DENVER (March 12, 2014) – The American Water Works Association announced that Michael Hwang has been named the Membrane Young Professional of the Year. Hwang was presented this award at AWWA and the American Membrane Technology Association’s 2014 Membrane Technology Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas, Nev. Hwang, a current member of AWWA through the Arizona section, has been praised as a leading young professional in the water industry for his intellect, judgment and work ethic. He is currently an engineer at CH2M Hill in Phoenix, Ariz. where he serves as the west regional membrane technology leader for the firm’s water business group. He has proven his depth of membrane knowledge in a variety of projects focusing on research and testing, studies and design and full-scale plant operation throughout his limited but already rewarding career. Hwang holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering. The purpose of the Membrane Young Professional of the Year Award is to recognize a young professional that has made notable and outstanding contributions in water reliability and water quality while providing new directions in water treatment technologies or membrane applications. The Young Professionals Committee is committed to actively pursuing the advancement of students and younger professionals in the water industry by outreaching to local sections to promote younger members to take an active role in the Association. The American Water Works Association is a nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource.