jacobs’ Senior Project Manager, Reve Chin Jen Yee, steps in. Working at the forefront of Singapore’s most ambitious coastal, stormwater and water infrastructure programs, Reve supports clients to tackle escalating risks head‑on. He advances Singapore’s climate resilience through coastal protection planning, designing waterways that withstand tidal and stormwater pressures and driving system upgrades that safeguard the country’s water infrastructure for decades to come. Backed by over 20 years of geotechnical, civil and structural engineering experience, Reve brings deep technical expertise, strong regulatory knowledge and a future-ready mindset to Singapore’s nation-shaping projects. What drives Reve is a profound commitment to protecting people, communities and the places they call home. As climate pressures intensify, he sees engineering not just as a technical discipline, but as a responsibility to ensure future generations inherit a safer and more secure environment.

Reve Chin Jen Yee
Aerial view of Water Treatment tank
Big Questions

How can water utilities navigate infrastructure funding in the face of uncertainty?

For water utilities across the U.S., the funding landscape continues to evolve. Traditional funding sources can change or become less reliable, creating uncertainty for water utilities working to deliver critical infrastructure improvements. For Tahne Corcutt, navigating that complexity is about more than securing funding — it’s enabling utilities to build more efficient and sustainable financial systems for capital improvements. As the leader of Jacobs’ Water Infrastructure Funding and Grants consulting practice, Tahne is a nationally recognized subject matter expert on the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFIA) programs. Over the past 18 years, she has supported water projects in all 50 states, serving as a prime contractor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water and advising clients across federal, state and local government. Her work has helped secure more than $1 billion in funding for critical water infrastructure — enabling communities to advance essential projects with confidence. Reimagining how water projects are financed Tahne is known for thinking beyond conventional financing models. With a background in policy and law, she interprets statutes and regulations in unique ways that unlock opportunity. She has led innovative water infrastructure financing pilots in 15 states, advancing watershed-based strategies and community-based public-private partnerships. These approaches include: Programmatic financing Conduit lending Sponsorship lending Green banking Credit enhancements Linked deposit programs These models have helped address water quality and public health challenges while aligning the needs of utilities and funding agencies. Her work includes the conceptualization of a comprehensive, multi-year funding

Tahne Corcutt
PFAS-Podcast-Graphic
Podcast

Navigating PFAS: Pioneering solutions for a healthier tomorrow

How are PFAS affecting your work and our world? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Many PFAS don’t degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment. They can be found worldwide in water, soil, air, plants, animals and even our bloodstreams. We’re still uncovering the full impact of these chemicals on the health of humans and our environment, but here’s what is clear: it’s a complex challenge at scale to remediate these so-called “forever” chemicals. Our guests are defining the solutions for clients and the industry: Sharon Minchak, former Global Solutions Director for Remediation and Regeneration at Jacobs, and Dr. Russell Ford, Global Director for Drinking Water & Reuse Solutions at Jacobs.

digital-twin-j.com-flatlay-header
Report

Create a Digital Twin that drives results

Download our paper to explore the three common types of building and infrastructure digital twins, their impact on business outcomes and a structured approach to digital twin planning that overcomes common challenges.

Jim Kessler
Aerial top view of circular sedimentation tanks in modern water treatment plant facility
Big Questions

How do you navigate the engineering, regulatory and operational demands of modern water infrastructure?

With 28 years of experience in wastewater treatment, conveyance design, water supply, biosolids and effluent reuse, Quitterie leads complex infrastructure programs that integrate environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance. Based in Portland, Oregon, she brings a powerful combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership to every engagement — from planning biosolids reuse programs to managing half-billion-dollar treatment expansions. Her work consistently aligns infrastructure investment with regulatory certainty and system reliability. Collaboration defines her approach. She builds and leads high-performing multidisciplinary teams, guiding subconsultants, stakeholder engagement efforts and permitting negotiations across federal, state and local agencies. Her ability to navigate complexity while maintaining alignment keeps large programs moving forward through open communication and thoughtful organization. Quitterie’s experience spans municipal, industrial and agricultural systems across the western United States and South America. From feasibility studies and engineering design to construction management, Quitterie applies innovative thinking to solve complex client challenges and strengthen long-term outcomes. In Oregon, she played a central role in managing the City of Portland’s $500 million Secondary Treatment Expansion Program from planning through design and construction. The program met critical regulatory deadlines while positioning the city for sustained system performance. Across her portfolio, she has advanced capital improvements that enhance reliability, strengthen operations and maintenance strategies, and support biosolids land application, treated effluent discharge and natural treatment systems. Having lived and worked in France, Thailand, South America and the United States, Quitterie brings a global perspective to local infrastructure challenges. She understands how water systems operate within

Quitterie Cotten
wastewater treatment plant
Big Questions

How do wastewater leaders deliver reliable services as infrastructure ages?

