Kristen Jackson of Jacobs served as engineer of record for Oregon鈥檚 largest secondary clarifier project, completing the milestone six days ahead of regulatory deadlines despite complex seismic foundation design, COVID-19 disruptions, supply chain issues, and record heat waves. She led the interdisciplinary design team for seven major supporting systems encompassing over 24 pieces of equipment and associated control systems, then trained treatment plant staff during startup and commissioning of the secondary clarifiers, return activated sludge pump house, mixed liquor pumping, disinfection upgrades, ventilation systems, and associated yard piping. The project expanded secondary treatment capacity at the wastewater treatment plant, protecting the Columbia River.
Jackson spent three years with the Peace Corps in Peru, empowering mothers with educational materials about fecal-borne illnesses, hand washing, and drinking water treatment. With 15 years in the industry, she serves on boards including Portland Mountain Rescue, STEM Like a Girl, Santa Clara University鈥檚 engineering advisory committee, the Portland Peace Corps Association, and the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies.
