Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Southern California, 2019
  • B.S., Geological Sciences, University of Miami, 2013
Professional Affiliations
  • American Geophysical Union (AGU)
  • Geological Society of America
  • SETAC
  • American Bar Association

Dr. Olivia Paradis is an environmental chemist and geobiologist in Exponent's Environmental & Earth Sciences practice. Her work supports clients with a variety of environmental needs including site assessment, litigation support, regulatory compliance, and site remediation. 

Dr. Paradis uses field and laboratory-based analytical methods to understand the fate and occurrence of chemical constituents (including chlorinated solvents, radioisotopes, and metals) in terrestrial and marine environments, including how microbial metabolism may transform environmental conditions, including the precipitation and dissolution of minerals.

She has expertise in experimental design, sample collection, analysis, and interpretation and visualization of environmental data sets. She has analyzed the stable isotope composition of environmental samples to evaluate the natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents (including PCE, TCE, c-DCE, and VC), as well as the radioisotope (radiocarbon, Uranium-series, Thorium-series) composition of various water, sediment, and mineralogical samples.

Dr. Paradis has utilized her expertise in environmental chemistry to support contaminated site remediation and management for large CERCLA sites, manufacturing sites, and power generation facilities. She has supported the environmental aspects of nuclear power plant decommissioning projects as well as dry fuel storage projects for utility clients and decommissioning general contractors. Her environmental permitting experience includes assisting clients with implementing and complying with industrial wastewater permits (NPDES), stormwater discharge permits (MSGP), and construction general permit (erosion and sediment control). Dr. Paradis has collaborated with state agency officials to understand how construction activities will impact threatened and endangered species and how to mitigate those impacts. Additionally, Dr. Paradis has experience developing work plans for the site characterization of soil and groundwater in compliance with state regulatory programs to support site closure.