Congratulations to Emily!
Emily Zung is a Professional Environmental Engineer at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Bureau of Environmental Field Services. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla (currently known as Missouri University of Science and Technology). She has 20 years of experience in the environmental protection of groundwater and surface water resources of the State of Kansas.
Emily conducts reviews of permit applications for agricultural waste management systems by assessing their conformance with the applicable Design Standards for Confined Feeding Facilities, Livestock Waste Management guidance, and state and federal statutes and regulations.
She performs the technical review and approval of engineering plans and specifications, as-built construction plans, and waste management plans. She reviews permeability/seepage tests for constructed earthen wastewater retention structures, and when needed, review of groundwater monitoring plans. She also provides senior leadership and training to new staff members, mentoring them through on-the-job training.
Emily collaborates with design consultants, facility owners/operators, general public, and other interested groups, on the intent and purpose of the livestock waste management statutes, regulations, and policies. She provides guidance to design consultants and owners/operators needing assistance in resolving issues or concerns as part of proposed alternative waste management systems.
As her nominator says:
Emily is an expert in her field and works toward sustainable agriculture in the State of Kansas to improve the health of Kansans by protecting surface water and groundwater. She has mentored multiple staff and shows resiliency, dependability, and a caring heart. She takes part in professional development and encourages the team through her technical know-how. Her troubleshooting has been described as "persistent," "experienced," and "diligent." She is not only dedicated to advancing her own career but is also dedicated to her children.
Emily was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the start of her professional career, however she has not let that deter her. She volunteered as a board member with the Mid America Chapter of the National MS Society and organized and coordinated the annual MS Walk, raising over $50,000 for the society during her three-year tenure. She also completed the MS 150 bicycle challenge and completed four triathlons.
As an active and involved mother of two, she continues the wonderful acts of voluntary contributions to her children’s organizations. Emily’s strong work ethic, leadership, and drive towards positive impact is a role model for women, both at work as a professional engineer in the water and wastewater business, and at home for her children and society as a whole.
To learn more about Emily Zung and her work with the Bureau of Environmental Field Services, click here.
The Wonder Women of Water is a recognition initiative focused on the contributions made by women to the water and wastewater industry.
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