I have been a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey since 1989, performing analyses on samples brought to the New York District's Low Ionic Strength Laboratory. I received a B.S. in Water Resources, with a minor in Chemistry, from the State University of New York, Oneonta. I then spent 2 years employed by Graham Laboratories, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, where I learned various analytical methods and quality control procedures. I have co-authored several publications, including a Laboratory Methods Manual and a Quality Control document pertaining to our laboratory.