Our People
Meet Heather Stewart
Philadelphia, PA, U.S.
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Heather Stewart is Jacobs’ newly appointed global principal for wastewater simulation. An accomplished wastewater process engineer and technologist with an academic background in astrophysics, Heather works at the forefront of innovative approaches to wastewater treatment engineering, deploying advanced modeling, digital twins and machine learning tools for operational optimization.
Since joining Jacobs in 2016, Heather has supported our clients and their projects with cutting-edge data solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). She contributed to the development of Jacobs’ Hybrid Optimizer, a tool that integrates mechanistic and artificial intelligence (AI) models in a hybrid digital twin to reduce operational and maintenance costs while providing valuable process insights. The tool was initially developed as part of a Water Research Foundation project for predictive nutrient control water at WRRFs.
In addition to her work supporting clients, Heather is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Modeling Expert Group of America (MEGA). She has served as the chair of the WEF Biofilm Interest Group and has been a scientific committee member and YP chair for the WRRmod conference.
Heather’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in astrophysics from Villanova University in 2009. She then earned an Master of Science in physics (2013), an Master of Science in engineering in civil and environmental engineering (2016), and a doctorate in applied physics (2017) from The Catholic University of America. Her graduate research was conducted at DC Water.
In 2024, Heather was recognized as an American Academy of Environmental Engineers 40 Under 40 program recipient.
“I’m excited to translate decades of Jacobs process know-how and mountains of facility data into usable information.”
Heather Stewart
Get to know Heather Stewart
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2013
The year Heather joined DC Water research lab and learned to love wastewater
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3
Jacobs offices Heather has called home: Silver Spring, MD, Denver, CO, and Philadelphia, PA
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2359
Lines of code Heather has added to Jacobs’ proprietary wastewater simulation software, Pro2D
Can you tell me about your career journey?
I have had five jobs in my life: swim instructor, telescope operator, research assistant, math teacher and wastewater process engineer. The hours and environment were very different —from early mornings in middle school to late nights in a rooftop observatory — but each role was centered on knowledge-sharing. I see wastewater simulation as a key method to encapsulate and disseminate process knowledge.
What is one exciting thing you are working on right now?
I’m working on deploying digital twins to help operators run their facilities more efficiently. A digital twin is a process model with live data connections from the actual facility, providing staff with real-time insights into their process. I’m excited to translate decades of Jacobs process know-how and mountains of facility data into usable information.
What sparked your passion for working in this industry?
As a graduate student at NASA, I was studying black holes but I wanted to do something to help everyday people and contribute to the fight against climate change. I was fortunate enough to join the DC Water research group, where I worked on cutting-edge shortcut nitrogen pilots. Wastewater process engineering lets me use my math, physics and communication skills to protect public health, safeguard the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. I’m so grateful to be part of this industry.
What’s your favorite part of your role?
Solving clients’ process mysteries and teaching younger engineers how to do it too!