ARVIND KUMAR AKULA
Toledo,OH
Summary
Environmental Engineer with 3+ years of specialized experience in wastewater treatment planning, regulatory strategy, and environmental compliance. Skilled at integrating engineering principles with regulatory frameworks to deliver technically sound and cost-effective solutions for municipal infrastructure. Adept at navigating NPDES and PTI processes, optimizing treatment plant performance, and translating complex data into actionable insights. Recognized for cross-functional collaboration, clear technical communication, and commitment to sustainable water resource management. Proven ability to support both public agencies and private clients through design-phase planning, permitting, and long-term compliance strategies.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Water/Wastewater Engineer
Jones & Henry Engineers, Inc
03.2025 - Current
- Conducted Local Limits Evaluations to ensure industrial user compliance with NPDES permits and regulatory thresholds.
- Led sludge handling and dewatering studies, including solids mass balance calculations and equipment selection for system upgrades.
- Developed Engineer’s Estimates and bid tabulations for wastewater facility improvements, supporting capital planning and grant applications.
- Performed WWTP capacity analyses using Ten States Standards, accounting for future population growth, peak flows, and loading rates.
- Authored and edited detailed engineering reports for facility planning, design memoranda, and regulatory submissions.
- Reviewed and interpreted NPDES permits, contributing to permit renewal strategies and compliance recommendations.
- Prepared and submitted air permit applications (PTIO/Title V) to Ohio EPA, including documentation for flares, blowers, and IC engines, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to prepare process flow diagrams, sizing calculations, and cost-effective design alternatives.
- Supported client communications through data presentation, technical memo preparation, and regulatory coordination.
NPDES & Permit to Install Reviewer (Intern)
Environmental Protection Agency (State of Ohio)
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Reviewed 100+ Permit to Install (PTI) applications and drafted 15+ NPDES permits, waste load allocations ensuring full environmental regulations and EPA water quality compliance.
- Performed 15+ site inspections to identify potential pollution control and remediation measures; recommended corrective actions leading to improved environmental monitoring.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and engineers to streamline data collection, reducing administrative workload by 25%.
- Authored technical reports for the Division of Surface Water, improving environmental policy documentation and facilitating regulatory audits.
- Demonstrated adaptability and initiative by refining permit processes to address evolving environmental challenges.
Graduate Research Assistant for Ohio Department of Health
University of Toledo
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Spearheaded wastewater sampling at 5+ sites (treatment plants, dormitories) to support environmental science-based COVID-19 surveillance.
- Gained hands-on experience with pumps, manholes, and sewer flow monitoring, ensuring efficient sample collection and data reporting.
- Analyzed SARS-CoV-2 variants using QIIME2, PICRUSt2, and RStudio, enhancing data analysis turnaround by 30% and informing public health measures.
- Prepared reports, presentations, and documentation summarizing key research findings for stakeholders.
- Ensured 100% lab and field OSHA safety compliance, demonstrating responsibility and attention to detail across 100+ experiments.
Graduate Teaching Assistant for UT Civil Engineering Department
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Graded 200+ assignments and exams each semester while mentoring 50+ students, boosting average class scores by 15% through creative teaching methods and problem-solving approaches.
- Provided one-on-one academic support and career mentorship, helping students succeed in coursework and prepare for professional opportunities.
- Developed lab protocols aligned with ABET and environmental engineering standards, promoting innovation, flexibility, and leadership in classroom settings.
Quantity Surveyor (Intern)
A.S.A Consultants
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Applied cost management and quantity surveying methods for 5+ diverse urban projects collectively valued at $1M, achieving 95% accuracy in financial projections and budgeting.
- Utilized Microsoft Office to produce 10+ comprehensive reports and graphical representations, enhancing stakeholder clarity and reducing reporting time by 20%.
Junior Site Engineer (Intern)
S.V.R Builders and Developers
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Contributed as an Intern to the design and planning of 6+ Civil and Site Development projects valued at over $2M.
- Collaborated on site layout, concrete grading, stormwater management, and utility planning, leading to a 15% cost reduction through efficient resource utilization.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH12.2024
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
CMR College of Engineering & Technology
06.2022
Skills
Technical Skills:
Microsoft Office
OSHA Safety Regulation
Environmental Compliance
Field Research
Data Analysis (Bioinformatics)
Environmental Social Governance
Lab Safety
Recordkeeping
Scientific Experiments
Soft Skills:
Communication
Conflict Management
Decision Making
Teamwork
Leadership
Attention to Detail
Proactive
Affiliations
- Handling Editor of International Journal of Environment and Waste Management (IJEWM)
- Handling Editor of International Journal of Environmental Engineering (IJEE)
- Active Member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF)
- Active Member of International Institution of Hazardous Materials (IIHM)
Certification
- LEED Green Associate | 2025
- OSHA Confined Space Safety Training | 2025
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety | 2025
- Certified Environmental Specialist (OSHA) | 2023
Publications
- Novel approach to discover potential bacterial biomarkers for strengthening SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance. (In Review)
- Harmful algal blooms & early warning biomarkers. (In Review)
- A Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Approach for Biomarker Identification: Comparison of Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variants. (In Review)
Grants and Fellowships
- Received a grant for Ohio Department of Health to research on SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in the University of Toledo dormitories.
- Receive full scholarship with Health Insurance for my entire Master’s for working as Research and Teaching Assistant.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership
Represented National Level in Soccer (twice)
• Participated in national-level soccer tournaments, demonstrating athletic excellence and dedication.
• Developed teamwork, strategic thinking, and time management skills through rigorous training and competition.
Captain of University Soccer Team (Bachelor’s)
• Led the university soccer team to several victories, showcasing leadership and motivational skills.
• Organized and conducted training sessions, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork among players.
• Coordinated with university officials for team logistics, including travel and accommodation for away games.
Event Organizer for University Soccer Tournaments
• Successfully conducted multiple soccer tournaments at the university, managing all aspects from planning to execution.
• Coordinated with various departments to ensure smooth logistics, including scheduling, venue preparation, and equipment setup.
• Promoted events through various channels, increasing student participation and engagement.
• Managed budgets, sourced sponsorships, and ensured the financial viability of events.
• Gained strong organizational, project management, and communication skills through event planning and execution.
Timeline
Water/Wastewater Engineer
Jones & Henry Engineers, Inc
03.2025 - Current
NPDES & Permit to Install Reviewer (Intern)
Environmental Protection Agency (State of Ohio)
08.2024 - 03.2025
Graduate Research Assistant for Ohio Department of Health
University of Toledo
08.2022 - 12.2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant for UT Civil Engineering Department
08.2022 - 08.2024
Quantity Surveyor (Intern)
A.S.A Consultants
11.2021 - 01.2022
Junior Site Engineer (Intern)
S.V.R Builders and Developers
05.2021 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
CMR College of Engineering & Technology
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
University of Toledo
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