At the end of the year, we tend to take a step back and think about the big picture. Sometimes, our contemplation leads to inspiration and then action. That’s what happened when Ann Rosecrance, retired 45-year environmental chemist, attended SURF’s December webinar.

During the webinar, Al Hannum (Nicole Foundation Board Member) described the Foundation’s current projects in Ukraine, Cuba, and Syria. Hearing about the projects allowed participants to better understand how the organization tackles contaminated “sites” where there is (1) limited funding, (2) limited technical capability, and sometimes (3) no commercial impetus for remediation. Ann said “I was so astounded by the challenges presented and the need for technical assistance that I was inspired to volunteer. I emailed Al, attached my CV, and expressed my interest. As it turned out, they needed a chemist for an asbestos project with the United Nations Environment Programme in Ukraine.” The country has over 250,000 war-damaged or destroyed structures, of which 70% contain asbestos, and Ann is reviewing a Ukraine laboratory asbestos testing and analysis plan.

Remediation practitioners in many disciplines (e.g., project management, communications, technology and development, GIS) are needed and, just like Ann’s work, many tasks can be accomplished without leaving the comfort of your home office.

Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.