Wastewater treatment is more than a technical discipline — it’s a public service essential to community health, environmental protection and long-term resilience. Without it, communities risk public health emergencies like the spread of disease, contaminated drinking water and sewage backup into homes. Jacobs’ Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Consultant Aleksey Reznik works to be sure those risks don’t become a reality. With more than 40 years of experience in wastewater treatment and environmental engineering, Aleksey’s career is defined by technical excellence and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. Today, he supports the O&M of the 134-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant in Wilmington, Delaware — one of the region’s most critical wastewater facilities supporting both the City of Wilmington and a large portion of New Castle County — equipping operators with the training, tools and support they need to deliver reliable service to the community. A global journey shaped by engineering and purpose Aleksey’s path into the water sector began in Kiev, Ukraine, where he launched his career as an environmental engineer at the city’s municipal wastewater treatment plant. He learned the fundamentals of sludge digestion, pumping systems and facility operations. His next chapter designing water purification and wastewater treatment systems, selecting equipment and overseeing installation and startup activities deepened his understanding of how treatment facilities are built, optimized and sustained. Leading Wilmington’s O&M program When Aleksey immigrated to the United States, he became a licensed plant operator at the Wilmington wastewater treatment facility. Working in various roles, he immersed

Aleksey Reznik
Aerial view of the chemical plant's wastewater treatment facility
Big Questions

How can integrating engineering into operations improve water and wastewater treatment?

In a constantly evolving world, municipalities and water facilities are under increasing pressure to improve performance, extend asset life and deliver reliable service to residents and customers. Engineering Manager Liie Hill is helping them do just that. Her role was designed specifically to strengthen the connection between daily operations and the engineering expertise that keeps complex water treatment systems performing at their best. Bridging operations and engineering for better performance Liie describes her work as being both “the glue and the grease” — keeping things connected while helping processes move smoothly. She supports operations and maintenance (O&M) projects across the U.S., working with operators and clients to be sure they have access to the technical resources they need, whether it be troubleshooting process inefficiencies, planning a capital upgrade or responding to unexpected conditions. Integrating engineering expertise into daily operations provides a major advantage: operators can quickly pinpoint root causes and address issues proactively. Liie plays a central role in this process by scoping engineering needs, overseeing technical reviews and being sure solutions are implemented effectively. This approach gives clients confidence that their facilities are operating safely and meeting regulatory requirements. Delivering cost-effective, reliable solutions This model isn’t just effective; it’s cost-conscious. Liie leads innovation workshops with clients to improve efficiency and uncover long-term savings through data-driven process improvements. In Wilmington, Delaware, she tailored a workshop to the city’s challenges: aging infrastructure and new regulations. As a result, Jacobs developed a programmatic approach to the city’s capital improvement plan, improving process

Liie Hill
water treatment facility
Big Questions

How is water reuse shaping the future of resilient communities?

As water scarcity intensifies and climate impacts place increasing pressure on traditional supplies, communities around the world are rethinking how water is sourced, treated and reused. In response, more utilities are embracing water reuse practices and the principle that all water has value. Advances in treatment technologies now allow wastewater to be cost-effectively reclaimed and repurposed as a high-quality, resilient water supply — increasingly for drinking water purposes. These solutions help communities strengthen water security while adapting to regulatory, environmental and infrastructure constraints. Navigating direct potable reuse regulations As more states adopt or advance direct potable reuse (DPR) regulations, Global Water Reuse Principal and Vice President Melanie Holmer works closely with utilities to translate regulatory frameworks into practical, implementable solutions. With California’s DPR regulations now in effect, she supports clients in planning treatment technologies, monitoring strategies, operational requirements and governance approaches that align with regulatory expectations while strengthening long-term water resilience. Her work helps communities move from uncertainty to action, enabling them to confidently integrate potable reuse into their water supply portfolios. Water reuse in action Melanie is supporting high-profile potable reuse initiatives including the Donald C. Tillman Advanced Water Purification Facility in Los Angeles. The project will produce up to 45 million gallons per day of purified water to recharge local groundwater basins, supplying water for up to 500,000 residents. Through her involvement, Melanie helps align advanced treatment, regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement — supporting a collaborative model that brings together multiple agencies to increase regional water resiliency. A full-circle return to Jacobs Melanie’s leadership in water reuse reflects a full-circle

Melanie Holmer
Aerial View of Two Environmental engineers work at wastewater treatment plants
Big Questions

How can utilities build maintenance teams that deliver long-term value?

