RADFORD – Radford University geology alumna Zoe’ A. Belcher Melino earned the distinction of becoming the first Registered Brownfield Professional in Connecticut.  This certification is a leading credential for professionals involved in Brownfield revitalization.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Brownfields are industrial or other real property that has a potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.  “Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment,” says the EPA.

During Belcher’s undergraduate years at RU, she was one of only a few females interested in a career in geology. Now, after earning both her undergraduate degree in geology in 1998 and her master’s degree in environmental and engineering geology in 2001 at RU, she is one of only 72 Registered Brownfield Professionals in the nation. In this capacity she is qualified to conduct a contamination investigation from beginning to end, which consists of three phases.

To become a Registered Brownfield Professional, Belcher completed an application and submitted her credentials to the Institute of Brownfield Professionals (IBP). The IBP board then reviewed and approved her application.      “Ultimately, my career goal is to be a Project Manager in the environmental field,” said Melino.  “The world of Brownfields is growing at a rapid rate.  This accreditation makes me more marketable in the Brownfields arena.  It keeps me informed of all the latest laws and advances in the field.

“It is so very exciting to be a part of a growing field and to have the opportunity to make a difference in the community. The redevelopment of these properties removes the local ‘eye soar’ and replaces it with potential job opportunities for the area or new housing as well as puts them back on the tax base, potentially lowering town taxes.”

Geology is considered a male dominated field. “For the simple fact that it has always been ok for boys to play in the dirt while girls were supposed to be prim and proper.” says Belcher.  “This field allowed and gave me permission to play in the dirt. For example, when I have to go out to investigate a site, I am usually dressed nicely and have my makeup done. But by the end of the day, my face is usually smudged and my clothes are dirty. I enjoy getting out and playing in the dirt.”

“Also, the sciences in general have been a male dominated field for a long time.  During the last few generations, we as a society have instilled values in our girls that it is ok to be smart and demonstrate so by breaking into these male dominated fields.”

Belcher is a licensed geologist in the state of Washington. Shortly after leaving Radford, she began her career at HRP Associates, Inc. as a Project Geologist and is now a Senior Project Geologist. She has worked there for seven years. She lives in Moodus, Connecticut, with her husband and four-year-old daughter, Anastasia.