Eric Larson honors Purdue and EEE through his career and EAC service

Nearly 32 years ago, Eric Larson (Biology, BS ’90, Environmental Engineering, MS ’92) completed his master’s degree oral examination and waited outside an office containing what he called “three legendary Purdue professors.”

After James Alleman, Robert Jacko, and Ron Wukasch finished discussing Eric's work, Prof. Wukasch opened the door and called him back in. Eric recalls, “As I stepped through the door, he shook my hand, the way a proud father would shake his son’s. He looked me straight in the eye and, with a big smile, said, ‘Make us proud.’”
 

With his graduate degree in Environmental Engineering, Eric began a career at BP – an integrated energy company headquartered in London. He held various leadership roles within the company before joining their Remediation Management group in 2006, where he currently works as a Liability Manager. The group oversees BP’s environmental liabilities stemming from current and legacy operations, including refineries, chemical plants, metal mining sites, service stations, pipelines, and distribution terminals.

“I love my job,” Eric declares. “I’m doing the work I’ve wanted to do since high school. I get to solve complex environmental problems and make a difference alongside incredibly talented people every day. And, do so with sustainability in mind.”

Eric’s passion for his work and gratitude toward the EEE program led him to join the EEE External Advisory Council (EAC) in 2012. The EAC includes members from environmental consulting firms, major industry, government, and academia. They collaborate with the EEE Head to advise on all aspects of the program and strategic growth. Eric served as EAC chairman for two years (2012-2014) and continues as a valued council member today.

When asked about his motivation for joining the EAC, Eric shares, “I wanted to give back to Purdue, specifically EEE. If Prof. Wukasch had not accepted me – a very average undergraduate student – into the Environmental Engineering graduate program, there is no way I would have achieved what I have professionally. I want to help provide students with even greater opportunities than I had.”

Eric honors Purdue with his dedication to remain “ever grateful and ever true.” Reflecting on the moment in 1992 with those three legendary professors, Eric remarks, “I sincerely hope I have lived up to the proud engineering tradition of Purdue University and made those men proud.”

 

 

Eric is a lifetime member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire
Company in Maryland, serving through the rank of Captain.

 

Eric with his wife Elizabeth at a Baltimore Raven's football game.