Learn about AEES's Associate and Certified Designer Program, including why the certification is being offered, what types of professionals are a good fit, and how to apply. Hear from two recently certified professionals, including about their experience at the AEES certified designer workshop at University of Georgia in May 2025 and why they chose to pursue this certification.

David M. Blersch, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Ecological Engineering in the Biosystems Engineering Department at Auburn University. He teaches courses in ecological engineering, waste management, and algae systems engineering. His research focuses on ecological technologies for nutrient recovery from aquatic waste streams, including algae cultivation, aquaculture and aquaponics systems, and ecological modeling. Dr. Blersch leads the Algal Systems and Ecological Engineering Laboratory and is a founding PI of the Auburn 3D‑Printed Bio‑Surfaces Laboratory, securing more than $3M in research funding. A longtime member of the American Ecological Engineering Society, he…