John Loucks-Powell brings an experienced hand to Operations Management and Facilities Services (OMFS) with a focus on the challenges our clients face every day: aging infrastructure, rising operational demands and the pressure to keep essential water and wastewater systems running without interruption. With 45 years in utility operations and maintenance, John brings the knowledge to help clients strengthen the reliability and performance of their critical water and wastewater infrastructure — the backbone of the communities they serve. A foundation in skilled trades John’s career began in the skilled trades, spending 20 years developing expertise in industrial maintenance, machinery installation and precision mechanical work. His experience shaped his commitment to safety, craftsmanship and operational integrity, which continues to influence how he strengthens essential infrastructure. Leading one of the nation’s most complex wastewater systems Before joining Jacobs, John spent more than a decade at one of California’s largest municipal utility agencies, managing a highly complex combined sewer system and leading a team of 135 across technical and operational disciplines. He oversaw the health and safety program, the maintenance budget and played a key role in major capital work — including a sewer system improvement program and biosolids digester facilities project — helping the team work more safely and manage resources more effectively. He also drove the early adoption of mobile and reliability-centered maintenance technologies to help operators identify issues earlier, respond faster and make more informed decisions about where to invest time and resources. Delivering excellence at Jacobs John joined Jacobs in

John Loucks-Powell
Water treatment facility with multiple tanks and filtration systems
Big Questions

How can municipalities address emerging contaminant concerns in biosolids?

With over three decades in environmental services and a singular focus on biosolids management, Drew has become a trusted leader in one of the most challenging areas of the wastewater industry. As a biosolids specialist for Jacobs’ wastewater operations portfolio, he combines technical know-how, strategic insight and practical solutions to guide an industry that continues to evolve and struggles with increasing disposal costs and emerging contaminant concerns. A career built on residuals and results Drew’s decades-long journey in the biosolids field includes leadership roles at some of the nation’s largest residual management firms specializing in biosolids and industrial sludge. This history and knowledge connect him to a unique group of people who have a specialized skill set for solving biosolids challenges. With this diverse experience — from dewatering and disposal to beneficial reuse and Class A marketing — Drew has established himself in every facet of the biosolids lifecycle. His philosophy is straightforward: apply best practices while driving efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing field surveys for pre-operational planning or developing creative reuse strategies for dredge materials, Drew’s approach is always rooted in measurable, real-world results. Business acumen meets environmental expertise With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Delaware, Drew translates complex processes into strategic opportunities. His background enables him to clearly communicate the value of biosolids programs to various stakeholders — from municipal clients to consulting engineers. Combining practical field knowledge with strong analytical skills, he has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in residuals management operations

Drew Mearns
wastewater treatment plant
Big Questions

How can water and wastewater utilities achieve long-term sustainability?

Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s essential. Jacobs’ Lead Sustainability Specialist Dawn Lesley has dedicated over three decades to shaping how communities, industries and municipalities manage their most vital resource: water. Dawn’s experience combines technical expertise, visionary leadership and a values-driven approach to deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits across North America. A career rooted in sustainability Dawn earned a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Chicago and a master’s in bioresource engineering from Oregon State University, along with credentials as a professional environmental engineer. From the start, her focus has been clear: reduce waste, optimize processes and create ecologically responsible systems that minimize ratepayer costs. Pioneering energy initiatives Prior to joining Jacobs, Dawn initiated sustainability programs that pushed the boundaries of traditional engineering. She developed waste-to-energy initiatives, planned long-range infrastructure investments and identified opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy development and effluent reuse. The programs helped wastewater plants across the country achieve an average of 7% in annual energy savings, with one plant reaching 23%. Her influence spans more than 100 water and wastewater facilities, where she’s driven reductions in energy waste, improved effluent quality and fostered long-term operational resilience. Leading change at Jacobs As lead sustainability specialist for Jacobs’ Operations Management and Facilities Services practice, Dawn is driving innovation across water, wastewater, industrial and municipal facilities in North America. She trains operators, identifies efficiency opportunities, implements new technologies and fosters culture change to be sure sustainability is not just a technical upgrade, but a long-lasting mindset

Dawn Lesley
Q&A

Driving Innovative, Trusted Water Solutions: Meet Stephanie Harrison

From engineering to sales and now a design-build practice leader, Stephanie Harrison is well-versed in the varied facets of project delivery and understanding client needs. Stephanie started her career in Jacobs’ water group in Phoenix, Arizona working on planning, environmental and conveyance projects. Her passion for hands-on design and construction led her back to her home state of Colorado, where she played a key role in large-scale conveyance and design-build initiatives — deepening her technical foundation while building strong client relationships. As her career evolved, Stephanie stepped into a geographic sales manager role, where she championed Jacobs’ full spectrum of services — from digital solutions to transportation and environmental projects. Now, with over 27 years of experience, she’s leading the charge as a practice lead for owner advisor services and design for design-build in the water design-build group, combining her engineering know-how with a deep understanding of client priorities to drive innovative, trusted solutions across the water sector. Tell us about your new role at Jacobs. What excites you most? We’re seeing a clear shift in the water sector — more and more clients are looking for support in owner advisory and design services tailored for design-build delivery. I’m working with clients to navigate complex delivery models with confidence, clarity and the right expertise at the right time. We’re taking lessons learned from transportation and other parts of our business where we regularly deliver design for design-build services and bring that knowledge and experience to our water clients. With design

Stephanie Harrison

  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

    Visit Future Foundations
    Future-Foundations