<p>Richard D. Laughlin, founder of St. Louis-based environmental and geotechnical services firm Midwest Testing, has been awarded an honorary professional degree by the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) in Rolla,&nbsp; Mo. Laughlin earned bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s degrees in civil engineering from MST in 1976 and 1977. <br /><br />The university awards professional degrees to individuals who make a significant impact on their profession. Since founding Midwest Testing in 1985, Laughlin has grown the business into one of the area&rsquo;s leading providers of phase one and two site studies; wetlands delineation; asbestos evaluations; remediation planning; cultural studies of land; and permitting. <br /><br />The firm has participated in numerous high-profile projects including the region&rsquo;s largest shopping center, the 380-acre Chesterfield Commons in Chesterfield; Gateway Commerce Center in Madison County, IL; Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center and Business Park in Fenton; The Boulevard-St. Louis&nbsp; in Richmond Heights, Mo.; The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis; Manchester Highlands; Town and Country Crossing; and, Arnold Commons.</p>