Hunter Lear, PE

Hunter Lear represents a new generation of engineers dedicated to making meaningful contributions and creating positive change.

Hunter Lear’s journey into the world of sustainability is as inspiring as it is impactful. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Hunter grew up and currently lives in Newport, Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati. Influenced early on by her parents, both professional engineers, Hunter developed an interest in engineering. However, it was her passion for environmental sustainability that ultimately shaped her career path.

Early influences and education.

Determined to make a difference, Hunter pursued a career that merged her engineering interests with her commitment to environmental advocacy. After graduating from Newark Catholic High School in 2016, Hunter enrolled at a Penn State University campus in Pittsburgh. However, she quickly realized that the civil engineering curriculum did not align with her passions. After just one semester, she transferred to the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering in 2021.

During her time at UC, Hunter’s commitment to sustainability only deepened, as reflected in both her academic pursuits and lifestyle choices. She has embraced a primarily vegan diet for more than a decade and is a staunch advocate for fitness and eco-friendly transportation. She is a frequent user of her town’s bike share program and, except for commuting to and from work, tries to ride or walk wherever she goes.

Hunter launched her engineering career at AquiSense Inc., working on UV-C LED drinking water treatment. In 2024, she joined Jones & Henry Engineers, where she transitioned to wastewater treatment and focused on the design aspects of environmental engineering.

“Environmental engineering is an emerging field that is gaining in popularity,” Hunter explains. “I have found that, while more experienced engineers focus on civil engineering, many newcomers are more specialized.”

Professional growth.

Demonstrating her dedication to professional growth, Hunter began pursuing her Professional Engineering license shortly after joining Jones & Henry. She committed 20-25 hours each week over four months to prepare for the rigorous 8-hour exam.

“Preparing for the PE exam forced me to explore topics I had only touched on since college,” she remarks. Her thirst for knowledge—coupled with passing the exam on her first attempt—has honed her expertise and deepened her understanding many aspects of wastewater treatment.

Personal life and values.

Beyond her engineering pursuits, Hunter is an avid runner. She has completed several half marathons and is training for her first full marathon. She views running not just as a sport but as a social outlet that balances her mental and physical health. Additionally, she teaches yoga and Pilates at a local studio in Newport.

“I’m doing the work now so I can remain healthy as I grow older,” she says, a testament to her commitment to personal well-being.

Hunter gets inspired when people ask her about environmental engineering. She profoundly believes in equitable access to essential services, especially drinking water, and harbors a strong aspiration to make the world a better place.

Striving to live by her values, Hunter acknowledges that she can be rigid at times—a trait she attributes to being raised by an engineer. However, she is actively working on learning to compromise and be more flexible.

Hunter and her partner, Will, met in college as members of a community service fraternity. They reconnected earlier this year and are now a couple. They enjoy running together and share a passion for reading.

“Will has a way of challenging me to be better—as a runner and a person. We keep each other motivated, and I love that we can push each other forward while cheering each other on.”

Hunter’s family includes her cherished cat, Arwen, named after a beloved character from “The Lord of the Rings.” She also fosters cats and kittens from Ohio Alleycat Resource whenever she can. Fostering helps expand room at the shelter while promoting socialization between cats and humans.

At Jones & Henry, Hunter resonates deeply with the company’s benchmark #21: “Take Care of Yourself.” That philosophy, which advocates for personal well-being and balancing work with life outside of the office, is something Hunter mirrors in her own life.

Hunter Lear’s story is a testament to the power of passion, flexibility, and aligning personal values with professional ambitions. Through her work in environmental engineering, she embodies a spirit of progress and compassion, paving the way for a more sustainable future.