Kristan VandenHeuvel has worked in the environmental field for over 10 years with a focus on water reuse research and a passion for helping others understand the importance of water for every aspect of life. Her previous role as Research Manager at The Water Research Foundation (formerly the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and WateReuse Research Foundation) included managing a portfolio of 40+ agricultural reuse and desalination research projects with a total value of more than $15M in active research for the water community.
In her current role as Director of Applied Research and Engagement at The Water Tower, Kristan is responsible for developing a robust research program to bring world-class applied water research to utilities and decision makers, and steering programming to engage stakeholders from water industry professionals to the general public with timely and important information to communicate the value of water. Her role also includes partner development, fundraising, and engaging the next generation of water professionals. Kristan has extensive experience facilitating expert workshops, demonstrating ROI value to interested collaborators, and coordinating outreach efforts.
Kristan previously served as Deputy Grant Director for a $4.5 million water reuse grant program funded by the California State Water Board, on the Board of Directors for the Multi-State Salinity Coalition, and as an Advisory Committee member for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. She currently serves on the Gwinnett Young Professionals Advisory Board, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Board, as well as local high school STEM education advisory boards. She has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Dayton, is a 2021 graduate of the WEF Water Leadership Institute, a certified Envision Sustainability Professional, and was awarded the 35 under 35 influential young professionals award by the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce in 2022.