Karlin Danielsen Named 2026 MWEA Environmental Engineer of the Year

Karlin Danielsen, PhD, Technical Specialist at OHM Advisors, has been named the 2026 Environmental Engineer of the Year by the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA). She was recently honored at the organization’s annual conference in Boyne Mountain.

Karlin leads OHM Advisors’ Emerging Contaminants team and advances the firm’s real-time water quality monitoring initiatives. Working across stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water systems, she develops practical, science-based strategies to address complex water quality challenges. 

Communities navigating PFAS challenges rely on her expertise to trace contaminants to the source, evaluate, and optimize treatment alternatives and navigate the regulatory landscape. 

Her leadership extends beyond project delivery. Karlin co-chaired the MWEA Contaminants of Concern Committee from 2021 to 2025 and drafted the committee charter to focus on helping members build the knowledge they need to meet the technical, regulatory, and financial challenges presented by PFAS. 

Karlin invited speakers to share emerging research, real-world challenges, and various treatment solutions. She broadened participation among researchers, dischargers, wastewater treatment plant operators and regulators, creating a forum for cross-industry dialogue. 

Karlin also led the integration of the Contaminants of Concern Committee and the PFAS Coordination Committee, effectively establishing the PFAS Subcommittee. This streamlined structure enabled members to continue addressing evolving PFAS requirements while using limited time and resources more efficiently.

Karlin notes, “Often, the hardest part of solving a problem is envisioning what’s possible. Once you see the vision, the path forward appears.”

Karlin holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in Geological Sciences from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from New Mexico State University.

About OHM Advisors
OHM Advisors is the community advancement firm, delivering award-winning work across the architecture, engineering and planning spheres. Founded in 1962, we believe in the power of multidisciplinary teamwork to find ideas that aren’t just different—they are better. Recognized as an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm, our 800+ person team operates across multiple states throughout the U.S., partnering with leaders at all government levels, school districts, developers, universities and private companies to create great places for people.