Meet Our Team

Meet the team of project managers, scientists, and specialists who bring their technical expertise and attention to each project.

Robin C. Brandt, Ph.D., PE

Technical Director

Read Bio

Robin C. Brandt, Ph.D., PE

Technical Director

Robin is a Technical Director of Material Matters. He has over 35 years’ experience in agricultural, municipal, industrial, and food processing residuals assignments. He directs the company’s efforts involving water reclamation and composting facility odor emission studies and biosolids-derived-product odor assessments (current-in-practice and research). Robin contributes to field-trial and plot studies and participates in the conceptualization/ development of emerging beneficial use strategies such as Deep Row Hybrid Poplar biosolids recycling programs (and related research). He serves as technical project manager on selected assignments and functions as liaison for projects involving consultation with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and other selected technical service providers. Robin is a full-time faculty member with PSU (17 years), at the University Park, PA main campus, in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, where he serves as Senior Lecturer and Director of the PSU Odor Assessment Laboratory.

Lisa Challenger

Chief Operating Officer

Read Bio

Lisa Challenger

Chief Operating Officer

Lisa is the Chief Operating Officer with Material Matters, with more than 12 years of wastewater and leadership experience. Her area of technical expertise focuses on evaluating regulatory and market drivers that influence the management of biosolids and other residuals. Lisa uses her applied experience completing permit applications, engaging with regulators, and completing soils and site evaluations to develop realistic residuals management plans for clients across the country. Lisa graduated from Penn State University’s College of Agriculture with a BS degree in Environmental Resource Management.

Maggie Dean

Agricultural Specialist

Read Bio

Maggie Dean

Agricultural Specialist

Maggie is a detail-oriented professional with a diverse background in agricultural consulting, customer relations, insurance, and team leadership. Known for her exceptional communication and project management skills, Maggie brings a proactive, solutions-focused approach to every role she undertakes. Maggie develops erosion control strategies, nutrient and manure management plans, and comprehensive GIS-based designs, all tailored to meet both environmental standards and client goals. She also delivers educational programs to help farmers increase productivity and adopt sustainable practices. Throughout her career, Maggie has consistently supported organizational objectives by streamlining processes, addressing issues proactively, and building strong relationships with clients and team members alike. Her adaptable nature and strong analytical skills make her a valuable asset in both technical and client-facing roles.

Evin Fitzpatrick

Senior Soil Scientist

Read Bio

Evin Fitzpatrick

Senior Soil Scientist

Evin is the Senior Soil Scientist for Material Matters. He is focused on leading the biosolids application team, acting as Material Matters’ Land Application Program Manager. His key responsibilities include managing biosolids land application projects in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, initiating and developing relationships with clients, farmers, and regulators. Other duties include developing business opportunities both inside and outside the Land Application business line and leading proposal efforts. He is from Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania and spends his free time with his family and out on the water fly fishing. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 with a BS in Environmental Resource Management.

Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

Read Bio

Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

Chad Harrison is an accomplished leader and engineer with over 25 years of experience in driving business growth, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions. Chad holds a B.S. in Geo-Environmental Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Throughout his career, Chad has held senior leadership positions in the engineering and consulting industry, overseeing large teams, managing complex projects, and implementing strategies that deliver consistent growth and operational efficiency. His expertise spans technical oversight, business development, and organizational management, with a focus on creating value for clients and stakeholders. As President and CEO of Material Matters, Inc., Chad leverages his extensive experience and leadership skills to guide the company into its next phase of growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to advancing the company’s mission and fostering excellence across all operations.

Nickolas Hines

Senior Environmental Scientist

Read Bio

Nickolas Hines

Senior Environmental Scientist

Nick received his B.S. from Chatham University in 2020 ahead of completing his Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech in 2021. Nick serves as an Environmental Scientist and Project Manager for Material Matters with expertise in federal/state regulations, permitting, and market research analysis. Nick is also currently the Co-Chair of WEF’s ABBA Committee and Vice Chair of NEBRA’s Residuals Committee.

Molly Hughes, ME, PE

Principal Engineer

Read Bio

Molly Hughes, ME, PE

Principal Engineer

Trudy Johnston

Technical Director, Certified Operator

Read Bio

Trudy Johnston

Technical Director, Certified Operator

Trudy is a Technical Director with Material Matters, and has over 39 years in the municipal and industrial wastewater processing and solids treatment and management field, with 36 years as a consultant. Her primary interests include developing innovative uses and strategies for residuals, optimizing solids processing, conducting solids master studies, assessing compliance with biosolids regulatory standards, data/sample collection and validation, evaluating and resolving odors from residuals, and water quality nutrient trading. She participated in the WERF study with UMASS to assess biosolids stability standards and authored the protocol for the AVSR testing. Trudy has a BS degree in Earth Science from Penn State and is a certified wastewater treatment operator.

