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EWI Welcomes New Team Members!
September 2011
Nick Henry –Nick is based in the Springfield office as an Associate Scientist in our Assessment and Compliance Group.
Nick most recently worked for Great River Associates as a GIS Technician. While there, he created and maintained their GIS database, helped create a map for the Route 66 corridor management plan, created and presented a plan to restore a local historic bridge, and much more. Prior to working at Great River Associates and throughout college, Nick worked at JCPenney.
Nick graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a minor in Global Studies.
August 2011
Matt Higgins – Matt is based in the Kansas City office as EWI’s Environmental Operations Technician.
Matt most recently worked at Cohen-Esrey Property Services where he was the Lead Maintenance Technician. Prior to Cohen-Esrey, Matt worked for the City of Winter Haven, Florida as a Water Plant Trainee. At the City of Winter Haven, he treated drinking water and tested for a variety of chemicals and pollutants for the City. In addition, Matt assisted in maintaining the facilities that supported the Water Plant.
Matt obtained his license for drinking water operations in Florida and was also involved in operating their wastewater plants. He has experience sampling, completing pump maintenance, and a background in construction.
Blake Schroeder – Blake is based in the Springfield office as a Field Technician.
Blake most recently worked for Cox Hospital’s South Laboratory. Prior to Cox Hospital, Blake worked for the Missouri Emergency Response Commission as the Northwest Missouri Hazmat Planner and EPCRA Specialist. While there, Blake was responsible for maintaining contact with county Local Emergency Planning Commissions (LEPC), updating county Annex H Hazmat plans, informing companies of Tier II requirements, completing facility inspections, serving as a Team Leader on an EPA grant, and much more!
Blake graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology / Biotechnology and a minor in Chemistry.
July 2011
Emily Austin – Emily is based in the Springfield office as an Associate Scientist in the Investigation and Remediation Group.
Emily most recently worked at Missouri State University as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Plymate. While working as a T.A., she taught introductory geology classes, lectured students on rocks, minerals, topographic maps, karst, geomorphology, and more. In addition, she was awarded the 2011 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award.
Prior to working for Dr. Plymate, Emily also served as a Teaching Assistant to Dr. Parlowsky. In addition, she worked as a Research Specialist for Ozarks Environmental and Water Research Institute and as a Groundwater Intern for MDNR in Springfield.
Emily graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. in Geology and will be graduating this August with a Masters in Geospatial Sciences.
June 2011
Jason Burge – Jason is based in the Kansas City office, but will be working in Cedar Rapids as an Associate Scientist.
Jason has been working with EWI on an Independent Contractor basis since March 2011. He previously worked at Neel-Schaffer in Cedar Rapids as a Construction Monitor. While there, he monitored the abatement procedures and demolition / construction protocols. Prior to working at Neel-Schaffer, Jason worked at Family Environmental, Linn County, and DMR Racing.
Jason has his Associates degree in Construction Management and is ASE certified in small engine repair and maintenance.
Robert Wallace – Robert is based in the Springfield office as a Field Technician.
Robert most recently worked at Nu-Way Construction. While there he provided carpentry and general labor services for commercial remodels in the Springfield area.
Prior to Nu-Way, Robert worked for The Contractors in Fair Grove and the Harrison Lake Ozark Development Company based in Osage Beach.
Kara Gosa – Kara is based in the Springfield office as our Accounts Receivable Clerk.
Kara most recently worked at Carlos O’Kelly’s as the Hospitality Supervisor. She was responsible for completing payroll, entering and posting invoices, inventory, handling all money, managing employees, and ensuring all of the customers were satisfied.
Kara is a Kansas City native and recently graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. in Accounting.
Vince Epps – Vince is based in the St. Louis office as an Environmental Scientist. Vince most recently worked for Geotechnology as a Staff Geologist. Prior to Geotechnology, Vince worked at GeoTest in St. Louis.
Vince’s most notable projects include:
- The New I-64 in St. Louis. He was responsible for supervising the drill crews in the collection of soil and rock core samples for bridge pier locations and depth determinations. In addition, he completed the Cross Hole Sonic Log.
- Oronogo / Duenweg Mining Belt Superfund Site in Oronogo, MO. During the initial stages of this project, he drafted various documents to satisfy EPA requirements including the QPP, SAP, XRF SOP, and the DAR. He was responsible for the direction of surveying and land clearing activities as well as sample collection.
- Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital Expansion in St. Louis, MO. Vince led the geophysicist in the collection of geophysical data and he was responsible for the set-up and deployment of the generator and the surveying of the geophone / stake locations.
Vince earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Missouri State University and is a Springfield native. In addition, he is a Missouri Registered Geologist and a Missouri and Illinois Licensed Asbestos and Lead Inspector.
Charles West – Charles is based in the Kansas City office as Field Services Manager.
Charles most recently worked for the City of Clinton as the Sexton / Department Head. While there, he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of three cemeteries, his team of employees, equipment, budgets, and all records.
Prior to the City, Charles spent eight years at Kingston Environmental Services as the Manager of Abatement Operations. Charles managed the daily operation of the Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Abatement Division. Charles also spent four years at Total Environmental Services and Technologies as a Driller / Environmental Technician. In addition, Charles is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Environmental Works, Inc. (EWI) is a full-service, certified woman-owned environmental consulting and contracting firm that has built a strong reputation for providing expert, turnkey solutions to both public and private-sector clients. EWI was founded in 1992 in Springfield, Missouri by company owner and president, Robin Melton. The firm quickly became an industry leader with an impressive list of clients including BNSF Railway Company, Bass Pro Shops, Inc., Commerce Bank, Alcatel-Lucent Technologies, Tracker Marine, and a host of other local, regional, and national companies. EWI’s offices are located in Springfield, Kansas City,
St. Louis, and Joplin, Missouri and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

