NAMS Speed Networking Event

Thursday, October 22, 4:30–6:30 PM | CC Main Event Room

 

This is your chance to:

  • Chat with alumni who are now industry pros
  • Ask industry experts questions about their field
  • Get insider career tips
  • Explore different career paths and opportunities

 

Event image


Itinerary

4:00 – 4:30 PM

Student check-in. Bring your Student ID to swipe in and get a name badge.

4:30 – 4:45 PM 

Welcome and event flow

4:45 – 5:45 PM

Three 20-minute intervals, where you and up to eight students will sit with the one alumnus of your choice 

5:30 – 6:30 PM

Hors d’oeuvres, mocktails, and casual mix and mingle

Helpful Event Preparation Guides

 


Biographies of Alumni Professionals

To help you prepare for the event, below is a list of the accomplished professionals participating in our networking event. Each biography gives you a chance to learn more about the diverse experiences and industries represented, and to help you choose up to three alumni you’d like to meet with.

 

Amanda Archer '18
Administrative Manager, New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative
[The New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative is a statewide network of government, academic, non-profit, and private-sector stakeholders dedicated to advancing science-based strategies, technical tools, and collaborative planning to protect New Jersey's coastal communities and ecosystems from climate impacts.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Environmental Science - Wildlife Management

Amanda Archer is a ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Alum, Class of 2018, and earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Wildlife Management. She is currently the Coastal Training & Engagement Coordinator at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve (JC NERR),  Rutgers University, and serves as an Administrative Manager for the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC). Amanda leverages the mission of these two entities to improve the resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities in response to human impacts and natural drivers of environmental change. She plays a key role in building partnerships and driving informed action among coastal decision-makers, including government agencies, academic institutions, and community leaders, through science communication, stakeholder engagement, and development of learning opportunities. 


Glenn Brennan, PG '10
Project Geophysicist | Summit Drilling
[Summit Drilling is a multi-regional environmental contractor providing subsurface drilling, geophysical investigation, and remediation system support across the eastern United States]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Geology, Minor in Environmental Science

Glenn's career has taken him from laboratory work to hands-on field data collection. Five years as an environmental consultant eventually led him to shallow subsurface geophysics. He conducts investigations using several geophysical methods, including Ground-Penetrating Radar, Borehole Logging, Seismic, Electrical Resistivity, and Electromagnetics. This work is typically performed as part of larger environmental or geotechnical projects. He finds the work fulfilling because he's helping to remediate contaminated properties and keep people safe. It’s also a lot of fun collecting interesting data at sites all over New Jersey and the surrounding states.


Anthony Digneo '94
President | Digneo Engineering, Inc.
[a New Jersey-based consulting firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, subsurface investigations, laboratory soil and materials testing, and construction-phase quality control services across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Geology

Digneo has more than 30 years of experience providing geotechnical engineering services and has started and managed geotechnical departments at five engineering firms. Most recently, he established the geotechnical services department at Digneo Engineering in 2019, which has grown continually and now focuses exclusively on geotechnical engineering and construction-phase materials testing and inspection (CMT) services. He has worked extensively with engineering firms and other client types throughout the Delaware Valley that do not provide the geotechnical services in which he specializes. He has provided geotechnical engineering and CMT services on projects ranging from small residential structures to warehouses exceeding
1 million square feet, as well as projects of all sizes and types in between. His expertise and experience have driven Digneo Engineering’s growth and helped establish its reputation for responsiveness and client-focused service.


Peter Downing '86
CEO/President | Environment & Safety Solutions, Inc.
[Environment & Safety Solutions, Inc. is an environmental, health, and safety (EHS) consulting firm that provides custom regulatory compliance, facility auditing, hazardous materials management, and safety training services for industrial and commercial operations.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Chemistry

Peter Downing is an accomplished environmental health and safety professional with nearly four decades of experience in the chemical manufacturing and distribution industries. As a  Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), he has built his career around environmental compliance, workplace safety, hazardous materials management, and regulatory consulting. Through his work with Environment & Safety Solutions, Inc., Downing also shares his expertise through industry training, professional organizations, and regulatory initiatives.


Greg Fischer ' 20, P.S.M. '21
Environmental Scientist I (Scientist I) | GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
[GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm that specializes in providing integrated geotechnical, environmental, ecological, water, and construction management services for both the natural and built environments.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degrees: B.S. Environmental Science, PSM in Environmental Science

Greg Fischer is an environmental consultant based in Hammonton, New Jersey. His focus is in manufactured gas plant remediation and linear construction due diligence, with an emphasis on GIS and technical graphics. He graduated from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in 2020 with a B.S. in Environmental Science, a minor in Geology, and a P.S.M. in Environmental Science in 2021.


