Legionella engineer and Special Pathogens Laboratory Vice President of Consulting Services Frank P. Sidari III, PE, BCEE, is the recipient of Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 40 under 40 award for combining engineering expertise with a specialization in water quality and Legionella, the waterborne bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Given to 40 building industry professionals age 40 and younger, CSE’s award recognizes those who stand out in all aspects of their lives, particularly in the nonresidential building community.
Sidari stood out for creating a unique niche by combining his engineering expertise with a specialization in water quality and Legionella control. This novel approach promotes building water safety and prevents disease caused by waterborne pathogens.
Early in his career, Sidari conducted the first field evaluation of chlorine dioxide disinfection of a hospital campus water system to control Legionella. At that time, chlorine dioxide was a new technology that was a potential alternative to chlorine. His work was published in the Journal of the American Water Works Association (JAWWA) in 2004. Since then, chlorine dioxide has become an industry standard and is used worldwide to control Legionella. Subsequently, Sidari’s most recent publication (JAWWA, Oct. 2014) confirmed the findings of the original study.
“Recognition for Frank’s accomplishments is well deserved,” says Dr. Janet E Stout, president of Special Pathogens Laboratory. “Disease caused by waterborne pathogens, especially Legionella, in the built environment is a growing public health issue. Frank’s rare skill set and ability to apply his expert knowledge of water systems to Legionella control is critical to disease prevention and advancing knowledge.”
In addition to his seminal work in engineering and water quality and Legionella, Sidari was also recognized for his commitment to mentoring young girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For more than 10 years, he has volunteered and assisted classes at The Ellis School, an all-girl institution in Pittsburgh. Under his engineering mentorship of the school’s Future City team, three teams made it to the competition’s national finals held during National Engineers Week in Washington, DC.
“These diverse young professionals are dedicated to the building profession,” said Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief of Consulting-Specifying Engineer. “Now in its eighth year, the program has increased in the number of nominees, and each winner truly stands out both professionally and personally.”
Candidates for CSE’s 40 under 40 award were nominated by a professional colleague or mentor and judged on nine areas including: their commitment to excellence in their academic, professional, personal, and community involvement. Winners will receive their awards at the presentation ceremony held in Chicago on Tuesday, Sept. 29.