Lauren Former

Technology Consultant, PFAS Subject Matter Expert

Europe
Email Lauren Former

Lauren’s multidisciplinary professional background unites a strong basis in chemistry research and environmental policy with an integrated water management and climate change adaptation approach. Native to California, she has been in R&D at major research institutions in the U.S. and Germany. Her research in supply resiliency and emerging contaminants in water reuse facilitated a knowledge transfer between drought-prone regions of Bavaria and California and was recognised with the “Sustainable Resource Management Award” from the Audi Environmental Foundation.

At Isle, Lauren develops, manages, and delivers projects to both municipal and industrial clients, with key expertise in physical and chemical advanced treatment technologies to improve the removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., as PFAS Subject Matter Expert, for which she leads global projects and European technical working groups). As one of the lead consultants for the European municipal water and wastewater market and key account manager for the DACH region and Belgium, she advises clients on their technical needs and develops bespoke and collaborative projects to network clients internationally. Within industry she has worked across diverse sectors (particularly mining) and delivers expert technical workshops and strategy development on emerging contaminants. She is involved in large international projects and further stays active in academic research, presenting at conferences and writing scientific publications. To undertake Isle’s technical due diligence, she screens innovative technologies and supports suppliers for entering new markets.

Expertise
  • Advanced physical and chemical treatment processes for removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS) 
  • Mining-influenced water treatment (active, passive) and site remediation
  • Global environmental policy and regulations
  • Water reuse and sustainable groundwater management, e.g., for water-scarce regions
Qualifications

M.Sc. Sustainable Resource Management, Germany
B.Sc. Chemistry, USA
BA German Studies, USA

Publications

Global Guide of the Filtration and Separation Industry 2024-2026, Editorial book chapter “PFAS REmediation Technologies to Overcome Global Challenges”

English