Environmental Programs
Meet the Team
George Golston
Lead EHS Professional
Contact Information
Email: george.golston@emory.edu
Cell: 404-274-3344
Biography
George joined Emory’s Environmental Health and Safety Office in 2010. As a member of Environmental Programs, George is the subject matter expert on the management of the chemical and radioactive waste programs. His current responsibilities include ensuring all chemical and radioactive wastes are collected, stored, transported, and disposed according to all local, state, and federal regulations. George also conducts training and develops programs to educate Emory’s students, staff, and faculty on the proper handling procedures for a variety of hazardous materials. As the team lead for EHSO’s emergency response team, George provides spill response training and manages the on-call schedule. George previously held positions as lab pack chemist, project manager and SDS process manager for a hazardous waste disposal company. George has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, and a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Health Administration from Georgia State University.
Mary Aldrich
EHS Professional IV
Contact Information
Email: mkaldri@emory.edu
Cell: 404-859-4613
Biography
Mary Aldrich is an Environmental Health & Safety Professional with over 20 years of experience in safety program management. She is currently working with the Environmental Compliance Group. She has worked at Rutgers University, Merck & Co., The University of Missouri and most recently as the Radiation Safety Officer at the Truman VA Hospital in Columbia Missouri prior to moving to the Atlanta area. She has developed safety programs in decommissioning, X-ray Safety, Laser Safety and various Radiation Safety programs for diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioactive materials for human and veterinary applications. Mary received her BS in Chemistry and her MS in Occupation Health and Safety.
Denis Padovani
EHS Professional IV
Contact Information
Email: dpadova@emory.edu
Cell: 470-598-9135
Biography
Denis is an EHS Professional in Emory University's Environmental, Health and Safety Office (EHSO) under their Environmental Compliance Department. His primary responsibilities focus on ensuring compliance to EPA, Georgia EPD, OSHA and DOT regulations. Denis specializes in hazardous waste management. Prior to joining Emory, Denis worked in the private industry for hazardous waste companies such as Safety-Kleen Corp and Stericycle. He also worked in the chemical manufacturing division of Georgia-Pacific supporting their pesticide formulations. Most notably, Denis worked as an environmental contractor for the US Marine Corps for 6 years in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Denis holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland and is also a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). Denis owns and operates a farm outside of LaGrange, GA.
Quinton Douglas
EHS Professional III
Contact Information
Email: qdougl2@emory.edu
Cell: 404-991-1111
Biography
Quinton is an EHS Professional in Emory University's Environmental, Health and Safety Office (EHSO) within their Environmental Compliance Program. His primary responsibilities focus on the management of regulated waste generated at Emory University and Emory Healthcare including compliant collection and storage of waste in preparation for transportation and disposal at permitted facilities in accordance with Federal, state, and local laws. Prior to joining Emory, Quinton worked in the private industry for hazardous waste companies such as US Ecology where he served as a Field Chemist processing customers' chemical waste; and Heritage Crystal LLC where he served as a Customer Relations Representative managing client accounts. He also applies his proficiency in graphics design to work-related projects. Quinton earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and maintains HAZWOPER Certification.
Eric Harper II
EHS Professional II
Contact Information
Email: eharpe7@emory.edu
Cell: 404-727-5922
Biography
Eric has been a member of Emory University's Environmental Health & Safety team since February 2026. In addition to his expertise in the safe handling and distribution of hazardous materials, he brings a unique background in healthcare and laboratory science, strengthening the team's ability to support Emory's research community. His responsibilities include conducting laboratory chemical waste inspections, handling radiation pickups and deliveries, and ensuring the proper shipment of solid and chemical waste.
Eric is committed to providing excellent customer service to students and researchers and helping them understand and comply with state and federal regulations. He holds bachelor's degrees in Environmental Science from the University of Akron and in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, as well as an Associate of Science in Laboratory Science from George Washington University.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys staying physically active. An avid runner with a track-and-field background, he also enjoys spending time outdoors.