Other News

How Forever Chemicals Are Impacting International Trade

The World Bank published their new blog on the impact of Forever Chemicals (PFAS) on international trade. This impact is quietly reshaping global trade and supply chains. New PFAS rules are becoming market access barriers. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals. These substances have been used since the 1950s in various products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because it was believed that they do not break down in the environment or the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues.

The blog was written by  Melvin Spreij with with Iryna Sikora and Dr. Tom Deeb

To read the blog, please see the  World Bank blog

Virdivis: Bio-inspired Cleaning Technology

VIRDIVIS™ delivers bio-inspired solutions for industrial and commercial environments. Built on advanced scientific principles, Virdivis™ products solve the toughest challenges, while remaining safe for people, equipment, and the environment.

For more information on our new  bio-inspired industrial cleaners, visit #Virdivis

And to learn about the many applications, follow us on LinkedIn

In 2024, Virdivis™ graduated from the prestigious BAJ Accelerator Start-up Program. BAJ Accelerator is renowned for “accelerating the acceleration of technology” by providing high-touch relationships and an extensive network for funding and growth, business and legal support, marketing techniques, and academic partnerships. We are excited about the opportunities this program will bring and look forward to an exciting journey ahead.  For more information on the BAJ Accelerator

 

From Tech to Capitol Hill

Graduates of Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering thrive across an array of industries and roles, so it’s no surprise that one alumna, Elisabeth Deeb, ME 2013, M.S. MT 2015, found herself spending the past year busy with purpose in the heart of Washington D.C. as an ASME Congressional Fellow in Advanced Manufacturing.

Sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Congressional Fellowship program is extremely selective; it’s more than just an opportunity for professional development, as fellows like Deeb spend 12 months in Washington providing technical expertise to lawmakers and taking an active role in shaping future policy.

For the full article on Georgia Tech’s website:  https://www.me.gatech.edu/news/tech-capitol-hill-alumnas-impactful-journey-engineering-and-policy

 

US Food Faces PFAS Challenge as European Rules, Policies Expand

EU PFAS regulations will impact the exports of agricultural products. Dr. Tom Deeb was interviewed by Bloomberg Law:

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/us-food-faces-pfas-challenge-as-european-rules-policies-expand

 

 

Congratulations 50th Class of AAAS Science &Technology Policy Fellows

Congratulations to 50th Class of AAAS Science &Technology Policy Fellows assigned to Capitol Hill and placed in agencies and offices.  Elisabeth Deeb is one of 31 legislative Fellows placed on Capitol Hill. For 50 years, Fellows have helped mold the policies that have ushered in a new era of technological progress, from advancements in clean energy and standards development to policies focused on strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supply chains.

For more information, please see:  https://www.aaas.org/news/50th-class-aaas-st-policy-fellows-embarks-upon-year-service?mkt_tok=NjQ5LUlPUS04MzAAAAGHLtm_v-RpgbwtoS3ipoVzpDhdJ2t7DyupVzs9WjxcC7fcLeJ-9UP0Tz4RLi5yqoZO0RUABv82OptulHJqbMYsH-FULL3JAKLnLb7S_ab0

Patent Issued on Method for The Removal and Control Of Arthropods

T&M Associates’ US Patent 10015969B2 on “Method for The Removal and Control Of Arthropods” issued.  The technology demonstrated 100% effectiveness in bed bug and control. The methodology was tested in tenement rental units in San Francisco. The property owners had previously tried several methods and technologies, all of which failed to control the bed bugs.

Related patents:  CA2884601, EP2894974, WO/2014/043428, AU2013315378, NZ705814

Opportunities in Oil & Gas in the Middle East

Danish Export Association Member Conference

In September 2019, Elisabeth Deeb, T&M Associates, was invited to present “Opportunities in Oil & Gas in the Middle East” at the Danish Export Association Member Conference in Esbjerg, Denmark.

Dr. Tom Deeb in Keynote Speaker at ADIPEC Kick-Off Breakfast

On November 12, 2018, Dr. Tom Deeb was the Keynote Speaker at AmCham Abu Dhabi’s ADIPEC Kick-Off Breakfast. 

Dr. Deeb spoke on Unconventional Oil and Gas in the GCC.  Elisabeth Deeb also attended the Kick-Off Breakfast.