Jason Kiernan ' 01
Regional Water Market Leader | T&M Associates
[T&M Associates is a national consulting, engineering, environmental, and technical services firm that delivers sustainable infrastructure, site development, transportation, water, and environmental solutions for public and private sector clients.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Environmental Science

Vice President & Regional Leader with demonstrated executive management of water, wastewater, and environmental services. Skilled in Water & Wastewater Treatment and Distribution, Capital Upgrades and Operations Management, Site Remediation, and Water Quality. Strong operations professional with a Master’s Degree focused on Environmental Science from Rutgers University-New Brunswick.  Former adjunct Instructor at Rutgers University.  Private/University/Public sector experience.  NJDEP S-4, C-4, N-4, W-3,and T-2 licenses.


Michael Mandola ' 00 
Senior Vice President, Head of Program Strategy & Leadership at Merck Healthcare
[Merck Healthcare is a global science and technology company focused on developing innovative medicines and treatments in areas such as oncology, neurology, immunology, fertility, and endocrinology.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Michael Mandola, PhD, is a biopharmaceutical executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning oncology drug development, clinical development, medical strategy, and scientific communications. He currently serves as SVP, Head of Program Strategy & Leadership at Merck Healthcare, following senior leadership roles in global oncology program development. He also serves as a Scientific Advisory Board member for a biotechnology company and as a Strategic Innovation Board member for The Max Foundation, a non-profit focused on providing life-saving cancer medications to low- and middle-income countries.

Previously, Mike spent more than five years at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he held progressive leadership roles in oncology clinical development, including Development Program Lead and Global Medical Lead for Lung Cancer. Prior to joining pharma, he spent nearly 11 years at Nucleus Global, ultimately serving as President of US Operations, where he led a 300+ person organization supporting medical and scientific communications.

Mike holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rowan University) and a BS in Biology from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. During his time at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, Mike spent four years serving on the Student Senate, including as President his senior year. Mike also participated in The Washington Center internship experience offered by ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, conducting research on malaria in a lab at the FDA during the summer of his junior year. Mike looks forward to mentoring ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students with a passion for science.


Paul Majsztrik '00
Gerhard R. Andlinger Visiting Fellow | Princeton University
[A Gerhard R. Andlinger Visiting Fellow is a visiting expert who contributes specialized knowledge and research to advance work in energy, environmental, and sustainability-related fields.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ degree: Applied Physics - Dual-degree Engineering

Paul Majsztrik’s career has focused on research and development (R&D) to advance sustainable materials and process technologies, including for alternative energy and Industrial Decarbonation (the elimination of CO2 emissions from industrial activities, especially the production of chemicals and materials such as cement and steel).  His career includes over 10 years in leadership at four separate tech startup companies, work at the Office of Industrial Productivity and Energy Assessments (Rutgers), research at Oak Ridge National Lab, and most recently as a Program Manager at the US Department of Energy where he led an external-facing R&D program in Industrial Decarbonization and served as a subject matter expert.  Paul is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, where he is collaborating with faculty and staff to advance technologies for Industrial Decarbonization and mentoring students.   Paul completed the Dual-Degree Program at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ/Rutgers in 2000, receiving BS degrees in Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering.  He has an MS in Mechanical Engineering (Vanderbilt) and PhD in Chemistry and Materials (Princeton).  He lives in NJ (Mercer County) with his wife and two daughters.  


Lucy Martinez '21
Mathematics Doctoral Student | Rutgers University

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ degree: Mathematics

Lucy Martinez received her Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ University in 2021. After graduation, she attended Rutgers University where she is pursuing her PhD in mathematics and is expected to graduate in May 2027. Her research interests are in combinatorics and combinatorial probability, which is funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Lucy is very involved in the mathematics community: From 2023 to 2026, she co-founded and co-organized the Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE) Webinar Series. This monthly webinar features a speaker who shares their mathematical journey and research. The webinar brings together undergraduates, graduate students, and professors across the country while spotlighting diverse paths to increase visibility within the mathematics community. 

Arhum Mirza '15
Mechanical Engineer EIT | US Army Combat Capabilities Command
[The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) conducts research, develops technology, and engineers solutions to support and enhance U.S. Army capabilities.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Applied Physics - Dual-Degree Engineering, Minor in Mathematics

Enthusiastic and result driven Mechanical Engineer EIT and Physicist with interdisciplinary hands-on experience in Civil and Electrical Engineering. Proven track record working in environments with rapid prototyping, research, testing, development, and implementation of technologies.  


Kyle Rebman '18
Lead Security Operations Engineer | Subaru of America
[U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan, headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, that distributes vehicles and parts through a nationwide network of over 640 retailers.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Computer Science

Results-oriented information security professional with a proven track record in designing and engineering robust cybersecurity measures, along with GRC initiatives such as vulnerability and risk management. Varied experience from clinical application security to enterprise-wide information security efforts has equipped me with the appropriate knowledge base and disposition that is fit for growing organizations looking to surpass information technology and security standards. Specialized engineering expertise with firewalls, identity and access management, email security gateways, role-based access control, TPRM & risk management, MFA, SSO, vulnerability scanning, access certification, and adherence to NIST CSF, JSOX and HIPAA regulations.


