2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Towards a Refresh of the Environmental Engineering Body of Knowledge

Presented at Tech Session 5: Toward a New Paradigm in Environmental Engineering: From Knowledge Frameworks to Learning Impact

The original version of the Environmental Engineering Body of Knowledge (EEBOK1) was first published in 2009 by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (now the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, AAEES, or Academy). In 2018, a volunteer task force was formed by the Academy with input from the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP or Association). In 2018, the task force recommended a refresh of the EEBOK1. In 2021, the Environmental Engineering Division of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE, Society) hosted a panel discussion about the EEBOK1. Through a series of articles, input was sought from a breadth of professional and technical organizations. In 2024, an ad hoc group was formed by the Academy with input from the Association. In 2024, the ad hoc group conducted a survey of diverse stakeholders. A total of 28 responses were received. The ad hoc group reviewed the responses and recommended the updating of the Executive Summary as well as Outcome 17. This article shares the results of the survey conducted in 2024 as well as proposed language that could be considered in a refresh and creation of EEBOK2, including an updated Executive Summary as well as an updated Outcome 17.

Authors

Dr. Daniel B Oerther P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6724-3205 Missouri University of Science and Technology [biography]

Professor Daniel B. Oerther, PhD, PE joined the faculty of the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2010 as the John A. and Susan Mathes Chair of Civil Engineering after serving for ten years on the faculty of the University of Cincinnati where he was head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor Oerther is internationally recognized for leadership of engineers, sanitarians, and nurses promoting the practice the sustainable development, local to global. Dan is a Past President of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Sanitarians. Dan is a Fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, the American Academy of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. In the United Kingdom, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Royal Society for Public Health, and the Society of Operations Engineers. Professor Oerther's awards as an educator include the Excellence in Environmental Engineering Education Award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the Gordon Maskew Fair Distinguished Engineering Educator Medal from the Water Environment Federation, the Engineering Education Excellence Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Robert G. Quinn Award from the American Society for Engineering Education.

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