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Jess Goddard
Chief Science Officer at SimpleLab, Inc
Professional Background
Jess Goddard is a distinguished leader in environmental science and governance, with a robust background that encompasses both academia and practical application in the field of Energy and Resources. Currently serving as the Chief Science Officer at SimpleLab, Inc., Jess is instrumental in driving the company’s innovative approaches to environmental assessment and sustainability initiatives. With a commitment to environmental integrity and a passion for improving water quality, he utilizes years of expertise to inform product development and strategic direction.
Prior to his role at SimpleLab, Jess made significant contributions as a Graduate Student Instructor at the University of California, Berkeley. Here, he engaged with students in advanced courses, enriching their learning experience through mentorship and hands-on instruction. His teaching experience was complemented by his role as a Research Advisor at SimpleWater, Inc., where he applied his extensive knowledge in Energy and Resources to advance research initiatives designed to tackle global water concerns.
Throughout his career, Jess has contributed to a variety of organizations, including noteworthy positions at the Environmental Health Hazard Assessment office in California and the Inter-American Development Bank. His diverse range of experiences includes environmental consulting, academic research, and development assistance, allowing him to cultivate a multi-faceted approach to problem-solving in the environmental sector.
Education and Achievements
Jess's impressive academic journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with a minor in Energy and Resources that ignited his passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Driven by a desire to further his understanding of environmental challenges, he pursued multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering with a focus on Water Quality. His dedication to research led him to complete not one, but two Master's degrees at UC Berkeley — the other in Energy and Resources — ultimately culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Energy & Resources.
Jess's educational background has equipped him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, setting the stage for a celebrated career aimed at promoting sustainable practices and addressing critical environmental issues. His training has made him especially adept in formulating strategies that balance economic growth with ecological impact, a focus that is increasingly vital in our rapidly changing world.
Achievements
Throughout his professional journey, Jess Goddard has accumulated an impressive array of achievements that highlight his expertise in environmental science. His impactful research, mentoring of future leaders in the field, and active participation in organizations dedicated to sustainability have marked him as a key figure in his industry. As Chief Science Officer at SimpleLab, he leads initiatives to develop methodologies that ensure responsible environmental practices, particularly in water quality assessment.
Moreover, Jess has played a pivotal role in addressing water quality issues through his contributions as a Researcher at the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, where he collaborated on projects aimed at improving public health through better environmental management. His analytical skills and attention to detail have been essential in guiding policies that protect health and promote sustainable development.
Additionally, his tenure as an External Consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank showcases his ability to work across borders, contributing insights and strategies for sustainable development in multi-national contexts. This role highlights his capacity to engage with complex environmental and social issues while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
In recognition of his contributions, Jess has been involved in several projects and research initiatives that align with his mission to enhance sustainability and advocate for the protection of natural resources. His commitment to education and community outreach has also been evident in his roles at various educational institutions, where he has nurtured the next generation of environmental professionals.
In summary, Jess Goddard represents a vibrant fusion of educational excellence and practical experience in the realms of energy and environmental science. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and public service, establishing him as a trailblazer in the quest for a greener future.
Highlights
Today's a historic day in drinking water regulations! Today, six PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFBS, PFHxS, HFPO-DA) are now stringently regulated and public water systems are on the hook. There's lots of nuance, but two things make this big:
1/ The incredibly low concentrations permitted in drinking water reflect a very strict standard to protect the public from the wide-ranging health effects of PFAS–4 parts per trillion for PFOA & PFOS is the practical level at which a machine can even detect these compounds. This is great news for public health, but represents an incredibly huge economic burden for water systems and rate payers.
2/ The use of a health hazard index to regulate a group of four PFAS ( PFNA, PFBS, PFHxS, HFPO-DA) is novel. In addition to individual MCLs for 3 of these (at 10ppt), if two or more of these compounds are detected there will be an MCL for the combined mixture of these contaminants. The contaminant concentrations for any two plus compounds detected among these four will be divided by their health benchmarks (yielding a "hazard quotient" for each contaminant) and those hazard quotients will be summed up to calculate a "hazard index". If the hazard index is greater than 1, the water system will be in violation. The effects of multiple of these PFAS in drinking water are additive–meaning that even if two of these compounds were present at 50% of their health benchmark, the sum of the two presents a health risk. The hazard index approach reflects the toxicological science in regulations!
There's a long, expensive, and contentious road ahead to implementing these regulations. In combination with efforts to reduce PFAS in food packaging by FDA, however, it's a big step forward for public health.
https://lnkd.in/e2rtYAAZ From the EPA directly:
"-Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
-Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
-Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation."
#pfas #mcl #epa #safedrinkingwateract
