·         Ms. Berge was born in Manitowoc, Wisc.  Her graduate studies focused on exploring different operational schemes of aerobic bioreactor landfills, which led to an interest in pursuing a doctoral degree in bioreactor landfill research.  She holds a Bachelor and Masters of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida.  Her research will focus on determination of optimal environmental conditions and kinetics for in-situ nitrification and denitrification, and the development of an implementation strategy for in-situ nitrification and denitrification at field-scale.

 ·         Mr. Staley was born in Bethesda, Md.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with concentration in Environmental/Soil and Water Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., and a Masters of Science in Biological Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.  His research will focus on mechanisms controlling the production of non-methane organic compounds and microbial community structure during refuse decomposition.

EREF’s scholarship program recognizes excellence in doctoral or post-doctoral environmental research and education.  Awards are given in memory of Francois Fiessinger, P.E., Ph.D., a graduate of Rutgers University who was a founding director of the foundation; he passed away at age 53.

In choosing its scholars, the foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee uses a ten scale scoring matrix.  The scholars selected are highly qualified finalists who are chosen in recognition of their credentials and potential future contributions to the environmental scientific community. The Environmental Research and Education Foundation is the only independent charity in the U.S. committed to research, education and science relative to the management and treatment of municipal solid waste.  

For more complete information on EREF, visit the website at www.erefdn.org or call 703.299.5139.

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Contact:    Ed Repa, Director of Environmental Programs
                    703.299.5139x11 or erepa@erefdn.org
                

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