Lisa Westerlind to Lead Battelle’s Massachusetts Environmental Lab
Battelle has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Lisa Westerlind, a seasoned professional with over 23 years of experience in environmental laboratory operations. Westerlind has assumed responsibility for managing operations at Battelle’s Norwell, Massachusetts facility—a nationally recognized hub for cutting-edge per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemistry research, commercial analytical capabilities, and complex environmental challenges. Her appointment marks a strategic advancement in Battelle’s mission to lead the science and technology landscape in PFAS detection, assessment, and remediation.
Throughout her career, Westerlind has held a range of leadership roles including Operations Manager, Production Manager, Organics Manager, and Analytical Chemist. With a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Assumption University, she has developed deep technical acumen and managerial expertise. A strong advocate for Operational Excellence, Westerlind applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies and fosters continuous improvement initiatives to drive performance and quality outcomes. Her experience overseeing large-scale lab operations and delivering high-quality data with fast turnaround times positions her as an ideal leader for advancing Battelle’s PFAS-related initiatives.
Battelle’s Norwell laboratory is a cornerstone in the organization’s broader environmental research efforts, especially in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS. Known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” PFAS compounds are resistant to degradation, persistent in the environment, and pose increasing risks to human and ecological health. Battelle is at the forefront of developing science-based solutions to understand PFAS fate and transport, support effective site investigations, and implement innovative remediation strategies.
The Norwell facility holds the distinction of being the first laboratory in the United States accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for testing a specialized suite of PFAS compounds. This pioneering accreditation highlights the lab’s commitment to scientific rigor, analytical accuracy, and regulatory compliance, all of which are essential as public concern and policy requirements surrounding PFAS continue to grow.
Westerlind’s leadership comes at a critical time as industries and municipalities face mounting pressure to address PFAS contamination. Regulatory agencies are tightening exposure thresholds, while consumer advocacy and litigation are prompting manufacturers to reformulate products, packaging, and supply chains. Battelle plays a crucial role in supporting clients at every stage of this transition, offering a full suite of services from initial site assessment and exposure evaluation to product reformulation, alternative chemical assessments, and ultimate destruction of PFAS compounds.
“Joining Battelle represents an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate in a field of critical national importance,” said Westerlind. “Battelle’s mission, its multidisciplinary scientific talent, and its legacy of impact in PFAS science were key motivators for me. I look forward to helping clients navigate the complexities of PFAS regulation and risk through operational excellence and science-backed strategies.”
Battelle’s multidisciplinary approach integrates advanced laboratory analysis, field data interpretation, and technology development to deliver comprehensive PFAS solutions. By combining chemical analysis with systems engineering, toxicology, and regulatory consulting, the organization ensures that clients receive actionable insights tailored to their specific challenges. This capability is especially critical given the emerging and dynamic nature of PFAS science, where research, policy, and commercial needs are evolving in parallel.
In addition to analytical services, Battelle partners with industry, government, and academic institutions to innovate sustainable alternatives to PFAS and implement safer chemical practices. The organization is currently involved in several high-profile research initiatives aimed at identifying effective PFAS destruction methods, such as supercritical water oxidation and plasma-based technologies. These methods are being designed to minimize harmful byproducts and enable complete mineralization of PFAS compounds, a key advancement in ensuring long-term environmental protection.
Westerlind’s arrival strengthens an already robust leadership team committed to scientific excellence, operational integrity, and environmental stewardship. Her background in high-volume laboratory management, combined with a results-driven mindset, aligns well with Battelle’s goal of scaling its PFAS capabilities and maintaining its status as a trusted advisor to clients across sectors.
With environmental regulations tightening, businesses must not only address legacy PFAS contamination but also proactively redesign systems to prevent future liabilities. Battelle stands out by offering a circular chemistry perspective—focusing not just on remediation but also on sustainable chemical design and responsible product lifecycle management. By embedding principles of green chemistry and safer alternatives into the innovation process, Battelle is helping clients align compliance with long-term strategic value.
“Our clients are looking for more than just testing services; they need holistic, science-based guidance that anticipates change and drives resilience,” Westerlind added. “That’s exactly what Battelle delivers, and I’m proud to contribute to that vision.”
Battelle’s Norwell laboratory will continue to serve as a national model for integrated environmental testing, data quality assurance, and technology development in the PFAS space. Under Westerlind’s leadership, the lab is expected to scale its throughput, expand its testing portfolio, and further enhance its role in supporting both public health and environmental goals.
The addition of Westerlind reflects Battelle’s strategic investment in people, infrastructure, and innovation—a triad essential to solving one of the most complex environmental challenges of our time. As PFAS issues transcend borders and sectors, Battelle’s expertise will be increasingly sought by federal agencies, utilities, manufacturers, and communities striving to safeguard water quality, public health, and ecological integrity.
By integrating world-class talent with mission-driven science, Battelle is not just addressing today’s PFAS challenges; it is laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
