Meet Merideth D’Andrea, Senior Geologist

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Northeast Portland and am a proud Grant High School graduate (go Generals!). And while I have moved around quite a bit, I currently reside in NE, where my roots are.

What do you do at MFA?

I am a senior geologist, and I also have roles in operations, facilities, and management. I’ve been at MFA for 15 years. I manage remediation projects throughout Oregon and Washington, with a large focus on petroleum sites. I also manage investigation and cleanup projects for USEPA-funded brownfield sites for multiple municipal clients.

What’s rewarding about your job?

I love how my career and the culture at MFA allow me to tap into all my different interests. I get to be a scientist, solving problems creatively, while also being supportive, using a holistic approach to help clients and employees get to where they want to be.

Why is what you do important?

What I contribute during the environmental assessment and remediation phase of a project lays the necessary groundwork to get a site where it needs to be in order to move from a hindrance to an asset. It is these initial hurdles that can be daunting for an entity to take on; however, once we get through the environmental assessment, we can really start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and recognize the potential of the property. One of the projects that really exemplifies this is MFA’s strategic acquisition and redevelopment services for City of Saint Helens, focusing on a property that once was home to two wood-products facilities in downtown Saint Helens.

What skills do you bring to your work?

I bring technical expertise, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to build trust and create strong working relationships, externally and internally. I think I also bring a natural capacity to observe and offer constructive suggestions on how something can be done better. That last one especially helps me develop the best possible solutions for my clients.

What do you like to do off the clock?

I love to cook! I am a total foodie, so I love all things about food. I like to read about the culinary world and techniques/recipes, and wander around fancy markets or farmers markets shopping for interesting items.

If you were not a Senior Geologist, what would you be?

In another lifetime, I probably would have gone into the medical profession. I love science, solving problems, and helping people. I am just a little too squeamish to have pursued it.

What’s on your bucket list?

It may not be entirely original, but more travel. One of my family’s near-term goals is to take more mini-trips, just within the US. There are so many interesting places to visit and foods to eat!