Rick Ricciardi '76 (Tentative)
Retired President & Principal Environmental Scientist | Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.
[Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. is a privately held civil engineering and environmental consulting firm based in New Jersey]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Environmental Science

Retired President of Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. and a licensed Professional Planner and AICP-certified planner. Ricciardi brings more than 35 years of experience in environmental planning, land-use permitting, and regulatory compliance. His work has supported residential, commercial, institutional, and government projects throughout New Jersey.


Jason Simmons '08
Environmental Specialist | Federal Highway Administration
[Federal Highway Administration is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that specializes in highway transportation.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Environmental Science

Jason joined the Federal Highway Administration – New Jersey Division as a Community Planner after working for more than 12 years at county planning departments, a Transportation Management Association, and most recently a Metropolitan Planning Organization. In addition to over a decade of planning experience, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. In his spare time, he teaches Project Management and Land Use Planning at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and owns a Certified Organic Farm in Hammonton, NJ. 

He is passionate about making a positive impact in our community and sharing my knowledge and experience to assist stakeholders in the decision-making process.


Jennifer Simon '17
Analyst Ii, Sales Incentive Compensation | Integra Lifesciences
[Integra LifeSciences is a global medical technology company specializing in neurosurgery, regenerative tissue technologies, and surgical instrumentation.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Biology

Jennifer Simon is a ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ alumna with a bachelor's degree in Biology and is currently pursuing a Master of Business and Science degree at Rutgers University. She currently works as a Senior Analytics Analyst in the medical device industry, where she combines her passion for science, healthcare, and data analytics to support strategic decision-making.

Her journey has been shaped by a series of opportunities that allowed her to see healthcare from multiple perspectives, including patient care, clinical research, business, and analytics. Beginning her career as a Medical Assistant in an emergency department, Jennifer later worked in orthopedics and served as a Clinical Research Coordinator before entering the medical device industry.

Over the past five years, she has held several roles that have expanded her understanding of healthcare, business, and analytics. Today, she leverages data to generate insights that drive meaningful impact and is excited to share how being open to new opportunities helped shape her career journey.


Arnaud Voermans '98
Vice President of Portfolio | Navblue, An Airbus Company
[Navblue, an Airbus Company, is a  leading maritime and aviation services provider delivering flight operations and air traffic management solutions globally.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Biology

Arnaud Voermans is an accomplished aviation and technology leader with extensive experience in flight operations, digital solutions, and customer engagement. He has held senior leadership roles with NAVBLUE, an Airbus company, including Vice President of Customer Fulfilment and Vice President of Plan and Control Software Solutions and Services. Throughout his career, Voermans has helped advance digital flight operations solutions designed to improve efficiency, streamline airline operations, and support customers worldwide.


Corinne Westenberger '19
Professional Scientist | GEI Consultants, Inc.
[GEI Consultants, Inc. is a national consulting firm delivering multi-disciplined engineering, environmental science, and water resource services for infrastructure, municipal, and private-sector development projects.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Geology, B.S. in Environmental Science - Soil Science & Hydrology

Corinne is a geologist with GEI Consultants Inc. working in environmental projects: Former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Sites in PA, DC, and NJ, Sediment Erosion monitoring, Linear Construction in NJ, delineating wetlands in NY, PA, and, NJ, assisting in eco restoration, Preliminary Assessment reports for NJ and PA, and assisting in Act II reports for PADEP, including site inspections, geological review, environmental oversight, air monitoring, soil vapor sampling, and soil and groundwater fieldwork. 

She graduated from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with a B.S. in Environmental Science, with a concentration in soil and hydrology, and a B.A. in Geology. She is  also a certified wetland delineator through Rutgers University.


Jamie Yakes '99
Laboratory Operations Manager
Evotec
[Evotec is a drug discovery and development company that collaborates with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic partners to find and advance new medicines. It offers a wide range of services, from early-stage discovery and preclinical development to manufacturing, and uses a "PanOmics" approach combining scientific expertise with AI and data to accelerate the process.]

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Degree: B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

With more than twenty years of experience in laboratory operations, environmental compliance, and water resource management, Jamie currently serves as the Laboratory Operations Manager at Evotec in Plainsboro, New Jersey. In this role, he oversees domestic and international shipping logistics, implements advanced tracking systems to support accurate billing and production forecasting, and ensures equipment maintenance and repair schedules minimize downtime and support continuous research operations.

Before joining Evotec, Jamie spent over five years as a Senior Operations Supervisor with Pennsylvania American Water, managing the production, distribution, and financial operations of multiple water treatment facilities serving more than 30,000 residents. His leadership ensured compliance with state and federal drinking water standards while optimizing resources and maintaining reliable service delivery.

Earlier in his career, Jamie held several leadership roles at SGS Accutest, including Facilities Manager, Manager of Inorganic Chemistry, and Corporate Health & Safety Manager. Across these positions, they directed large laboratory teams, developed safety and regulatory compliance programs for multi-site operations, and built systems that improved efficiency, accuracy, and workplace safety.

Press Enter to add more content