“At SciDev, we’re not just meeting today’s challenges; we’re anticipating tomorrow’s”

At SciDev, innovation drives our solutions for a more sustainable future. To spotlight the people making a difference, we recently spoke with Steve Becker, our Technical Director of Water Technologies. Based in North America, Steve splits his time between Fairbanks, Alaska, and San Diego, California, and has been with SciDev for just over eight months. He has had a diverse career spanning three decades and has a passion for tackling PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other emerging contaminants.

Steve’s career began in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea and during the first Gulf War. Post-service, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management with a focus on soil science from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Over the last 30 years, Steve’s career has spanned federal service, academia, Indigenous governance, and the private sector. Along the way, he earned advanced degrees in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Quality Science and is currently pursuing an interdisciplinary Ph.D. on emerging contaminants.

One of Steve’s standout achievements involves his work on PFAS soil treatment. At his previous company, he led the adaptation of a patented soil washing process to address PFAS contamination. After successful bench testing of their adapted process on soils from a U.S. Air Force fire training area, he managed the U.S.’s first field-scale pilot study for PFAS soil washing.

This innovation paved the way for a groundbreaking contract at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Overseeing a team of engineers, Steve spearheaded the scaling and commissioning of a mobile soil washing facility. The ongoing project is successfully treating 100,000 m³ of PFAS-contaminated soil, meeting all treatment objectives. This project not only sets a new standard for soil decontamination but also showcased the potential of combining technical ingenuity with client-focused solutions.

The rise of PFAS and other emerging contaminants has significantly shifted water treatment paradigms. Steve notes that with rapidly evolving regulations and new contaminants being identified, staying ahead requires constant learning and adaptation. He remains committed to improving traditional methods while exploring cutting-edge technologies capable of addressing contamination at extremely low thresholds.

In his new role within SciDev’s Research and Development program, Steve is excited to explore and validate emerging water treatment technologies. His focus will be on improving existing processes, testing alternative media for PFAS removal, and developing solutions for newly identified contaminants. “At SciDev, we’re not just meeting today’s challenges; we’re anticipating tomorrow’s,” Steve says.

Innovation is at the heart of Steve’s work philosophy. “Every water or wastewater project presents a unique challenge,” he explains. Steve encourages his team to think creatively, integrating new technologies into existing systems to optimise performance and cost-efficiency. His leadership fosters an environment where novel ideas are tested and refined, ensuring SciDev remains at the forefront of water treatment advancements.

For young engineers, Steve emphasises the importance of soft skills. “Technical expertise is crucial, but so are communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution,” he advises. These skills will help engineers lead teams effectively and collaborate with clients to craft impactful solutions. 

When he’s not driving innovation at SciDev, Steve enjoys the great outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, camping, or motorcycling with his wife, he finds peace in nature. He’s also an avid reader and occasionally unwinds with online games, staying connected with his son in Maine despite the distance.

Steve Becker’s journey exemplifies the blend of technical skill, innovation, and leadership that defines SciDev’s mission. His work continues to inspire as we tackle the evolving challenges of water treatment.