Laura Allen, ASP, ENV SP, obtained a bachelor’s degree in geology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, specializing in geophysics and hydrogeology. Her undergraduate work included engineering courses and while at SUNY at Buffalo. She co-founded the Local Chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World. She possesses over 15 years of experience in EHS management, compliance, and training as well as environmental geophysics, geotechnical inspection, and sustainability leadership.

Laura has worked on an unusual variety of projects including massive infrastructure construction sites (bridges, tunnels, major utilities, and WWTPs), and large environmental remediation sites under CERCLA and MMRP such as the Spring Valley FUDS. Her role on many of these endeavors included spearheading large-scale sustainability programs such as the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s (ISI) Envision initiative. After exploring various leadership roles with large general contractors in the private sector and confidential government contracts all over the United States, she has opened her own independent consulting firm. Safe & Sustainable Solutions, LLC offers full-service EHS & Sustainability training and consulting services across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region.

Recently Laura has been selected to participate in the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy, which is the nation’s first state-led educational program aimed at helping community leaders, critical infrastructure, local governments, and state agencies plan for and implement climate change initiatives. As a local small business owner with niche and training expertise, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) have requested that she become a facilitator of this new state program.

In Laura’s spare time, she enjoys hiking and trail running, writing short stories and poetry, and reading copious amounts of science fiction and STEM research journals.