CEE Associate Professor Carla Ng Appointed to EPA’s Science Advisory Board

Carla Ng, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, will be joining a group of renowned, multidisciplinary experts to provide sound, scientific advice to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of its Science Advisory Board (SAB).

Ng, who has a dual appointment on the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee, specializes in researching the behavior, fate and effects of "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent environmental pollutants. These chemicals are widely used in products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam but are notoriously difficult to remove from the environment and human bodies.

Her work focuses on understanding how these chemicals contaminate water systems and organisms, developing models to predict their biological impacts and exploring solutions for reducing PFAS exposure. She has also collaborated on efforts to find alternatives to PFAS in certain industrial applications and works to improve public health through environmental remediation efforts.

“I am honored by this appointment and excited to work with the EPA, using my expertise to help protect public health and the environment,” Ng said. 

According to a press release from the EPA, the membership solicitation process resulted in 80 nominations for the SAB with all candidates evaluated by the Science Advisory Board Staff Office (SABSO).  

“The Science Advisory Board plays a critical role by reviewing the quality and relevance of the scientific and technical information being used by the EPA,” said Thomas Brennan, director of the SABSO. “By selecting Dr. Ng to serve on the Board, EPA will benefit from her expertise in chemical and environmental engineering as well as environmental and occupational health. I am confident Dr. Ng will deliver impactful advice to EPA.”

The SAB was created in 1978 following the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act. The SAB’s charter has been renewed every two years.

"Professor Ng's outstanding expertise in fate and transport of chemicals and their impact on public health as well as her efforts to reverse the effects of forever chemicals will add tremendous value to the SAB," said Radisav Vidic, Nickolas A. DeCecco Professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at Pitt. "We couldn't be more proud of our colleague and friend."