Trainee Success Stories: Richard Rushforth
Feb. 1, 2012
Richard Rushforth, former University of Arizona Superfund Research Program (UA SRP) trainee, is working as the Technical Advisor for the Motorola 52nd St. Superfund site in Phoenix, AZ. The Linden Park Neighborhood Association was awarded a Technical Assistance Grant by the EPA, which provides funds for a technical advisor to interpret and explain information about the site, and they selected Mr. Rushforth. Qualifications for selection of a technical advisor include knowledge of Superfund issues, a degree in a relevant field, and the ability to explain technical information to the community.
Mr. Rushforth is also in the process of completing a PhD in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. His research interests focus on water resources management in arid metropolitan areas.
As a Master’s student in the UA SRP, Mr. Rushforth worked in the Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science under the guidance of UA SRP investigator Dr. Jon Chorover, as well as Dr. Raina Maier and Dr. Joan Curry. His thesis research involved elucidating fate and transport mechanisms of metal contaminants during the phytostabilization of arid mine tailings. The tailings that Mr. Rushforth worked with came from an Arizona State Superfund site and helped to pique his interest in dealing with Superfund sites. Following graduation, he earned a second Master’s degree in Water Science, Policy and Management from the University of Oxford.
Mr. Rushforth says his position as Technical Adviser for the Motorola 52nd St. site is a good fit, and is “interesting because of my previous experience with Superfund issues, as well as relevant to my future goals.”
Please join the UA SRP in wishing Richard continued success in his career development!