Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2006
  • M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2001
  • M.S., Chemical Engineering, Yonsei University, South Korea, 1997
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Yonsei University, South Korea, 1995
Professional Honors
  • The Ford Fund Fellowship, 2001-2003
Professional Affiliations
  • Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
Languages
  • Korean

Dr. Ahn is environmental scientist with more than 15 years of experience investigating, analyzing, interpreting, and predicting behaviors of organic chemicals including PAHs, PCBs, flame retardants (PBDEs), petroleum fuels, dioxins, DDTs and other pesticides in complex natural environments and engineered systems. His work at Exponent has focused on applying in-depth knowledge of environmental chemistry, including chemical fate and transport, distribution and partitioning in environmental media, degradation, and bioavailability, which are crucial for accurate delineation of contamination, source identification and allocation, cost allocation, and evaluation and selection of remedial options. 

Dr. Ahn has worked on projects related to oil spills, industrial chemical releases, former manufactured gas plants (MGPs), Superfund sites, landfills, fuel terminals, steel plants, and coal-fired power plants.

Dr. Ahn frequently uses technical tools that include chemical fingerprinting for environmental forensics, source identification and allocation using numerical models (e.g., EPA's Chemical Mass Balance) and statistical tools. He also utilizes emerging methods to measure low-level chemicals in sediment and water for assessing the potential exposure and toxicity of chemicals (e.g., passive samplers).

Dr. Ahn has been actively involved in fieldwork at sites for RI/FS studies and research projects. His field work responsibilities include planning, managing, conducting sampling of soil, groundwater, and sediment, and data analysis. He also has experience designing and conducting laboratory studies to support development of cost-effective alternatives for environmental problems.

Recently, Dr. Ahn expanded his capabilities to provide regulatory support for the registration of agrochemicals, biocides, and household chemical substances under K-BPR, K-REACH, and pesticide regulations. He has also evaluated regulatory compliance of food ingredients and additives in Korea. These require working closely with clients in different countries and government agency officers in Korea.

As a Korean native, he is fluent in English and Korean.