Ethan Keitel

Environmental Scientist I

Read Bio

Ethan Keitel

Environmental Scientist I

Ethan is an Environmental Scientist with Material Matters. In his role, he supports residuals and biosolids land application projects through completing site and soil assessments, developing permit application packages, and engaging with local farmers and regulators. Ethan has a background in environmental compliance and agronomy from previous internship experiences. He has a B.S. degree in Environmental Resource Management, with minors in Soil Science, Watersheds & Water Resources, and Wildlife & Fisheries Science from The Pennsylvania State University.

Timothy Lois

Environmental Scientist II

Read Bio

Timothy Lois

Environmental Scientist II

Timothy Lois is a Senior Environmental Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting, specializing in site assessment, remediation, emergency response, and regulatory compliance for industrial, commercial, and public sector clients. He brings deep knowledge of environmental regulations, including PADEP Act 2, RCRA, and CERCLA, and has led projects from initial investigation through regulatory closure. Throughout his career, Timothy has successfully managed complex environmental incidents and high-value remediation efforts, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating closely with clients, regulators, and insurers. His field-to-leadership experience gives him a well-rounded perspective on project execution—from hands-on sampling and system operations to strategic planning and stakeholder communication. His technical expertise includes remedial system design oversight (SVE, air sparge, dual-phase extraction, pump-and-treat, SSDS), underground storage tank compliance, large-scale sampling programs, and rapid spill response. Timothy is recognized for his ability to deliver results on time and within budget while ensuring environmental integrity and regulatory compliance.

Samuel Maurer V

Civil Designer

Read Bio

Samuel Maurer V

Civil Designer

Sam is a Civil Designer with more than 24 years of experience in the civil engineering field. He focuses on land development projects, including subdivisions, lot additions, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, post-construction stormwater measures, and highway occupancy permits. He develops comprehensive site plans, 3D surfaces, profiles, and cross sections using survey and GIS data. He also contributes to sewage planning and permitting. In addition, he collaborates closely with clients and municipalities to keep projects on schedule, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Sam received an Associate in Specialized Technologies degree in Computer-Aided Drafting from ITT Technical Institute in 2001. A lifelong resident of Lancaster County, he enjoys spending time with his family—whether it’s watching the Phillies, biking on local trails, or visiting amusement parks.

Christine McLain, PMP

Assistant Project Manager

Read Bio

Christine McLain, PMP

Assistant Project Manager

Christine is a Assistant Project Manager with a wealth of project management experience. With a background in not-for-profit, she has successfully developed and managed programs for a variety of organizations. Christine has a BS in Business Communications and a PMP from Penn State.

Natalie Switala

Senior Wastewater Scientist, Certified Operator

Read Bio

Natalie Switala

Senior Wastewater Scientist, Certified Operator

Natalie is the Senior Wastewater Scientist of Material Matters.

Vanessa Spychola

Business Manager

Read Bio

Vanessa Spychola

Business Manager

Vanessa is the Business Manager of Material Matters. She comes to us with over 20 years of financial, accounting and tax experience. She is essential in our day-to-day accounting and business operations for the firm. Vanessa attended Millersville University.

Joseph Tetreault

Senior Wastewater Scientist

Read Bio

Joseph Tetreault

Senior Wastewater Scientist

Joe assists generators in wastewater treatment plant optimization through data management, process improvement, biosolids and residual management, and best management practice development. He earned his BS in Natural Sciences from Vermont’s Lyndon State College in 2017 and Master’s in Agricultural Sciences from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 while working in the University’s Agricultural Engineering Lab. He has extensive experience in waste and water chemistry, data analysis, and treatment for beneficial use spanning municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

Alexander Vasilenko

Civil Engineering and Survey Technician

Read Bio

Alexander Vasilenko

Civil Engineering and Survey Technician

Alexander contributes to the civil, and stormwater design team at Material Matters, where he supports projects through field data collection, CAD production, site planning, and permit coordination. His work integrates technical design with regulatory understanding to support efficient and accurate project delivery. He began his career in legal land surveying, gaining experience in boundary resolution, geodetic control, and subdivision layout. That background continues to inform his current approach to both fieldwork and design. He holds degrees in Geomatics and in Mineral and Mining Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, he now lives in Pennsylvania.

Timothy Ward

Engineer in Training

Read Bio

Timothy Ward

Engineer in Training

Tim is a Engineer in Training (EIT) with a passion for designing smart, sustainable solutions in land development and stormwater management. As a Design Engineer he specializes in developing NPDES and E&S permits for agricultural, commercial, and residential projects across Pennsylvania. Tim brings practical expertise in Civil 3D, stormwater modeling, and site grading to deliver DEP-compliant designs that meet both client goals and regulatory standards. A graduate of Penn State Harrisburg with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Tim has a well-rounded background in structural, geotechnical, environmental, and transportation engineering. He regularly presents plans at township meetings and works closely with clients, contractors, and agency representatives to move projects from concept to approval. Outside of work, he’s been volunteering as a Student Ministry Group Leader at LCBC in York, PA, mentoring youth since 2013.