Team
Eric Lohan, MS, General Manager
Eric has been involved in the development of Living Machine technology and the design and installation of Living Machine projects for eleven years. He has a Master of Science in environmental science from the Ohio State University and is completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science at the University of Virginia. Eric is a LEED and ZERI accredited design professional. He is co-author of six patents on ecological wastewater treatment technology and author of a number of papers and book chapters on ecological wastewater treatment.
Leslie Behrends, PhD, Chief Technical Officer
Les worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority as Senior Scientist for over 30 years on a variety of environmental research topics before joining LMS. For 15 years he led a team of researchers and engineers that developed, refined, and deployed energy efficient tidal flow treatment wetlands both nationally and internationally. Les is principal author of the first patent in this field and has co-authored numerous publications related to constructed wetlands, decentralized wastewater management, UV technology, and aquaculture.
J. Rob von Rohr, PE, Senior Environmental Engineer
Rob started working at the predecessor of LMS in 1995 after completing his BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Vermont. Rob has worked as Senior Engineer and General Manager at LMS as well as Senior Engineer at Hickman, Williams, and Associates in OR. Rob has a wide range of experience in environmental engineering, site development, and construction. He has completed an executive training certificate at the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Oregon.
Nate Nickerson, PE, Environmental Engineer
Nate has a diverse background in civil and environmental engineering for the commercial, institutional, residential, municipal and recreational sectors. He has a BS from the University of Virginia in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Resources. He has designed, permitted and performed construction administration for a wide variety of wastewater, potable water, stormwater, and irrigation projects.
Kristina Reid Black, MS, Research Scientist
Kristina has strong research background in both innovative wastewater treatment technologies and microbial ecology. She has an MS in microbial ecology from the University of Virginia. Previously, she was a research scientist with NASA for five years working on the development of biological wastewater treatment systems for space exploration and terrestrial applications. At NASA, she acquired numerous analytical skills that are fundamental to ongoing research and development of Living Machine technologies.
Scott Nelles, Director of Sales
Scott is a LEED AP and veteran business development, sales and marketing executive. Previously, he was vice president of sales and marketing for textile manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe. He has completed a range of professional-development studies at the Center for Creative Leadership, the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Flagler Business School and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He is actively involved in the U.S. Green Building Council Piedmont Triad N.C. Chapter and is currently serving as its advocacy chair.
Pete Courtney, Senior CAD Technician
Pete has been working as a draftsman and designer for over fifteen years on engineering and architectural projects. At LMS Pete has been involved in both 2D and 3D drafting and design for over 6 years. He has expertise with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Solid Works and 3D Rendering Software, such as Artlantis.