Battelle Appoints Paige Jacob as PFAS Chemistry Program Manager to Advance Semiconductor Solutions
Battelle, a global leader in applied science and technology solutions, announced today the appointment of Paige Jacob as PFAS Chemistry Program Manager. Jacob, a recognized expert in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and emerging contaminants, will lead Battelle’s research, client consultation, and solution development efforts, particularly within the semiconductor industry.
Driving PFAS Solutions Across Critical Industries
In her new role, Jacob will provide client-facing leadership for research execution and strategic consultation. She will guide projects addressing PFAS challenges across various sectors while strengthening Battelle’s ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, are a major concern for multiple industries. Battelle has made significant investments in PFAS technology development, and Jacob’s appointment enhances the organization’s capacity to address sector-specific needs. She will help clients understand PFAS sources, interpret complex analytical data, and implement economically viable treatment strategies tailored to operational realities.
Academic Expertise and Groundbreaking Research
Jacob earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where her research focused on PFAS in semiconductor fabrication wastewater. Her work was groundbreaking, quantifying PFAS levels in fab wastewater for the first time and developing advanced analytical methods for detecting ultrashort-chain PFAS.
Her doctoral studies were funded by the Semiconductor Research Corporation and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, reflecting her early recognition as a leading researcher in the field. This combination of high-level academic research and practical analytical innovation uniquely positions Jacob to address the complex PFAS challenges faced by industry today.
Industry Experience: From Intel to PRISM
Following her doctoral work, Jacob applied her expertise in the semiconductor industry. At Intel Corporation, she served as a Wastewater Technologist, creating PFAS monitoring roadmaps and developing analytical methods for wastewater management.
She later became Technical Program Manager for the PFAS Reduction and Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing (PRISM) program at Natcast. In this role, she managed $35 million in R&D funding and led technical working groups focused on addressing PFAS in fab air and wastewater emissions. This blend of technical expertise and leadership experience makes her ideally suited to lead Battelle’s PFAS Chemistry Program.
Role at Battelle: Innovation, Collaboration, and Commercialization
At Battelle, Jacob will lead the development of analytical methods, internal research initiatives, and the commercialization of PFAS-related solutions. Her work will focus on translating scientific innovation into practical, industry-ready offerings.
Jacob will also drive collaboration with external organizations, contribute to emerging contaminant initiatives, and guide clients toward sustainable water practices that extend beyond PFAS mitigation. Her role emphasizes both environmental impact and operational feasibility, ensuring solutions are scientifically rigorous and economically viable.
Aligning Personal and Organizational Mission
“Battelle’s mission resonates deeply with my personal values,” Jacob said. “I am thrilled to collaborate with the talented experts at Battelle and work alongside the semiconductor industry to develop science-based solutions that address PFAS challenges while promoting water circularity and sustainability.”
Shalene Thomas, Battelle’s Senior Emerging Contaminants Program Manager, highlighted Jacob’s impact on the organization: “Paige brings unmatched expertise and deep industry connections, which will accelerate our ability to deliver practical, science-based solutions for PFAS challenges. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding clients through complex technical and regulatory landscapes.”
Meeting Semiconductor Industry Needs
The semiconductor sector faces increasing pressure to manage chemical and water quality risks. Expanding fabs and complex manufacturing processes require sophisticated analytical capabilities and innovative mitigation strategies. Jacob’s experience bridging academic research and industrial application equips her to help semiconductor companies address these challenges efficiently and sustainably.
Her work addresses not only compliance requirements but also operational optimization, cost-effective treatment, and long-term sustainability. This dual focus ensures that solutions are actionable and align with broader corporate responsibility and environmental goals.
Leadership in PFAS Research and Client Support
Jacob will oversee Battelle’s PFAS research portfolio, leading projects spanning analytical chemistry, treatment technologies, and method development. She will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure Battelle’s offerings remain at the forefront of PFAS innovation.
She will also provide technical guidance and education to clients, helping organizations understand PFAS sources, interpret results, and implement sustainable, effective solutions that balance environmental and business objectives.
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